Edventure Travel

16/01/2025

Why Service Learning is an Important Part of a Western Education

By Nick Johnstone, Principal
Bishop Druitt College, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia

In an era of increasing global interconnectedness, service learning programs have emerged as vital components of contemporary Western education. At Bishop Druitt College (BDC), our almost 20-year-old Cambodia Immersion program exemplifies how international service learning can transform students' worldviews while creating meaningful, sustainable impact in partner communities.

Read the full article via > https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/news/why-service-learning-is-an-important-part-of-a-western-education

25/12/2024

Edventure Travel extends heartfelt Christmas greetings to all students, staff, local guides, tour leaders, and ground operations personnel involved in our tours during 2024, as well as those who supported our efforts behind the scenes. We send our best wishes for a prosperous 2025. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Warm regards, The Edventure Team.

20/12/2024

During the concluding two days of their cultural and service tour in Cambodia, students and staff from Vaucluse completed their engagement at a local school. They devoted several hours to classroom activities, games, and language exchanges, fostering new friendships. In the evenings, they experienced the Phare circus, where Khmer legends and folk tales were vividly depicted through acrobatics, bamboo poles, and woven baskets.

On their final day, the group visited the APOPO Mine Centre to discover how African giant pouched rats are trained to detect explosives in landmines and unexploded ordnance from past conflicts across Cambodia. The tour concluded with a final group photograph before transferring to the airport for their overnight flight home.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the behind-the-scenes staff who played a crucial role in organising this trip, as well as the accompanying staff who dedicated their time to ensure the students enjoyed enriching experiences. The significant contributions made at the kindergarten, PIO, and the local school in Siem Reap exemplify the profound impact and value of this educational tour. The group is now on their return flight to Australia, marking the successful completion of their mission.

20/12/2024

The student group from Vaucluse continued their community service in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The group assisted with painting buildings at a rural school and visited a local kindergarten, where they observed the 12 month food program and cooking supplies they had donated to the teachers. Providing a simple meal each morning encourages parents to send their young children to kindergarten, making the initial stage of education a more appealing experience, as requested by the local council authorities. The visiting students were able to witness and learn about crucial aspects of education that occur before classroom teaching is introduced. This includes supporting families by providing uniforms, shoes, or a simple morning meal.

To see more of village life and rural schools around Siem Reap, please watch the following short video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EhmEnmQgDk

18/12/2024

The student group from Vaucluse maintained their emphasis on community service by assisting in painting a local school and engaging with the students through an informal language and cultural exchange. They quickly gained insight into the resources available to the local staff and students. This project was initiated at the request of the local school, resulting in a day that was both enjoyable and strenuous for everyone involved.

18/12/2024

The student group from Vaucluse spent the day touring the Angkor temples near Siem Reap. Our local guide delved into the history of the formidable Khmer civilisation, discussing the advanced engineering skills needed for constructing these monumental structures, and the spiritual and religious artwork etched into the stone walls, lintels, and ceilings. To explore additional temples and please view our brief video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfP0NE5fmbM

17/12/2024

The Indian immersion tour concluded today for the combined schools group. They explored Old Delhi and the Spice Market, where the multi-level market was permeated with the aromas of dry spices and chilli. The students were astounded by the variety of spices on display. During their visit to a mosque, they observed volunteers distributing light snacks and were intrigued to see a temple, shrine, and mosque situated just a few metres apart, alongside the intricate electrical wiring overhead. One of the final stops was the Gandhi Museum, where they learned about the anticolonial pacifist who championed change through non-violent protests.

Afterwards, the group bid farewell to their tour leader, Neha, at the airport after checking in for their flight home.

The planning for this journey had spanned nearly a full year. Immense gratitude is due to everyone involved behind the scenes who prepared the students for the tour, with special thanks to the three staff members who dedicated their time to provide the most enriching experience possible.

Although the 'edventure' comes to an end, the memories and experiences it fostered will endure for many years to come.

17/12/2024

The combined school group in India visited the Lodi Art District in Delhi, where they discovered the extensive wall murals and delved into the local art culture. Additionally, the group visited the Lodi Garden Tombs.

Lodi Gardens houses the tombs of the rulers from the Lodi and Sayyid dynasties, which ruled over parts of northern India during the 15th and 16th centuries. The gardens encompass several notable tombs, including those of Sikandar Lodi and Muhammad Shah.

Muhammad Shah's Tomb: Built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Muhammad Shah Sayyid, the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty, this tomb features an octagonal design and is surrounded by an octagonal garden. It is one of the earliest structures that set the precedent for later Mughal architecture in India.

Sikandar Lodi's Tomb: Constructed in 1517 by his son Ibrahim Lodi, this tomb marks a significant evolution in Lodi architecture. It is situated within a fortified complex and features a blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles with a large central dome, detailed jaali work (lattice stone work), and intricate carvings.

