OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIPS
APRIL 2024
In an exciting revival of the Outdoor Education overseas trips, our students from UWCSEA embarked on a series of extraordinary journeys to 13 diverse destinations across Asia and beyond. These trips offered students unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.
Please continue reading to learn about the experiences from the trips and enjoy the wonderful memories captured during the journeys.
Amazing Journey Langkawi
A collective learning experience was gained as students tackled challenges with a positive outlook, nurtured supportive relationships, and developed personal accountability.
Throughout the expedition, students embraced leadership roles and persevered with encouragement from peers, teachers, and instructors. The blend of challenging and enjoyable moments made this journey truly remarkable!
This journey was made possible thanks to the incredible support and dedication of the UWCSEA staff team, including Joelle Kong, Lisa Plamondon, and Adam Deshpande! Heartfelt appreciation to Wilderness Malaysia for guiding the students through this transformative experience of growth and learning in Langkawi!
Japan Pilgrimage Hike
Our students embarked on a trek along the historic Kumano Kodo Trail, encountering steep terrain and mesmerising Sakura blossoms.
Over a span of 5 days, students independently navigated the trails while carrying their own belongings. This experience not only challenged their physical endurance but also nurtured essential skills in teamwork and self-reliance.
Special thanks to Brett Bowman, Izumi Tsurumi, Adeline Tan, Bernard Murray, Dr. Susan Allen, and Nadia Alsagoff for their efforts in organising and accompanying the students on this incredible trek. We also commend Canyons for providing a secure learning environment that allowed students to appreciate Japan's natural beauty firsthand.
The culmination of our trek at Nachi Taisha, featuring its magnificent shrine and cascading waterfall, provided a truly awe-inspiring conclusion. Students were treated to a ryokan stay and a delightful mini kaiseki dinner to cap off the hiking adventure.
Kanchanaburi Thailand River Kwai Adventure
An enlightening and reflective journey filled with meaningful discussions.
This is the tale of individuals with diverse backgrounds uniting to form teams and participate in an Adventure Race along the River Kwai.
They conquered the scorching heat while trekking through Hellfire Pass and kayaking down this historic river, gaining profound insights into the events of WWII. Additionally, more than 60 trees were planted to mitigate our carbon footprint, embodying the principle that trees persistently give back to the environment.
Congratulations to the seamless collaboration between UWCSEA staff and students, together with Asia Pacific Adventure, in fostering a secure and enriching environment for personal development and learning.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to UWCSEA staff members Kyle Lek and Nur Amalia, as well as Adam, Bryan, Daisy, and Pun from APA, for their invaluable contributions to this endeavour.
Kayaking West Papua
The students faced a 70 km kayaking challenge over 6 days in the stunning setting of Raja Ampat.
They learned to independently manage themselves and support each other throughout the expedition, with some stepping up to lead their peers.
Despite the difficulties encountered, they feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments and enthusiastically recommend this transformative learning experience to future students.
Special shoutout to the UWCSEA staff Teshil Gangaram and Denise Stevenson as well as our partner Kayakasia who made this trip happen.
Multi Activity Western Australia
A journey to Margaret River provided students with a transformative experience, allowing them to explore themselves, connect with others, and immerse in nature through a diverse range of adventure activities.
Activities include backpacking, wild camping, outdoor cooking, surfing, beach clean-up, aboriginal culture awareness, abseiling, caving, canoeing, off-road biking, and rock climbing.
Congratulations to the MAWA crew for completing the expedition successfully! This experience has equipped you with valuable life skills for your personal journeys.
A big thank you to the UWCSEA staff members Kerry Michelle Bolger, Lottie Lyle-Meller, Graham Owens, Irvin Torralba, and the Outdoor Discoveries Team led by Mike Riley for accompanying the Grade 9s on this unforgettable adventure.
MAWA presented challenges that fostered both external and internal support, nurturing personal growth and resilience that will hopefully guide them on their individual life paths.
Rinjani Volcano Hike
Venturing into the ultimate adventure, our Mt. Rinjani expedition (the second-highest volcano in Indonesia) tested the limits of courage and perseverance.
With each step, participants unearthed hidden reservoirs of strength, realizing that their capabilities surpassed their wildest imagination. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, they conquered challenges, demonstrating that the human spirit is boundless.
Alongside this journey, they embraced the revelation that "there is more in them than they know." Additionally, the time spent at the Gili Islands provided a rewarding and educational experience where students delved deeper into sustainability practices.
A special shoutout to the dedicated UWCSEA staff members: Macarios Thomas, Mike Little, Rick Hannah, Ee Peng Ang, and Julianna Peh. We also extend our gratitude to our providers, Rinjani Dawn Adventures and Gili Eco Trust, for their support and contributions to this unforgettable experience!
Surf Culture Bali
Students enthusiastically embraced the challenge of learning to surf and honing lifesaving skills in one of the world's most breathtaking and culturally rich communities.
They also had the opportunity to explore Bali's sheltered north shore, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to observe coral reefs and marine life. Engaging in mangrove exploration on foot allowed students to address waste management issues and appreciate the importance of conserving natural environments.
A heartfelt "Suksama," "Terimkashi," and thank you to all our adventure, conservation, and cultural providers, including International Schools Surf Camp. Special recognition goes to the UWCSEA Outdoor Education Team and our supporting teachers: Dan Bush, Sarah Kapitza, Sophie Ussher, Robin Singer, Luke Milburn, and Chris Newman for their dedication and support throughout the trip.
A variety of farming, food preparation, and crafting activities, complemented by games, dancing, and delightful feasts, exemplified genuine Balinese hospitality and balanced the beach activities perfectly.
Visits to temples, fishing villages, and rice paddy fields, along with stays in traditional Balinese homes, provided significant cultural immersion experiences for the students.
Built with Shorthand