At the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC), learning does not stop at the classroom door. This January, students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 12 embarked on adventures across Vietnam and Asia, designed to nurture independence, resilience, leadership and global understanding through meaningful real-world experiences.
From the mountains of Bao Loc and Dalat to the caves of Tu Lan, the beaches of Mui Ne, the waters of Puerto Galera in the Philippines, and the slopes of PyeongChang in South Korea, each expedition challenged students in different ways.
While these year groups travelled, Year 9 students took part in their own adventure at BIS HCMC through Week Without Walls, and our Year 11 and Year 13 students remained on campus preparing for their upcoming IGCSE and IBDP examinations.
Growing Independence
Our expedition programme is intentionally designed as a journey that begins in Year 3 and continues through to Year 12. At each stage, students build confidence, independence and trust in themselves as they take on new environments, challenges and responsibilities.And some expeditions result with a qualification at the end such as a PADI Open Water Diver certification.
It begins with small but carefully plannedsteps. During their first residential sleepover in Year 3, students learn how to pack for a trip, organise their belongings and care for themselves away from home. With every year that follows, the challenges grow. By the time students reach secondary school, they may find themselves ziplining through forests, skiing across mountains,navigating unfamiliar terrain with their peers or making meaningful impact through active service
The lessons learned on these expeditions extend far beyond the trip itself. Challenging environments and demanding physical experiences build determination, perseverance and self-trust. These qualities shape how students approach obstacles in the classroom and in their wider lives, strengthening the mindset they will carry into adulthood. Students begin to understand that they are capable of more than they first imagined.
For our alumni and soon-to-be graduates, expeditions remain among the most vivid memories of their time at BIS HCMC. They become life-changing trips; not just because of the incredible personal growth they experience, but because of the sense of camaraderie, belonging, teamwork and collaboration they experience with their peers and with the local communities they meet along the way.
Our Year 13s recently shared some of their fondest memories of their expeditions:
"At the top of this list has got to be my Year 12 expedition, where I was able to spend 5 days with some of my closest friends and experience something that I never had in the caves of Tu Lan. The memories and friends that I have made at BIS are something I wish to keep with me forever.”
“Y12 KonTum trip, I have made a lot of unforgettable memories with my friends by hiking together and playing with children at the orphanage. It was fulfilling not only because I was able to enhance my communication skills but also because I created a stronger bond with my friends.”
“The Quy Nhon trip in Year 10 was, in my opinion, one of the most memorable experiences throughout my 12 years of studying at BIS. It wasn’t just about the destination, but the memories made with friends, the shared laughs and the moments that brought us closer together. That trip will always remind me of how special our time at BIS truly was.”
When thoughtfully designed, expeditions become far more than trips. They are powerful learning experiences that enrich education and stay with them long after they graduate.
Growing Personalisation
As students grow in confidence and independence, they are also given increasing ownership over the kind of challenges they choose to pursue.
At BIS HCMC, we recognise that every student’s interests, strengths and aspirations are different. Just as students personalise their academic pathway through subject choices at IGCSE and the IBDP, they are also able to shape their expedition experience. In both Year 10 and Year 12, students choose from four different expedition pathways designed around different types of challenge, exploration and impact.
Students passionate about the natural world can take part in sustainability and wildlife conservation expeditions in Cuc Phuong National Park or Phong Nha, working closely with the landscapes and ecosystems they are exploring. Those drawn to physical endurance may challenge themselves by cycling from Dalat to Mui Ne or navigating the vast cave systems of Tu Lan.
For others, the expedition becomes an opportunity to step into something completely new. Many students experience activities they have never tried before, from learning to ski in the mountains of South Korea to diving beneath the surface of the ocean in the Philippines. These unfamiliar environments push students outside their comfort zones and help them develop resilience, adaptability and confidence.
Students motivated by social impact can work with Blue Dragon in Hanoi, supporting vulnerable children, or travel to Kon Tum to contribute to community initiatives at a local orphanage. These experiences allow students to build meaningful connections while gaining a deeper understanding of the communities around them.
