Overseas Adventures
Join us as we explore overseas classrooms.
"We must give our students the exposure to the region and the world, so that they grow up with a global perspective and cross-cultural literacy... This will give them the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world and build networks that span across borders."— Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education[2021-2025]
Immersion Programme to Shanghai and Suzhou 2025: Experiencing Growth Beyond the Classroom
From Shanghai’s futuristic skyline to the historic water towns of Suzhou, our students went on an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night learning journey to China last November. Far from a typical field trip, this experience allowed them to see how deep-rooted cultural traditions blend seamlessly with modern technology.
The itinerary was packed with hands-on learning. In Shanghai, students walked the iconic Bund, took in the views from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and explored the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. To see China's high-tech industries in action, they visited the Sispark AI Experience Center and toured the Shanghai Volkswagen Intelligent Manufacturing Workshop, giving them a firsthand look at automated smart manufacturing. In contrast, a walk through Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator’s Garden offered a peaceful lesson in classical Chinese architecture and history.
A major highlight was the two-day school immersion program at Suzhou Foreign Language School. Our students paired up with local buddies and attended daily lessons together. They also participated in cultural workshops, where they tried their hand at traditional calligraphy, Chinese brush painting, and the fine art of Suzhou embroidery (Su Xiu, 苏绣). The initial awkwardness quickly gave way to much laughter, chatter and authentic relationships. These few days were not just about global awareness; they were about real friendships.
Evenings offered more learning as students met for daily reflection sessions. They discussed what surprised them, what they learned about themselves, and how their experiences connected to our school values.
Our students returned to Singapore with a lot more than just souvenirs. They brought home a broader perspective of the world, a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and priceless memories—perfectly captured in this poem written by one of our students, Rayn Rizqi from class 405:
The True Limited Edition
From my journey to China — “Sacred Memories”
Gifts may be limited edition—
Whether expensive or cheap.
Food may be limited edition—
Whether small or grand in portion.
But the true limited edition
Is the time I’ve spent with
Friends,
Teachers,
Tour guides,
And best of all—
The most picturesque scenery.
Whether town or city,
Rural or urban,
It doesn’t matter.
What matters most
Is that these moments,
Right here,
Are my most beautiful limited edition of the century.
And these limited editions—
Are worth not a million,
Not a billion,
Not a trillion.