Internationalisation

Developing Assumptionknights Through Holistic and Global Learning Experiences

At Assumption English School, we are committed to providing every Assumptionknight with a holistic education—one that nurtures not just academic growth, but also character, life skills, and values essential for thriving in a complex world. We believe that meaningful, authentic experiences are key to developing future-ready individuals.

As part of our holistic development framework, our Internationalisation Programme plays a vital role in equipping students with 21st Century competencies, such as global awareness and cross-cultural understanding. Through overseas learning journeys, students gain first-hand experience interacting with diverse cultures and communities, broadening their perspectives and deepening their empathy.

We are proud to offer every Assumptionknight the opportunity to participate in at least one overseas learning programme during their secondary school journey. These experiences serve as powerful platforms for self-discovery, teamwork, and values-in-action.

Our outbound Cultural Exchange Programmes for Secondary 3 students include:

• Cultural Exchange Programme at Shanghai – Hangzhou, China

• Cultural Exchange Programme with Assumption College, Bangkok

• Cultural Exchange Programme with Assumption College, Lampang

• Cultural Exchange Programme with Montfort College, Chiangmai

• Cultural Exchange and Service Learning Programme in Vietnam

• Cultural Exchange and Service Learning Programme in Cambodia

These programmes not only strengthen ties with our Assumption network and regional partners, but also deepen our students’ appreciation for different cultures and the importance of service to others. We are confident that such experiences will empower Assumptionknights to grow as compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens.

Reflections from 2025's Overseas Trips

This year, our Secondary 3 students, joined by 16 teachers, embarked on two overseas Cultural and Immersion Programmes—one in Bangkok, Thailand and another in Shanghai and Hangzhou, China—expanding their global perspectives through unique learning experiences.

In Bangkok, students immersed themselves in the Thai culture, participating in activities such as learning Muay Thai, crafting traditional handicrafts. They also engaged in cultural arts like Thai cooking, classical dance and playing musical instruments like the Ranad and Khim. Students also visited the Ancient City in Samut Prakan, an outdoor museum, and participated in a Thai dessert-making class where they learned to prepare two types of Thai desserts: Papaya Salad and Thai Glutinous Rice Ball Dessert. At the Sam Phran District, the students participated in four sustainability workshops, which included hands-on activities like rice farming, clay figurine making, paper flower crafting, and creating eco-friendly bags with organic flowers.

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

Meanwhile, another group of students took part in AES's first-ever Cultural and Immersion Programme in Shanghai and Hangzhou. In Shanghai, they witnessed the city's fusion of tradition and modernity, visiting iconic sites like The Bund and Yu Garden, and gaining insights into China’s rapid urban growth. In Hangzhou, the scenic West Lake provided a peaceful contrast to the vibrant city life, deepening the students' appreciation for China’s cultural heritage. They also explored technological advancements at innovation hubs, showcasing China’s leadership in science and technology.

During their visits to schools in both Thailand and China, our students were warmly welcomed by local students. In Thailand, their Thai buddies went above and beyond to assist, even helping those not directly assigned to them. Similarly, in China, local students shared their culture enthusiastically, ensuring our AssumptionKnights felt at home. Inspired by these experiences, our students expressed a strong desire to offer the same warmth and hospitality to future visitors at AES.

Past Trips

Thailand

32 Secondary 3 students and 5 teachers participated in a Cultural and Immersion Programme to Thailand, Bangkok. Both teachers and students enjoyed themselves learning local sport, Muay Thai, as well as making local handicrafts. They also had the opportunity to join our friends from Assumption College, Bangkok for Thai Cooking Practices, Thai Classical Dance, Thai Musical Instruments (Ranad & Khim), Thai Puppets (Hun Krabok) and Making of Kra Thong.

“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 are not our buddies or 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 that I felt when they visit us next time.” - Cassiel Cheong 3/4

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.