Across Vietnam and beyond, students faced physical challenges, explored new cultures and strengthened their sense of connection with one another and the communities they encountered.
Throughout the expeditions, students reflected on their experiences through daily updates for their families. The snapshots below draw on those reflections, capturing the moments that shaped their journeys.
Now Let’s Hear From Our Students
Year 7 – Madagui, Vietnam
For Year 7 students, Madagui marked their first major expedition as secondary school students. As a key transition year, the trip is designed to help them step into greater independence while building stronger connections with their peers.
Surrounded by forest and outdoor challenge courses, students quickly discovered that success depended on teamwork. Problem-solving activities and physical obstacles required clear communication, patience and trust in one another, particularly as they navigated unfamiliar environments and shared responsibilities.
Living and learning together away from home also accelerated friendships. Evenings provided opportunities for reflection, with many students describing how bonds strengthened quickly through shared experiences. Completing physical challenges together helped build confidence, with several students noting a growing sense of independence by the end of the trip.
Madagui served as an important introduction to experiential learning, helping students recognise their capabilities beyond the classroom.
Year 8 – Bao Loc, Vietnam
In Bao Loc, Year 8 students extended their outdoor learning through trekking and team-based activities set within Vietnam’s highland landscapes.
Longer hikes tested both stamina and determination. Many students described moments when the trail became physically demanding and encouragement from classmates made the difference, with teammates motivating one another to keep going. These shared challenges reinforced the importance of collaboration and resilience.
Students described taking greater responsibility within their groups, from organising equipment to supporting and motivating peers along the way. Spending extended time outdoors gave many a new appreciation for the natural environment surrounding them.
The expedition strengthened independence while reinforcing the importance of cooperation and shared achievement.
Year 10 – Cúc Phương National Park, Vietnam
Trekking through forests and visiting wildlife conservation initiatives allowed students to explore the rich biodiversity of Cúc Phương National Park.
Seeing conservation work firsthand gave students a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in protecting endangered species. Observing rescue and rehabilitation efforts sparked thoughtful conversations about sustainability and the responsibility we share in protecting natural environments.
Throughout the expedition, teamwork played a central role. Students highlighted how supporting one another during physically demanding activities strengthened both morale and accomplishment.
Cúc Phương offered a powerful combination of environmental learning and personal challenge, helping students connect their classroom knowledge with real-world conservation efforts.
Year 10 – Dalat & Mui Ne, Vietnam
From the pine forests of Dalat to the beaches of Mui Ne, this journey was all about the outdoors, combining trekking, canyoning, cycling and outdoor living into a dynamic multi-day adventure.
Students trekked through Dalat’s pine forests before setting up camp for the night, working together to pitch tents and prepare campfires. For many, adapting to outdoor living brought a strong sense of achievement and a new level of independence.
Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall introduced abseiling and waterfall descents, pushing students beyond their comfort zones. Cycling 70km towards Mui Ne required incredible endurance and determination, with students frequently noting how encouragement from others helped the group maintain momentum.
By the end of the expedition, students reflected on increased confidence and pride in overcoming challenges that initially seemed intimidating.
Year 10 – Phong Nha, Vietnam
In Phong Nha, students combined conservation work with exploration and adventure. Activities included visiting a wildlife rescue centre, constructing animal enclosures, cave exploration and cycling through rural communities.
JuWon reflected that “developing our teamwork by building cages and learning about the world of conservation has created countless memories that have helped us grow not only as individuals but also as a part of a community.”
Cycling presented another significant milestone. David, Nam and Kang Heum explained that although students felt uncertain at first, they “successfully gained their confidence” as the journey progressed.
Across both the conservation work and the outdoor challenges, students described a growing sense of accomplishment as teamwork, perseverance and environmental awareness developed throughout the expedition.
Year 10 – Skiing Expedition, South Korea
For many students, the expedition to South Korea began with a completely new experience. After exploring the vibrant streets and culture of Seoul, the group travelled to the snow-covered mountains of PyeongChang to begin their introduction to winter sports.
Many students encountered skiing for the first time. Early lessons focused on the fundamentals of balance and control, which many described as challenging yet rewarding. As the week progressed, visible improvements across the group boosted confidence, with students beginning to navigate the slopes with far greater ease.
