Internationalisation

Developing Assumptionknights Through Holistic and Global Learning Experiences

At Assumption English School, we are committed to providing every AssumptionKnight with a holistic education that nurtures academic growth, character, life skills and values. We believe that meaningful and authentic learning experiences help our students grow into future-ready individuals who can thrive in a complex and interconnected world.

As part of our holistic development framework, our Internationalisation Programme plays an important role in equipping students with 21st Century Competencies, including global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, adaptability and empathy. Through overseas learning journeys, students interact with diverse cultures and communities first-hand, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their appreciation of the region around us.

We are proud to provide our AssumptionKnights with the opportunity to participate in at least one overseas learning programme during their secondary school journey. These experiences are powerful platforms for self-discovery, teamwork, values-in-action and leadership development.

Outbound Cultural Exchange Programmes for Secondary 3 Students

• Cultural Exchange Programme with Kindai Junior High School, Osaka

• Cultural Exchange Programme with Assumption College Samutprakarn, Bangkok

• Cultural Exchange Programme at Shanghai–Hangzhou, China

• Cultural Exchange Programme at Penang, Malaysia

These programmes deepen students’ appreciation of diverse cultures and provide exposure to different communities, industries and ways of life. Through these experiences, students develop the confidence, curiosity and compassion needed to grow as responsible global citizens and leaders of character.

Reflections from 2025 Overseas Trips

In 2025, our Secondary 3 students, accompanied by 16 teachers, participated in two overseas Cultural and Immersion Programmes: one to Bangkok, Thailand, and another to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China. Both programmes expanded students’ global perspectives through rich and authentic learning experiences.

Learning Through Culture, Sustainability and Conservation in Thailand

In Bangkok, students immersed themselves in Thai culture through activities such as learning Muay Thai, crafting traditional handicrafts, Thai cooking, classical dance, and playing traditional musical instruments such as the Ranad and Khim.

They also visited the Ancient City in Samut Prakan, an outdoor museum that brought Thailand’s cultural heritage to life. As part of their learning, students participated in a dessert-making experience and learnt to prepare Thai dishes and desserts, including papaya salad and Thai glutinous rice ball dessert.

At Sam Phran District, students took part in sustainability workshops that included hands-on experiences such as rice farming, clay figurine making, paper flower crafting, and creating eco-friendly bags using organic flowers.

A visit to Kanchanaburi Elephant World gave students an eye-opening experience in elephant conservation. They learnt about the natural behaviours of elephants, the challenges they face, and the importance of sustainable tourism practices.

Experiencing Tradition and Innovation in Shanghai and Hangzhou

Another group of students participated in AES’s first Cultural and Immersion Programme to Shanghai and Hangzhou. In Shanghai, students witnessed the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, visiting iconic sites such as The Bund and Yu Garden while gaining insights into China’s rapid urban development.

In Hangzhou, the scenic West Lake provided a peaceful contrast to the vibrancy of city life and deepened students’ appreciation of China’s cultural heritage. Students also explored innovation hubs, gaining exposure to technological advancements and China’s growing leadership in science and technology.

Warmth, Friendship and Hospitality

A key highlight of the overseas programmes was the interaction with local students during school visits. In Thailand, our students were warmly welcomed by their Thai buddies, who went out of their way to assist and include them. In China, local students shared their culture enthusiastically and helped our AssumptionKnights feel at home.

Inspired by these experiences, many AssumptionKnights expressed a desire to extend the same warmth and hospitality to future visitors at AES. This is an important learning outcome: internationalisation is not only about travelling overseas, but also about learning how to welcome others, build friendships and create meaningful connections across cultures.

Past Overseas Learning Experiences

Thailand Cultural and Immersion Programme

Thirty-two Secondary 3 students and five teachers participated in a Cultural and Immersion Programme to Bangkok, Thailand. Students learnt Muay Thai, created local handicrafts, and joined their peers from Assumption College, Bangkok, for Thai cooking, classical dance, traditional music, Thai puppetry and the making of Krathong.

