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"Engineering lies at the intersection of all my interests. I wanted a field that offered a wide range of career opportunities and allowed me to continue my passion for robotics.” Carina says
Carina is clear about her career aspiration to be the founder of a robotics or tech-related startup eventually, and she’s been preparing for this future by actively engaging in STEAM-related activities throughout high school such as VEX Robotics.
“VEX introduced me to the world of robotics, and I discovered how much I enjoy turning ideas into reality, whether it’s designing new mechanisms or solving technical challenges."
Sparking a love for designing and building complex systems, Carina explains how VEX Robotics helped her sharpen her problem-solving skills, work collaboratively with teammates, and solidify her decision to pursue mechanical engineering.
Carina’s experience is an important example of how learning opportunities outside the classroom are vital for students to pursue their passions. Unable to take Design Technology in the IB curriculum, Carina made the most of experiences beyond the classroom such as competing in VEX Robotics, participating in NAExMIT's STEAM Week, completing an internship and research projects, and taking online courses to enhance knowledge and develop technical skills.
Carina’s advice on preparing for university applications
Explore a variety of interests to help identify what truly excites you.
Align extracurricular activities with your intended major.
Complete essays in the summer before Year 13.
Be strategic with university application – try to understand what they’re looking for and what can make you stand out from the crowd.
Don’t leave anything to the last minute. Always be prepared.
Year 5 students stepped out of the classroom and into the kitchen for a special Thai cooking class hosted by the talented chefs from getfresh. Under the guidance of the getfresh chefs, they learned about kitchen safety, teamwork, and, most importantly, the steps involved in cooking traditional Thai food like Tom Gai Kai and Lod Chong. The interactive session gave students the chance to discover new skills and connect with Thai culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Nine Year 11 and 12 students from St Andrews recently embarked on a service trip to Buriram in northeast Thailand to visit the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School, which has a unique model of education that blends academics with sustainability practices, entrepreneurship, and community development. St Andrews students engaged in hands-on activities and cultural exchange with local student boarders to gain first-hand experience for unique initiatives such as the ‘Agriculture for the Blind’ programme.
Harry, Class of 2025, shares his experience on the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). He is a passionate and driven young learner with a keen interest in hospitality and the service industry. One of the standout features of Harry’s IBCP experience was the opportunity to gain work experience working in the office and the operations side of getfresh, a popular cafe franchise in Bangkok.
At St Andrews Bangkok, we believe that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and included both inside and outside the classroom. That’s why we are incredibly proud to introduce the Friendship Benches project, an initiative designed to foster connection, kindness, and community spirit across the school.