A Journey of a Lifetime

At the end of Term 3, seventeen of our Year 12 students travelled to Borneo, Malaysia on what can only be described as the adventure of a lifetime, BIS Abu Dhabi's first ever Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Expedition. What they experienced over the course of two unforgettable weeks will remain etched in their memories for years to come.

Led by Mr. Givens, Dr. McDowell and the brilliant team at North Star, the group ventured deep into the heart of the Bornean jungle, finding resilience in the face of challenge, courage in moments of doubt, and determination when the days grew long and tough. They explored the rich cultural heritage of the Mari Mari village, forging connections that stretched far beyond language barriers. They devoted themselves to the people of Nampasan Village in Ranau, where their hard work on the residential project left not only physical improvements but warm smiles and lasting gratitude with both the elders and the young of the village. And finally, they witnessed the fragility of our natural world, engaging with the coral restoration project on Mamutik Island and experiencing the wonder of our oceans first-hand through snorkeling.

But beyond the physical accomplishments and impactful service, it was the character of our students that left the deepest impression. Their compassion, leadership, humour, and unwavering support for one another transformed them from a group into a family. In fact, their presence made such an impact that the North Star Borneo expedition team, veterans of over 20 years of guiding, remarked that they had never worked with a group like this. So moved were they by the students’ kindness and unity that they returned to the airport at 3am to personally say goodbye, something they had never done before.

This expedition was more than a checklist of achievements; it was a transformative journey of self-discovery, community, and global citizenship. These students return to school stronger, wiser, and with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

We couldn’t be prouder of our Gold DofE Award cohort. They are a shining example of the values we uphold at BIS Abu Dhabi, and a powerful reminder of what young people can accomplish when given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and rise to a challenge.

We look forward to offering this adventure again to future DofE students, and seeing the next generation rise to the challenge, embrace the journey, and leave their own mark on the world.