TIS High School Experience Week 2026

By stepping out of the classroom and applying their learning to real-world challenges abroad, our High School students immersed themselves in the cultures they visited. They explored, respected, and appreciated global diversity while developing new skills and knowledge they could not have gained elsewhere. Through these experiences, they also gave back to the local communities. 

Follow along to discover the fascinating destinations our High School students traveled to and the meaningful activities they engaged in:

Philippines

In Moalboal, Cebu, students learned to scuba dive and snorkel at Pescador Island, swimming alongside sea turtles and vibrant marine life. They participated in coral reef presentations, collected valuable data on coral health as citizen scientists, and engaged in a beach clean-up service activity. They also enjoyed canyoneering through stunning waterfalls, a Model UN-style debate on sustainable tourism, traditional Filipino cooking, and cultural workshops featuring stick fighting and dance.

Singapore

Students explored Singapore’s vibrant multicultural heritage through tours of Kampong Glam, Little India, and Bugis. They gained insights into sustainability at the Marina Barrage Sustainable Gallery, marveled at the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, and enjoyed the Rhapsody Light Show. Cultural and academic learning continued at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Asian Civilisations Museum, and ArtScience Museum, alongside engaging workshops in calligraphy and cooking. They also participated in a meaningful service activity with Willing Hearts, preparing and packing meals for those in need, and experienced Singapore’s iconic landmarks through a bumboat ride at Merlion Park and a memorable Night Safari.

Japan

Our students immersed themselves in Japanese culture by bustling the Tsukiji Outdoor Fish Market, admired the historic Senso-ji Temple, and enjoyed breathtaking views from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck at 350 meters. They participated in a beautiful kintsugi workshop, explored the vibrant streets of Harajuku near Meiji Jingu Shrine, and attended an exciting baseball match between the Yakult Swallows and Seibu Lions. They also traveled to Mt. Fuji for stunning views at Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakura Sengen Shrine, learned traditional origami in Bunkyo, and enjoyed time in Akihabara. The trip included a meaningful service activity with a river cleanup, where students collected trash to help protect Tokyo’s waterways and the Pacific Ocean.

Spain

In Madrid, our students had an inspiring behind-the-scenes tour of the Real Madrid stadium, a visit to Mercado San Miguel, and a day trip to historic Toledo. They also toured the Gothic Cathedral at the Juderia, El Retiro Park with its beautiful palaces, the Prado Museum, and La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, learning about bullfighting’s cultural significance. In Barcelona, our students enjoyed a hands-on Spanish and Catalan cooking class, visited Camp Nou’s interactive museum, explored Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, and toured the Picasso Museum. They marveled at Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família, enjoyed panoramic views from Montjuïc Hill including the Fundació Joan Miró, and participated in a chocolate-making workshop and tasting at the Museu de la Xocolata.

South Africa

Our students’ adventure in South Africa combined wildlife adventures, cultural immersion, historical reflection, and meaningful service. They enjoyed an exciting safari at Aquila Game Reserve, spotting diverse wild animals, and took a breathtaking cable car ride up Table Mountain. At the aquarium, they learned about sustainable fishing, while the District 6 Museum and Robben Island provided powerful firsthand insights into apartheid history through personal stories from survivors. During the service day at Love and Bowl, students cleaned up the area, played with local children, packed meals, and worked on the farm by planting crops and making compost. Additional highlights included African drumming and surfing lessons, viewing penguins at Boulders Beach, and a vibrant evening at Gold Restaurant featuring a 14-course African tasting menu, live music, dance, and language practice.

Maldives

Our students successfully completed their PADI Open Water Diver certifications in Maldives, progressing from safety assessments and confined water skills to multiple open water dives, deeper dives up to 30 meters, night dives, and a dedicated shark conservation dive. Throughout the experience, students developed greater confidence, independence, teamwork, and a strong appreciation for ocean ecosystems and environmental responsibility. The trip also offered a meaningful cultural dimension as students joined the local community in celebrating Eid al-Adha. This journey truly challenged students to step outside their comfort zones while proudly representing TIS with maturity and enthusiasm.

Portugal

In Lisbon, students visited the Belém, Chiado, Baixa, Graça, and Alfama neighborhoods, including São Jorge Castle, the Benfica Stadium (Estádio da Luz), the MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, the vibrant Time Out Market, and the creative LX Factory. In Porto, highlights included visits to the World Heritage Site Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha, the historic university town of Coimbra, and Guimarães, known as the “Cradle of Portugal.” Students enjoyed a scenic boat tour on the Douro River and a guided walking tour of Porto’s beautiful historic center. They also contributed to a meaningful service project with CASA (Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo), assisting in the preparation and distribution of meals for people experiencing homelessness.

United Kingdom

Our students explored the vibrant cities of London, Oxford, and Cambridge in the UK. They visited iconic landmarks including the British Museum, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. They enjoyed Borough Market, the National Gallery, and Oxford Street, and experienced the world’s oldest underground railway on the London Tube. Educational highlights included university campus tours at UCL, Imperial College London, and King's College London, with an insightful presentation on university life, as well as guided tours of Cambridge and Oxford featuring river punting and famous Harry Potter filming locations. The group also immersed themselves in London’s West End culture through singing and choreography workshops and live performances of Les Misérables and Wicked.

After Experience Week, students returned home with much more than just stories of breathtaking views and cultural immersion. Through these journeys, they discovered a deeper sense of self, fostered personal growth, and created unforgettable memories with their peers and teachers. We look forward to seeing how these experiences help light the way to more positive contributions to our global community.