Overseas Learning Journey (China)

Read about how Secondary 3 students explored Beijing and Tianjin, gaining cultural insights and building lifelong skills on an enriching learning journey to China.

Last updated 11 September 2026

A Memorable Overseas Learning Journey

A group of Secondary 3 students embarked on an exciting Cultural Immersion Overseas Learning Journey (OLJ) to Beijing and Tianjin, China, from 27 May to 2 June 2024. This enriching experience was designed to expand students’ horizons and nurture essential life skills under the theme, “The World as Our School.”

A large group of young people pose with peace signs in front of the Forbidden City's main hall in Beijing.

Objectives of the OLJ

The programme aimed to:

Develop Personal and Interpersonal Skills: Enhance students’ self-management, social awareness, and interpersonal abilities through real-world experiences.
Instil Core Values: Foster respect, commitment, responsibility, and care during interactions with peers and hosts.
Promote Cultural Appreciation: Expose students to a culture distinct from Singapore’s, encouraging an appreciation for diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Deepen National Identity: Strengthen students’ commitment to and rootedness in Singapore through reflection on their overseas experiences.

Students in school uniforms watch as one practices Chinese calligraphy with a brush on newspaper, guided by an elderly man.

Highlights of the Trip

The journey offered a dynamic blend of cultural exploration, educational opportunities, and personal growth:

Exploring Iconic Landmarks: Students marvelled at renowned sites such as the majestic Great Wall of China and the vibrant historical streets of Nanluoguxiang, delving into China’s rich history and heritage.
Learning through Innovation: A visit to the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing showcased the country’s advancements in technology and innovation, inspiring curiosity and forward-thinking.
Discovering the Singapore Connection: At Tianjin Eco-City, students observed how Singapore’s sustainable practices are applied through international collaboration, reinforcing pride in Singapore’s global contributions.
Engaging in School Exchanges: Students visited three schools—one in Tianjin and two in Beijing—where they were warmly welcomed. They attended lessons alongside their buddies, interacted with local students, and gained valuable insights into China’s education system while forming meaningful cross-cultural friendships.

Teacher in white talks with students in green and red uniforms around a table with a laptop.

A Transformative Experience

This unforgettable learning journey encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and return with a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their place in the world.

We look forward to seeing future cohorts embark on this meaningful adventure!

Students in uniforms practice synchronized poses on a sports field, with tall apartments behind.

Four students in school uniforms pose with peace signs at a cafeteria table with food trays, surrounded by many other students.

A group of students in red uniforms pose in front of a Chinese space station model and an astronaut mural.

A large group of tourists posing for a photo at the Great Wall of China on a sunny day.

A masked teacher stands at a blackboard displaying a Chinese blue-and-white porcelain exhibition presentation, with students seated facing him.

A guide speaks to a group of visitors in an exhibition hall with a large screen showing city aerial views from 2008 and 2023.

Several young people in uniforms sit in recliner chairs in a bright room with a red Chinese banner on the wall.

Visitors stand before a curved wall of blue digital displays with Chinese text and tech diagrams; kiosk screen at right.

Three people lean over touch domes in a museum display with birds on clear branches and a lake mural.

Two visitors view a museum exhibit with hanging colorful spheres and a large wall of scientific diagrams.

A group watches a man reach up toward a large red Chinese gate decorated with two red hanging lanterns.