Stories from abroad

Our trip to Peru exceeded my wildest expectations. I enjoyed every aspect of our trip from the community project to the trek which I particularly enjoyed. Despite looking forward to the trek before we left for Peru, I must admit I was a little apprehensive. As soon as we set out from Las Challpus my fears subsided. We saw so many amazing things; glaciers, huge mountains, llamas, and roaring rivers - we even trekked though snow! The trek taught me so many things about myself and my capabilities. I definitely now believe in the saying 'you can do anything you put your mind to'.

One of my parents' worries about the trip was that I would lose focus at school. However, if anything I think the expedition has made me more determined than ever to do everything I set out to do, from schoolwork to sport, to the best of my ability. Through witnessing the humility and gratefulness of the Peruvian people at the community project and with the confidence and greater self-knowledge gained on the trek, I think we will all go away from this experience with a greater appreciation of both how lucky we are and the responsibility we have to make the most of life and its opportunities.
Emily R. SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Peru

Vietnam was a fantastic place to visit. Even though the people there have so little, they are very warm and always happy and kind. It was hard to adapt to a culture that was so different; however, I now appreciate Australia so much more and I think twice before I flush a toilet or have a hot shower.

I am now a stronger person, no challenge is too hard. I have learned to work in a group in an organised and systematic way, so everyone has a say and everyone feels like they are making a difference. It was a memory that I will never forget, a life changing trip.
Kate J. PLC Sydney, Vietnam

Our leader was excellent; he always seemed to know what he was doing, was always in control and was so enthusiastic about everything we did. I loved it all! I loved meeting the BEAUTIFUL kids in Sankuyo, and I also had an awesome time white water rafting down the Zambezi. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I have learnt so much about myself and also about my closer friends. I have made new friends and have learnt to appreciate other people and cultures. I have also learnt I definitely want to go back one day!
Anna R. Abbotsleigh, Botswana

The trip to Borneo was fantastic. We spent time trekking through the jungle in the Kelabit Highlands and helping to rebuild a school in the town of Bario. Perhaps the greatest achievement was climbing Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia – it sure is a big rock but everyone in our team made it to the top.
M.H., Knox Grammar School, Borneo

I had such a great time, I hardly know where to begin. The scenery in the North Island was worth every grunt, groan and sigh I made whilst climbing up the mountain and on various treks and walks - namely Tongoriro Crossing, Silica Rapids and Tohumoana Track. The community project at Mimi-phangata taught me that I'm capable of learning and doing anything I put my mind to, knowing our worthwhile efforts at the restoration of a century old woolshed will preserve a New Zealand historic way of life.
Sandy K., Baulkham Hills High School, New Zealand

It was a very different experience in another country without the guidance of my parents. I definately learnt to be an independent traveller and how to control what I was doing. I have returned a changed person. I have come to appreciate the things I take for granted in this country. I came back with a renewed love of my friends as I hadn't seen them in ages but most of all I came back with an open mind. Seeing the ex-headmaster and his wife up in Wenhai living such a simple life made me think about mine, all the over exaggeration and emphasis on wealth and happiness that comes with it. It was absent there, it was just simple.
A. Batchen - Barker College, China