CHAPTER 4
Our Year 3 Chiang Mai-bound students setting off at Changi Airport
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN THAILAND
From 13 to 18 November , a group of 40 Year 3 students and five teachers embarked on an International Experience ( IE ) to Chiang Mai . Led by Mr Joogal Kishor , this overseas learning journey aimed to embolden the students ’ awareness of sustainability in ASEAN countries . He shared , “ We wanted our students to learn to appreciate people from other ASEAN countries and see how they can contribute to the community . This trip has achieved these goals through a range of meaningful activities . I hope the students will continue to will make the lives of others better .”
Another objective of the IE trip was to develop 21st century skills in the students . Josephians learnt how to work as a team and grew their confidence through the various outdoor activities such as the Jungle Survival activity . These activities taught students to communicate and collaborate with their peers to complete various tasks , like starting a fire and building a tent using bamboo and leaves . While not all tents stood the test of gravity , each student left the activities with a sense of accomplishment and a smile on their face .
During the trip , students visited the Watthakan Primary School to learn how sustainability is incorporated into schools . In Chiang Mai , schools find new ways of providing food for their students . Josephians worked alongside the local students to build mushroom farms , plant fruit trees , and cultivate raised vegetable beds . Josephians organise activities such as football and musical chairs to connect with local students . Through these activities , students learnt how to empathise and engage with others from a different culture and heritage . Emmanuel Pereira ( MN302 ) said , “ It was a very meaningful experience as we got to interact with the local people and see how schools provide for their students . Most of all , it was rewarding to know that the crops that we cultivated will provide for the school in the future too .”
Josephians visited Chang Chill Elephant Sanctuary and Simaya Chocolate factory to gain deeper awareness of sustainable tourism . As Chiang Mai develops , businesses seek new ways to contribute to the economy while conserving the environment . Students learnt from business owners and reflected on how they could be more conscious consumers in the future .
Josephians had the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture of Thailand as well . Chiang Mai was built upon a flourishing Lanna region that was known for their extensive rice fields and ornate handicrafts . Hence , students visited temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , and created their own Lanna Pottery . They were even treated to a traditional Loy Krathong performance by the students at Watthakan Primary school . Through these experiences , students learnt how Chiang Mai preserved and shared the local culture with others .
Josephians with Chef Boonchan
115