Middle School International Excursions

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

These profound words from St. Augustine beautifully capture the essence of why international school trips are so important for student growth. With the lifting of COVID restrictions, Middle School students were able to venture out on our annual international trips for the first time in three years travelling to some of the most culturally rich destinations in the world: Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, and Hong Kong. By venturing beyond their comfort zones, students gain insight into different cultures, broaden their horizons and enrich their educational journey in ways that cannot be quantified or experienced in the traditional classroom setting. Exploring vibrant cities, immersing themselves in local cultures and customs, and interacting with people from different backgrounds cultivates empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness. Moreover, these trips encourage students to be independent, solve problems, and become adaptable as they navigate unfamiliar environments. By exposing our students to international travel, we enable them to become well-rounded individuals who appreciate the interconnectedness of our world and are equipped to thrive in an increasingly globalized society.

 

Singapore

As part of our Social Studies course “What’s for Dinner?”, students travelled to Singapore to experience the ways in which food and culture interact in one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. As part of our trip students were exposed to the three main cultures of Singapore  - Chinese, Indian, & Malay -  in the form of walking food and culture tours through three historical neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little India, and Geylang. One of the most important aspects of any international trip is really experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of a place which was why we elected to use public transport for most of our daily activities so that students could fully experience the vibrancy of the cultures and history of the city as seen through its architecture, urban planning, and design. All in all, it was a week full of new experiences, personal challenges, and lasting memories that will last a lifetime. 

Students worked together in our cultural cooking class learning how to make one of Singapore’s national dishes “Nyonya Laksa”! 

 

Students on the Singapore trip visiting the famously colourful Joo Koon Peranakan Shophouses in Singapore’s Geylang neighbourhood.

 

 

Hawker centres form the beating heart of Singapore’s food culture. We kicked off our trip with a visit to the famous Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre for Hokkien Chicken Rice and Carrot Cake. 

 

 

Korea

Some Middle School students went to Korea as a part of MS Social Studies course learning about the History of Entertainment Industry. They explored the life of being a K-pop Star by learning hip hop and Kpop dance and had it filmed by a professional video director. Also, they recorded a song in a recording studio and also had a photo shoot with their hair and make-up done by the hair and makeup artists. They also had so much fun dressing up into Korean Traditional Dresses to explore the culture. I hope this wonderful experience in Korea with their friends will remain as a memory that can be remembered throughout their lifetime.

Group Picture in the Photo Studio; THS Girls in Korean Traditional Dresses

 

Who will be the next Blackpink?

 

Thailand

As part of our Social Studies course “What’s for Dinner?” students travelled to Singapore to experience the ways in which food and culture interact in one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. As part of our trip students were exposed to the three main cultures of Singapore  - Chinese, Indian, & Malay -  in the form of walking food and culture tours through three historical neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little India, and Geylang. One of the most important aspects of any international trip is really experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of a place which was why we elected to use public transport for most of our daily activities so that students could fully experience the vibrancy of the cultures and history of the city as seen through its architecture, urban planning, and design. All in all, it was a week full of new experiences, personal challenges, and lasting memories that will last a lifetime. 

Students ready to analyze minerals and gemstones at the AIGS labs in Bangkok.

 

Students were presented with certificates upon their completion of the course. 

 

Students let their hair down at the Siam Amazing Park after a long day’s work at the college.

 

 

Hong Kong

Students who elected to go on the Hong Kong domestic excursions were engaged in a variety of food related activities, and balanced community centered activities such as a Kindness Walk in Sham Shui Po with Impact HK, dimsum tours, and cooking classes.

Hosted by Humid With A Chance of Fishballs, students were able to experience authentic local cuisine, and see what food looked like for people from all walks of life. The cooking classes saw students make their own custard doughnuts, and chocolate hot cross buns. Suffice to say, neither baked good survived very long when faced with the hungry middle schoolers.

Students getting ready for their kindness Walk in Sham Shui Po

 

Icing hot cross buns before they go into the oven - the kids couldn’t wait!

 

A dim sum meal after a long day exploring the old fruit markets of Hong Kong