RSIS Thailand 2024
“Every one of us has grown significantly in varying ways over the course of the trip and learned valuable skills from both positive moments and challenging experiences, that have driven many beyond their perceived limits… The trip will definitely stick with us in more ways than one, whether that be through an improvement in our communication skills, a strengthened sense of resilience, new found friends or the ability to go without technology for almost two weeks.”
44 students from Round Square schools spent two weeks in Thailand for the latest Round Square International Service project, which involved building a vocational training centre for the local school, in turn supporting the Tom Yum Project and human wildlife coexistence. The students learned sustainable construction techniques: making cob – a natural building material from mud, water and soil – and using bamboo to build supporting wall structures.
44 students from Round Square schools spent two weeks in Thailand for the latest Round Square International Service project, which involved building a vocational training centre for the local school, in turn supporting the Tom Yum Project and human wildlife coexistence. The students learned sustainable construction techniques: making cob – a natural building material from mud, water and soil – and using bamboo to build supporting wall structures.
They adapted to a lifestyle outside of their norm: living in basic bunk-houses and carrying out hard physical work with fellow students from across the world. Together, they interacted with the local community, and spent time working in the village school. Back at camp, they ate new and different foods including vegan Thai food, and exotic fruits. Each new experience and interaction pushed participants a little further beyond their comfort zone, and deepened their intercultural understanding.
Throughout the project, students took turns to lead different elements of the programme, and received positive and constructive feedback on their leadership skills from adult leaders and from their peers. They spent time reflecting on their experiences, and building close friendships through talking with one another about their lives and future aspirations.
Amongst the building work, there were opportunities to try tie-dying and paper-making, learn about local agriculture on a crop walk and do some elephant-spotting on a jeep ride. Students also joined an evening festival in the local village and put on their own impromptu cultural performance evening. Heading back to Bangkok to fly home, the group stopped off at Phraya Nakhon Cave, before experiencing national celebrations for the King of Thailand’s birthday on their final day.
Well done to all of the participating students, and THANK YOU to our RSIS Project Leaders Jackie Silver from Carrollwood Day School, Vicki Hutchinson from St Philip’s College, Tom Kruger from Aiglon College, Courtney Pickering from St. Mildred’s Lightbourn School and Freddie Tejedor from Gimnasio De Los Cerros.