This October half-term, four adventurous Fourth Formers from Wellington College – Edie W, Francesca W, Arlo W, and Sophie H seized a wonderful opportunity to participate in a student exchange scheme with Wellington College International Bangkok. After hearing about the programme in the summer, they eagerly volunteered to spend their break immersed in Thai culture and academics.
Staying with different host families, the students attended lessons alongside their Fourth Form counterparts, experiencing the vibrant educational environment of Wellington College Bangkok. The exchange programme, led by David Wilson, International Academic Director at Wellington College International, carefully pairs pupils based on shared interests and provides an initial virtual meet-up to foster connections before their visits.
During their two-week stay, the Wellington pupils were fully integrated into Bangkok’s timetable of lessons, sports, and co-curricular activities. Despite the familiar Wellington ethos, the unique atmosphere of the Bangkok campus offered a fresh perspective. “It felt surreal being in such a familiar Wellington environment that was also so different,” one pupil noted.
Opened in 2018, Wellington College Bangkok boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a modern theatre, and a diverse co-curricular programme. While lessons mirrored those in the UK, the pupils observed differences such as more time spent writing on paper rather than using laptops, and a focus on basketball, swimming, and tennis instead of rugby and hockey. “And the lunches—definitely spicier!” added one of the pupils.
Beyond the classroom, the exchange provided ample opportunities to explore Thai culture, including a trip to the beach resort of Hua Hin and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Thai families. The pupils unanimously recommended the experience: “Absolutely—it was brilliant! We learnt so much, not just academically but also by living with our Thai host families. We can’t wait to welcome Dew, Sainahm, Ploen, and Miki to Wellington College in May!”
Participating in this exchange program offers Wellington pupils an exceptional opportunity to connect with a global educational network. By encouraging cross-cultural interactions, the initiative enhances students’ lives and expands their worldviews, paving the way for unforgettable memories and invaluable experiences.
