Pupils experience the trip of a lifetime during cultural exchange visit to Thailand

Over half-term, a group of students from Years 7-10 travelled on the trip of a lifetime when they participated in a cultural exchange visit to our partner Plookpanya School in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. This location is the third largest city in Thailand, 260km north east of Bangkok and acts as the gateway to North Eastern Thailand.

This fantastic trip is part of Westonbirt’s global programme, giving pupils the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in another culture, taking part in Plookpanya’s lessons and social activities as well as undertaking some unique experiences.

At our partner school Plookpanya, they took part in sessions including a welcome assembly, Thai language, cookery and boxing lessons and cultural activities including Thai dancing and garland-making. They bonded with their Thai counterparts during games of volleyball and basketball and participated in celebrations for both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, where pupils sang and performed and children went around sticking stickers on their favourite teachers. Students also explored the SWI Tapioca Laboratory, looking at research and development facilities and then were able to create waffle cones and Taiyaki fish and enjoy their creations. Other local trips included a visit to the Saveone market for street food and souvenirs and a pottery making session at an Art Village.

There were also a number of trips to larger sights and attractions including: Phimai Historical Park – an important religious sanctuary which boasts many incredible ruins, including temples thought to date from the 11th century; Wat Arun, a famous Buddhist temple and one of Bangkok’s more recognisable attractions; Museum Siam, an interactive discovery museum which was created to teach the national identity and history of the people of Thailand; and ElephantStay where the pupils worked with the elephants.

Mrs Fabre-Mills, a staff member accompanying the pupils said:

“Everyone on the trip thoroughly enjoyed Plookpanya School. Its culture, relaxed atmosphere in lessons and pupils all contributed to a fantastic experience. One highlight was definitely our visit to the elephant conservation centre. All of the pupils were humbled by these sacred animals and enjoyed feeding and washing these magnificent animals. We learnt a lot about the history and significance of elephants in Thailand and about some of the challenges and dangers they face. This was a truly special day for everyone.”

One of the final events that the pupils contributed to was representing Westonbirt at an education fair and conference run by CETA Worldwide Education. They took part in a seminar presentation and answered questions on life at our school.

As Mrs Fabre-Mills explained, this was a trip that continues to have a huge and lasting impact on our pupils:

“Asides from a better understanding of cultural differences between our country and Thailand, pupils also gained a deeper appreciation for what they have. All grew daily in confidence as they were encouraged to taste new foods, meet new people and speak publicly at several events at the school and at the CETA conference. I am deeply proud of all the pupils for keeping such an open mind about the trip and these new experiences and am touched by their comments since returning, as they continue to discuss what they’ve enjoyed and learnt about themselves, having been on the trip.”