“Our Thai buddies are so generous and helpful! They helped us a lot during the trip when we visited their school during our second and third day. They were also very welcoming. Even though some of the students were not our buddies or were not involved in the particular activity, they went the extra mile to help us when we were lost and were very friendly, making us feel comfortable. I would want our guests to feel the same way when they visit us next time.” — Cassiel Cheong, 3/4

Vietnam Cultural and Service Learning Trip

Students who participated in the Vietnam Cultural and Service Learning Trip returned home with a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation. During the visit, they experienced rice planting in a paddy field and gained a better understanding of the hard work behind every bowl of rice.

For their service learning, students visited an orphanage and interacted with the children through games, simple English lessons and handicraft activities. Though their time together was short, the experience left a deep impression on our students.

“We realised that it was not an easy job. What we did was only a fraction of the rice farmer’s job. This experience taught us not to waste food because a lot of hard work has gone into providing our one bowl of rice.” — Adawiyah, 3/1

Cambodia Cultural Exchange and Service Learning Trip

Many students who participated in the Cambodia Cultural Exchange and Service Learning Trip shared that the visit to Sambour Primary School was the highlight of their experience. Our students taught the primary school students about oral hygiene and dengue prevention, and played games with them.

Before the trip, students organised a donation campaign and encouraged fellow AssumptionKnights to contribute items for the local community. The trip concluded with a visit to Angkor Wat, where students learnt about the history and heritage of the Khmer Empire.

“The most memorable part of the trip was when we played volleyball together with the children in Sambour Primary School. The experience changed my perception of happiness. It taught me to take a step back from what we consider the ‘pressure’ of our busy school lives, put things into perspective and realise how lucky we really are.” — Vinoth, 3/2

“I learnt to appreciate what we have and learnt not to waste food through this trip. The children there were appreciative and happy about what they had, and this made me reflect on the many things and opportunities I have.” — Wong Yee Xin, 3/5

Growing as Compassionate Global Citizens

Across these overseas experiences, students learnt that global learning is not only about visiting new places. It is about developing humility, empathy, curiosity and responsibility. Through cultural exchange, service learning, sustainability workshops and school visits, our AssumptionKnights learnt to appreciate diverse communities, care for others, and see themselves as part of a wider world.

These experiences continue to support AES’s commitment to developing students of character who are prepared to learn, serve and lead with compassion in Singapore, the region and beyond.

Vietnam

Students who went on the Vietnam Cultural and Service Learning Trip came back home feeling grateful and appreciative of every single grain of rice. During their visit, the students had the opportunity to experience rice planting on a paddy field!

“We realised that it was not an easy job! What we did was only a fraction of the rice farmer’s job. This experience had taught us not to waste food because a lot of hard work has gone into providing our one bowl of rice.” - Adawiyah 3/1

For their service learning, the students visited an orphanage and interacted with the children there. They played games, taught them simple English as well as simple handicraft. Though the time spent together was short, the experience there has indeed tug at their heartstrings. Our students bade goodbye with tears swelling in their eyes.

Cambodia

“I chose to go on the Cambodia Cultural Exchange Trip because I saw it as an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of different cultures, and actively serve those who are less fortunate. The most memorable part of the trip was when we played volleyball together with the children in Sambour Primary School. The experience changed my perception of happiness. It taught me to take a step back from what we consider the ‘pressure’ of our busy school lives, to put things into perspective and realise how lucky we really are. My time in Cambodia inspired me to share my experiences with other people and to continue to help those communities in any way I can..”
- Vinoth, 3/2

“After the Cambodia trip, I felt that it was very lucky that can go to Cambodia because we get to experience the life there and get to play with the kids in Sambour Primary School. I learn to appreciate what we have and learn not to waste food though this trip. I feel ashamed that the kids there are appreciative and happy about what they have and I am not, even though I have many things and opportunities that they don’t have.” - Wong Yee Xin, 3/5

Many of those who went on the Cambodia Cultural and Service Learning Trip felt that the main highlight of the trip was the visit to their local school, Sambour Primary School. Our students had the opportunity to teach the primary school students about oral hygiene as well as sharing important information on dengue fever and the preventive measures as well. Prior to the trip, the students held a donation campaign, calling all Assumptionknights to do their part and donate some items for them to bring along to the trip. The trip ended with their visit to the beautiful Angkor Wat and discovering the historical journey of the Khmer Empire.