GoGlobal@YCSS
After a 4-year hiatus due to COVID19, our school’s internationalisation experiences were back! Our GEP (Global Education Programme) trips had been nothing short of a fun and educational adventure. Despite a few unexpected challenges, we immersed ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From exploring grand palaces, mausoleums, tunnels and to lively book streets, every moment was a learning experience. The bonds formed with local students during our visit to INSPIRE School or ULIS school were heartwarming and unforgettable.
Objectives:
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Build socio-cultural sensitivity and enhance cross-cultural communication
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Understand and appreciate of the history, culture and education system of the host country
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Learn from overseas counterparts by experiencing student life in a local school and nurturing friendships
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Broaden perspectives of Singapore’s context within our region and the world
Our internationalization trips provide authentic learning opportunities
through pre-trip research, interaction and bonding with people of different
cultures as well as process of reflections. The school will continue to
provide more authentic learning experiences through internationalization
trips for students.
ALL IN ALL - These trips weren’t just about sightseeing; they were eye-opening
journeys that broadened our students' perspectives. At the end of the day,
the students who went for these trips gained a deeper understanding of
resilience, cultural diversity, and the importance of global friendships.
The memories and lessons from these journeys will undoubtedly stay with
them, fostering a greater appreciation for the world beyond their classrooms.
Plus, they've learned that sometimes the best adventures start with a little
chaos and a lot of laughter!
LIST OF TRIPS
GEP HO CHI MINH CITY, MAY 2024
Reflections:
By Aisha Humarah Binte Abdul Kadir (3-Compassion 2024)
The trip to Ho Chi Minh allowed me to expand my horizons on my knowledge
of Vietnamese history. Not only that, I really enjoyed learning about their
culture and their practices, with our tour guide being so informative all
the way. For those days, I must say that it helped me develop myself as
a more conscious citizen, as I now know the bilateral relations between
Vietnam and Singapore. Overall, I can say with confidence that I left Ho
Chi Minh as a more educated person than when I came!
By Nabilah Binte Mahadzair (3-Enterprise 2024)
This trip to Vietnam provided me with an immersive experience that broadened
my understanding of a culture different from Singapore's. Getting the opportunity
to visit iconic sites like the Mekong Delta River and the Saigon Central
Post Office left me in awe of Ho Chi Minh City's beauty. I found that the
culinary journey was equally as enriching. Being able to make my own Vietnamese
spring rolls and savoring 'pho' sparked a newfound appreciation for Vietnamese
cuisine in me. Furthermore, through the school cultural exchange, I even
had the chance to share a piece of our country through local Singaporean
childhood snacks with the Vietnamese students. The Cu Chi Tunnels, in particular,
was definitely something new for me! Crawling through the historical passages
that were crafted and constructed by Vietnamese soldiers, I would say it
was both a moving and enlightening experience! Overall, the trip was an
eye-opening and educational adventure that left a lasting impression.
GEP HANOI, MAY 2024
Reflections:
By Lim Guan De Warren (3-Compassion 2024)
Hanoi was the most memorable and fun experience I had this year. I will
always remember Vietnamese culture as an eye opener and the memories I
made along the way will last forever. If I had a chance, I would love to
return back to Hanoi.
By Lim Shu Hui (3-Enterprise 2024)
My 4 days in Hanoi were truly an eye-opening experience. We interacted
with the students in Hanoi from ULIS, and played a few traditional games
with them! We visited many places too, like the Temple of Literature to
get some luck for our studies. We also learned how soymilk was made at
Vinasoy. The most memorable memory for me was visiting Halong Bay, one
of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Exploring and learning how the interior
of the cave was formed was really intriguing! I'm thankful that I was given
the opportunity to visit Hanoi. I enjoyed my time there with my friends
and peers and have grown to be more appreciative of the things I have in
Singapore.
GEP SHANDONG, OCTOBER 2024
By Ariel Kweh (3-Excellence 2024)
This trip to Shandong, China has provided an immersive experience that
broadened my understanding of Chinese culture and history. Visiting iconic
sites like Mount Tai was unforgettable – although the weather was much
colder than Singapore, which made the climb significantly challenging,
the breathtaking views at the top were well worth the effort! Not only
that, but exploring the Confucius Temple in Qufu was also an extremely
unique experience. We were able to see the ancient buildings up close and
learn about the legacy of Confucius and his teachings.