Moments of frustration quickly turned into moments of celebration. Students noted how encouragement from friends helped them persevere, pushing through falls and setbacks while celebrating each other’s progress along the way.
Beyond learning a new sport, the experience highlighted how quickly confidence can grow when students step into unfamiliar environments. For many, skiing in PyeongChang became a powerful reminder that trying something new often leads to the greatest sense of achievement.
Year 12 – Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, Hanoi
In Hanoi, students worked alongside the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, exploring themes of social justice, advocacy and community support. Through workshops and conversations with staff and survivors, students were introduced to the complex realities behind issues such as exploitation and trafficking.
Lien Phuong and Sushi shared how listening to survivor testimonies “enlightened [them] on the gravity of current systemic injustices and highlighted the responsibilities we hold as individuals.”
Students also contributed in practical ways, sourcing essential supplies at local markets before assembling emergency care packages.
Reflecting on a football match with Blue Dragon youth, Kevin and Quang Hung shared that it was “a defeat in practice but a victory in spirit as we all had a splendid time.”
Through service, conversation and cultural immersion, students developed a deeper sense of empathy and a stronger understanding of their role as global citizens.
Year 12 – Kon Tum, Vietnam
The Kon Tum expedition blended cultural exploration with meaningful service. Students visited multiple orphanages, planning and delivering creative and sporting activities for children.
Amelia and Flo described how students divided into creative and active teams, organising painting, crafts and sports sessions that encouraged interaction and shared enjoyment.
Beyond the orphanages, students also explored nearby Ba Na villages, learning about the cultural significance of Rong houses as important centres for community life. A challenging 12 km hike became a defining experience, with students highlighting how teamwork and encouragement enabled everyone to complete the journey.
Through service, cultural exchange and physical challenge, the expedition deepened students’ understanding of the local community while strengthening collaboration, resilience and connection within the group.
Year 12 – Puerto Galera Diving, Philippines
In Puerto Galera, students stepped into an entirely new environment, training as scuba divers while exploring the rich marine ecosystems beneath the surface.
The expedition began with intensive training, where students practised key underwater skills before progressing to open-water dives. Devon and Myra described the excitement of their first encounters with marine life, sharing how they spotted “pufferfish, turtles, electric clams and more” during their dives.
Students spoke about overcoming initial nerves and developing trust in one another underwater. Reflecting on certification day, DongHa and MinJun described the experience as a major personal achievement that required focus, communication and teamwork.
By the end of the programme, students can earn their PADI Open Water or Advanced certification, marking a significant milestone in both skill development and personal confidence.
Beyond learning a new skill, the experience deepened students’ appreciation for marine environments while showing how confidence can grow when students challenge themselves in entirely new ways.
Year 12 – Tu Lan Caving, Vietnam
Year 12 students travelling to Tu Lan undertook one of the most physically demanding expeditions of the programme, exploring cave systems within Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.
Guided by professional caving experts, students completed jungle treks, river crossings and exploration of both wet and dry caves. Carrying equipment through rugged terrain required endurance and cooperation, with students frequently reflecting on the importance of supporting one another.
Camping in remote natural surroundings allowed time for reflection, while navigating vast cave chambers created moments students described as both humbling and unforgettable.
For many, Tu Lan felt like the culmination of their expedition journey at BIS HCMC. The experience brought together the resilience, teamwork and leadership skills they had developed over years of outdoor learning.
Learning That Lasts Beyond the Journey
Across every destination and year group, January’s expeditions showed how powerful learning can be when it extends beyond the classroom. Through new environments, shared challenges and meaningful cultural experiences, students developed confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
These journeys reflect the spirit of BIS HCMC and our place within the global Nord Anglia Education family — where learning is shaped not only by academic ambition, but by real experiences that encourage curiosity, compassion and personal growth.
Most importantly, these stories are told through student voice. In their own reflections, students shared moments of challenge, connection and discovery, returning home not only with lasting memories, but with greater empathy, stronger friendships and a renewed sense of what they are capable of achieving.
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