CHAPTER 4
YEAR 3 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE ( IE ) & YEAR 5
GLOBAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME ( GEP )
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The 2024 Year 3 IE and Year 5 GEP trips span 19 trips to seven countries , involving over 620 Josephians and 86 staff members . Each trip offered Josephians a chance to engage deeply with different cultures , participate in meaningful service-learning activities , and reflect on their role as global citizens . Service is at the heart of these trips - a hallmark of our Lasallian identity . |
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These trips not only broaden students ’ horizons , deepen their cultural understanding , and prepare them to navigate an increasingly globalised world and take that step toward building a globally engaged community and becoming socially conscious individuals . |
International Experience Trip to Bangkok |
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Our recent immersion trip to Bangkok provided an invaluable opportunity for the Year 3 boys to strengthen bilateral relations with Thailand through meaningful sports , cultural , and community engagements . |
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Anchored around collaborative activities with Suphanburi Sports School ( SSS ), this four-day experience offered students an educational journey beyond the classroom , fostering crosscultural understanding and personal growth . |
Service Learning at Kindergarten playing outdoor team building games |
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Muay Thai Boys warming up with basic moves for Muay Thai |
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Connecting through Sports |
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The trip began in Suphanburi , two hours north of Bangkok , where Josephians participated in sports exchanges with students from SSS . The boys had hands-on experiences with traditional Thai sports such as sepak takraw and gymnastics . These sessions allowed them to not only learn new athletic skills but also appreciate the rich sporting culture of Thailand , nurturing camaraderie and respect through shared physical activities . |
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Service Learning : Giving Back to the Community |
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Suphanburi _ Jotham , Owen & Ethan Lai learning Sepak Takraw from the girls of Suphanburi Sports School
Friendly Game Mr Irfan , Mr Loqman and the B-Div team
Service Learning - Justin , Xin Cheng & Zayden painting structures to the kindergarten ’ s playground
A significant component of our visit was a service learning project at Wat Bann Po Ta Wan Tok School , where our boys engaged with kindergarten students through various community service initiatives . The students repainted several playground structures and touched up paint finishes on the school ’ s kerb to add vibrancy to the school . They also improved their soft skills by organising interactive sessions and classroom activities for the young children . The activities were thoughtfully planned and carried out , emphasising creativity and problem and carried out had included creativity and problem thinking skills through various enablers and parameters set with the stationery materials provided . Through these activities , the boys developed a sense of responsibility , empathy , and teamwork as they actively contributed to the learning environment of a local Thai school .
Cultural Immersion : Rice Planting Experience
Beyond sports and service , the boys explored traditional Thai agrarian practices at the Herechai Rice Learning Centre . Guided by local farmers , they experienced the process of rice planting firsthand . This activity offered them insight into Thailand ’ s agricultural heritage and instilled a deep appreciation for the efforts behind daily food resources .
Football Exchange at Muang Thong Thani
On our fourth day , we moved to Muang Thong Thani in Pak Kret District , where the football players among our group had the unique opportunity to play a friendly match with Muangthong United ’ s football academy . This match between our Under-15 teams promoted teamwork , sportsmanship , and cultural exchange , highlighting the universal language of sports as a bridge between diverse communities .
Final Cultural Experience : Muay Thai Training
To round off the trip , we organised a Muay Thai training session on our last day in Bangkok . This traditional martial art offered the boys a unique and physically challenging experience , giving them a taste of Thai discipline , mutual respect , and resilience inherent in the sport . They showed remarkable enthusiasm and admiration for this ancient practice .
Reflections and Takeaways
Cultural Immersion Enoch & Ms Haidar feeding the water buffaloes
Throughout this journey , the boys not only acquired new skills but also learnt about values such as resilience and respect , while being exposed to the idea of global citizenship . Hearing directly from our students about their experiences has been inspiring , and many have shared insights on how these activities have broadened their minds and developed their sense of responsibility .
We are confident that the connections made , the skills learnt , and the perspectives gained on this trip will leave a lasting impact , enhancing our students ’ global awareness and empathy as they grow into responsible individuals .
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