International Service Learning Elective (ISLE)

The International Service Learning Elective (ISLE) is just but one of the many overseas programmes planned and carried out by the school. Below are some of the takeaways, insights, and experiences of the students who participated in this elective.

Do come down for Openhouse 2009 and visit the Internationalisation Hub to find out more about the overseas programmes offered!

ISLE (Cambodia)

ISLE Cambodia is a team of 27 students who work with Riverkids, a non-governmental organization in Phnom Penh to help prevent child trafficking by working directly with families at high risk for trafficking. Our trip in Cambodia lasted for sixteen days and we basically taught the children (ranging from age 3 to 19) English, Computer skills, Art, Music, Photography, Dance and Juggling. The main aim of these lessons was to inculcate in the children three very important values: Believe in themselves, Work hard and never give up and lastly, Support each other. Apart from these, strengthening of family ties was also identified as another main objective of our trip. We aimed to achieve this through helping families take family portraits and inviting the parents for the Talent Show, which was held after the lessons conducted have come to an end. Hopefully the parents will realize the full potential of their children, and make a concerted effort to support them in any way possible so that in the years to come, they will achieve that potential.

The trip to Cambodia was definitely a fun-filled, unforgettable experience filled with learning opportunities.


ISLE (China)

One Meter of Sunlight – the name of our project originates from a legend in Lijiang, China. Even on sunny days, little sunlight can penetrate the clouds at Yu Long Snow Mountain, a famous landmark in Lijiang. At very special moments, people would be able to see an individual ray of sunlight. People believe that if you stand under these rays, you will be bestowed with everlasting love from the Heavens.

Known as “one meter of sunlight”, this was the spirit we wanted to bring to those whom we served on our trip. The main objective of the trip was to develop an English teaching resource to be used in a college that focused on the culture of the area we were visiting. Thus, this trip served as a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their culture and gauge the effectiveness of our planned activities through meaningful interaction.

During the 16 days, we visited three schools, Yun Long High School, Lijiang Teacher’s College, and Ming Yin Middle School. These three schools offered us a chance to meet young adults from a wide range of backgrounds, and exposed us to the education styles in Lijiang. We were very fortunate to have the chance to conduct English-based activities with a twist! These included discussions, bargaining at a bazaar, playwriting and a showcase, and even obstacle courses!

Besides conducting activities, we were also treated to an induction into the Lijiang culture. We were exposed to the traditional Naxi folk dances, treated to the unique Lijiang cuisine, and were able to learn more about their culture through visits to a traditional Dongba village, as well as the three thousand year old Old Town. One of the most meaningful parts of being exposed to the culture was being able to make new friends with our hosts, the students who showed us around, and played and studied with us.

This trip to a rustic town set amidst a lush mountain range was truly a wonderful experience. However, what made it more special was the people who embraced us with much warmth, allowing us to receive so much more than what we gave.

ISLE (India)

On 20th November 23 students took off from Changi Airport terminal 3, not quite sure what to expect yet eager to do our part in service to the refugees in India. But over the next few days, we arguably learned much more than we would ever have expected while trying to help the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. Over 14 days, we dedicated each and every day to doing our best for the refugees. Eating vegetarian meals, drinking super-sweet tea and stomaching spicy food were all part of the package as we spent our days helping to improve the refugees’ English, teaching the children art and craft, having sports and games with them and painting a beautiful mural in a nursery there.

We had raised $5000 for the construction of a new nursery at one of the refugee camps but the sum of money paled in comparison to the memorable experiences we gained from our personal interactions. Through our different programmes, each of us spent much time with our Indian friends and formed strong bonds of friendship. At the end of the 14 days that we spent visiting the refugee camps, we felt spent and exhausted after countless hours of teaching and painting. However, the sight of the completed painting in the nursery felt like a very real accomplishment which was made even more significant by the refugees’ heartfelt thanks. Even all the times we ran ourselves to the ground dealing with the very active kids while trying to teach them English and art and craft turned out to be worth every second of our time when the refugees so lovingly bade farewell at the end of our time with them.

For the refugees we may have given them dignity and hope by our brief presence in their lives, but for our part we will never forget the resilience and determination that they demonstrated in sharing joy despite all their hardships.

ISLE (Thailand)

ISLE Thailand was a short but an eventful and fun-filled experience for 23 students and 2 accompanying teachers. In the span of 10 days, we interacted in every way imaginable with children in Moo Baan Dek, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

We went to Thailand to serve the children in Moo Baan Dek, and our first means of doing this was through teaching them English, Math and Science. We constructed lesson plans and conducted lessons with the children there every day. We also taught them sports, like Frisbee and volleyball.

We even had 2 nights of homestay which allowed us to understand more about the children’s lives

Not wanting to only impact the children while we are there, we created educational CDs for them too! These CDs would ensure that the children there can continue to learn even after we leave, and it would thus serve as a sustainable tool for them. We also are making decorated flipcharts to send over, for the teachers to use as a tool to teach the children Mathematics.

Lastly, we also conducted a mock ‘marketplace’, for the children to learn about the essentials of buying and selling. Printing our own currency and providing the concept for the village to follow, the first ‘marketplace’ we conducted was a success! This idea would serve to help the village tremendously as teaching the children life skills would thus be made easier.

All in all, it was a very meaningful and lovely trip. Despite our trip being cut short from 16 to 10 days, our team managed to complete most of what we wanted to accomplish, and we know that indeed, we have made a difference.


ISLE (Vietnam)