Furthermore, we also had a school exchange program with local students which was extremely rewarding; we not only learned about their education system – like their 40-minute classes with short breaks between each lesson – but also built long-lasting friendships with our study buddies. Moreover, throughout the whole trip, it is evident that our group of 29 Yuan Ching students and 4 teachers supported each other through all the challenges and also had fun together throughout the whole journey, which brought us closer together. A personal experience of this is when I was extremely terrified of our “haunted” hotel our first night there and i had to ask Ms Jean to walk me back to the hotel room! Overall, it was a truly educational and enjoyable trip that i will always feel nostalgic thinking about!
By Venice Lee (3-Excellence 2024)
The trip to shandong was an immersive experience for me as it gave me
the opportunity to better understand Shandong, China’s culture and architecture.
Visiting shandong junior experimental high was a really amazing experience
because of how i got to experience their school lessons and the heartwarming
welcome by the students and teachers of the school. During our school cultural
exchange, we also managed to share the culture and education of Singapore
through presentations. I managed to try the famous Peking duck and the
different Shandong local dish. I also enjoyed the visit to the Confusius
temple as well as his home which made me learn more about the culture as
well as confusius himself. Visiting Mount Tai and the different famous
lakes were the best part of the trip because of how beautiful the places
are and it shows how well-preserved it is ever since decades ago! The history
behind these places are also intriguing since it was our first time learning
about China history. All in all, this Shandong trip made me learn a lot
about China’s history and culture which left a lasting impression.
2023 - Trip to Hongkong
Reflections:
By Theirry (3I 2023)
I also noticed that Singapore and Hong Kong have many similarities and
differences. For example, both countries have similar foods such as Dim
Sum. However, unexpectedly Hong Kong is much more expensive compared to
Singapore where one meal in Hong Kong is usually at least $10 SGD. Additionally,
Singapore and Hong Kong are similar in terms of night markets. Singapore
has night markets in Chinatown while Hong Kong has night markets such as
the Temple Street Night Market which is one of the places we explored.
By Xavier (3C 2023)
During this trip, I picked up some practical skills like navigating maps
and being aware of the busy streets with the unpredictable traffic situation
there. By talking to the local students, I found out their education system
also differs, with rankings in the schools to make the students try to
achieve better grades adds to the unnecessary stress and their school hours
typically run from 8 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon not including
the remedial session that they are forced to attend and also the extracurricular
activity that does not provide any extra benefit like the leaps points
that we can achieve.
2019 - Trip to Shandong Beijing
2019 - 5-Day Cultural Immersion cum Educational Trip to Canberra, Australia
Experiencing Fieldwork Investigation at CSIRO
Deep Space NASA Centre
Deep space NASA Centre offers students the chance to learn about the role
that Australia plays in the exploration of space.
2019 - YCSS-Shanghai Cultural and School Immersion Trip
The making of xiao long bao（小笼包）was a fun and memorable experience because we get to make the xiao long bao with the raw ingredients. I realise that making xiao long bao was much tougher than I thought. You would need the skills and experience to ensure the filling was adequate without breaking the skin. Xiao long bao never tasted this good!
Tan Jia Sheng, 4N2
Students in Shanghai lead a different routine compared to Singapore students, as they have eye exercises in between their lessons to relieve the eye stress. The Duoyun bookstore is unique as there is a cafe inside the bookstore. You will need to buy drinks to be able to enjoy the view outside.
Ong Li Xin, 4E1
2019 - TIE Trip To Darwin, Australia
Kakadu National Park
Visiting the Yellow Water Cruise and Aboriginal Stone-Carvings
Museum & Art Gallery (Northern Territory)
Different Exhibitions:
The Natural Disasters Darwin experienced
The evolution of Animals in Darwin
Aboriginal Artwork & Artefacts
Modernization of Aboriginal people
History of Boats used for trade and business in Darwin
Taxidermy of Sweetheart
Darwin High School & St John's Catholic College
2016 - VIA Cum Cultural Education Trip to Cambodia
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2016 Cultural Immersion Hong Kong
2016 Cultural Immersion Programme - Kota Tinggi