Shish Gumbad and Bara Gumbad: Alongside the tombs, the gardens house the Shish Gumbad ("Glass Dome") and Bara Gumbad ("Big Dome"). Both structures are notable for their impressive size and the use of blue tiles in their decoration, although much of this tiling has been lost over time.

16/12/2024

The school group from Vaucluse, Australia, embarked on a seven-hour bus trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. During their journey, they made a stop at a truck stop where they encountered fried crickets, scorpions, and tarantulas. Several students tried eating spider legs, and one girl even held three large, live tarantulas on her arm. Continuing with the culinary theme, upon reaching Siem Reap, the group participated in a cooking class where they prepared various traditional dishes, including the popular Cambodian dish, fish amok.

16/12/2024

The combined school group in India attended an insightful session at the SOS Elephant Centre, located between Agra and Delhi. The students learned about the challenges faced by elephants in nearby regions, many of whom are exploited for tourism, used in wedding ceremonies, or kept chained at temples.

The expert staff at the centre shared information about elephants' remarkable memories, their experiences with past human interactions, and the best approaches to care for elephants who have endured trauma. They also highlighted the centre's success in rescuing elephants from captivity, often using social media to expose poor living conditions and advocate for change. At SOS, these rescued elephants are provided with a safe environment where they can live peacefully and return to the large enclosure before sunset each day.

After the visit, the group continued their journey to the capital city, Delhi. Stay tuned for more updates!

16/12/2024

The school group from Vaucluse, Australia, spent a morning learning about the harrowing Khmer Rouge regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 under the leadership of Pol Pot. They visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school transformed into a notorious torture prison. During their visit, the group met two survivors: Bou Meng, an artist who survived by painting communist propaganda, and Chum Mey, a mechanic whose skills proved essential to his survival.

The group then travelled to the Killing Fields, where many prisoners were executed, gaining deeper insight into this tragic period of history. Later in the day, for a change of atmosphere, they explored local markets and enjoyed a sunset boat trip, taking in the stunning skyline of Phnom Penh.

16/12/2024

Yesterday, the combined group of three Australian schools travelled from Mumbai to Delhi before driving to Agra. In the afternoon, they explored one of India’s most iconic landmarks – the Taj Mahal. During a guided tour of the magnificent marble monument, students and staff learned about its historical significance, the reasons behind its construction, and the remarkable engineering and artistic achievements involved.

Here are five facts about the Taj Mahal:

A Symbol of Love: The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.

Architectural Masterpiece: The Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, blending elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian design. Its central dome rises to a height of 73 metres (240 feet) and is flanked by four minarets.

Intricate Craftsmanship: The structure is made of white marble and adorned with intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones such as jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst, and turquoise.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

Changing Colours: The marble of the Taj Mahal appears to change colours depending on the time of day and the angle of the light, transitioning from a soft pinkish hue in the morning to dazzling white in the midday sun, and golden at sunset.

16/12/2024

Continuing on from the focus of dance and movement in true Bollywood style, the combined group of three schools spent an evening in Mumbai exploring flexibility and endurance through Indian yoga. Let the photos tell the story...

15/12/2024

The combined group of three schools returned to Mumbai to visit a local school and also participate in iconic cultural activities. The first experience was Bollywood dancing. At a dedicated dance school, the students were introduced to the techniques and movements of Bollywood dance before learning an entire routine. The intricate patterns proved challenging to master, but after dedicated practice, the group united to deliver an unforgettable performance, complete with lively music and energetic choreography. The next post will be a short video of them in action...

14/12/2024

13/12/2024

The school group from Vaucluse, Australia, dedicated a day to volunteering at an educational organisation, assisting with facility renovations. Tasks included repainting desks and walls. The organisation supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing the visiting students with an opportunity to interact with Khmer students and learn about their challenges and aspirations. Later, the group took a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant contrasts. They observed areas lacking basic infrastructure alongside towering, glitzy glass buildings, reflecting the city's rapid development and rustic disparity in different quarters.

12/12/2024

The school group from Vaucluse, Australia, has arrived in Cambodia, embarking on their cultural and service tour. Their journey began with exploring the capital city, Phnom Penh, guided by our staff, where they wandered through bustling local wet markets, observing daily life, from squirming fish and exotic fruits to unfamiliar scents and the art of bargaining.

The group visited a hilltop temple for an introduction to Buddhism in Cambodia, followed by a tour of the royal palace grounds to learn about the monarchy and the enduring French colonial influences. They also had a brief opportunity to explore the Central Market, housed in a unique domed French colonial Art Deco building. Additionally, the students were introduced to the traditional Khmer dress. These first two days have provided fascinating insights into the Khmer way of life.