Mr Kevin - Head of High School (Thai-Chinese International School) shares how overseas experiences can shape perspective, confidence, and connection long after the journey ends.

Hear from Emiley, Alannah and Jade as they reflect on their community service and what the journey meant to them. From working together to giving back to a local community, their words capture the impact of stepping outside the classroom and learning through real-world experiences.

Heading overseas on a school tour is an exciting experience, and a little preparation before you leave can make a big difference. At VST, we provide support every step of the way, but being organised beforehand helps students feel confident, comfortable, and ready to make the most of their journey.Here are some helpful tips to think about before you leave home.Pack light and pack smartWhen travelling as part of a school group, packing lightly is key. You will be moving between hotels, buses, and activities, so a manageable suitcase or travel backpack makes travel days much easier.Choose lightweight, quick-dry, and breathable clothing where possible. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as most days involve plenty of walking.Learn a few simple phrasesLearning a few basic words like hello, thank you, or how much? can go a long way and is a great way to show respect for local culture. Don’t worry if you don’t know much — once you arrive, our VST expert guides will help teach you more phrases and support communication throughout the trip.Sort out some local currency before you goWe recommend changing a small amount of money before departure. When travelling with a school group, there isn’t always time to change money immediately on arrival.There will be opportunities during the trip for students to exchange money with support from teachers and VST staff. Travel cards or credit cards can be useful at airports and some convenience stores, but they are often not accepted at local markets, so having cash is important.Bring a small backpack for day tripsA comfortable day backpack is essential for excursions. It should be large enough to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and personal items.Passport scans and travel informationAlthough your school and teachers will already have copies of passports, it’s good practice for students and families to keep digital scans stored safely (such as in email or cloud storage). This is useful not only for this trip, but for future travel as well.It’s also a good idea to share your travel itinerary with family members before departure so they know where you’ll be and when.Stay connected with homeIf you don’t already have a way to communicate with home via a web-based chat app, we recommend setting this up before leaving. All hotels and most cafés have Wi-Fi, which allows you to check in with family regularly without needing international phone plans.A little preparation goes a long way in making an overseas school tour smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. We can’t wait to welcome you overseas for an unforgettable adventure filled with learning, culture, and new experiences.

One of the most common questions schools ask us is, “When should we start planning our overseas tour?”From our experience, most schools begin planning around 12 - 18 months before they intend to travel — and this timeline works incredibly well.Starting early gives your school the time and space to plan thoughtfully, communicate clearly with families, and create the best possible experience for your students.Why planning early matters for your schoolWhen you begin planning further in advance, you gain flexibility and choice. Early planning allows:Greater opportunity to secure your preferred flights, hotels and transport.More time for internal approvals and Department of Education requirementsClear, unhurried communication with parents and studentsA tour that is carefully aligned to your budget, learning outcomes, and wellbeing prioritiesMost importantly, it helps reduce pressure on staff and ensures the experience is calm, organised, and well supported from the start.What the planning process looks likeWhile every school is unique, most tours follow a similar planning journey:1 - Your school decides on a destinationThis may be based on curriculum links, service-learning goals, cultural exposure, or student interest.2 - You contact VSTWe work closely with your school to design an itinerary that suits your needs — from budget and length of stay to educational outcomes, service components, and student age group.3 - Approvals and documentationWe support your school by providing any required paperwork to assist with leadership or Department of Education approvals.4 - Parent and student engagementYour school then gathers interest and holds a parent information evening.VST can assist by:Providing presentation materialsSupplying parent information packs and documentationAttending or running the parent information evening alongside your team5 - Deposits and confirmationParents pay deposits to your school. Once minimum numbers are met, your school transfers the deposit to VST so we can secure all services and hold bookings.6 - Parent bookings and documentationVST provides your school with a unique login code, allowing parents to securely log in and complete all required booking forms online. This includes submitting necessary documentation and advising us of any dietary requirements, medical information, or special considerations, ensuring we can plan safely and effectively for every student.7 - Final paymentFinal payment is due 75 days prior to departure, giving parents plenty of time to plan and manage payments comfortably before the tour begins.8 - Ongoing preparation and communicationIn the lead-up to travel, we continue to support your school with:Suggested packing listsPre-departure information“Before You Travel” bookletsOngoing guidance and updates as needed9 - Travel and on-ground supportWhen your group arrives, a VST expert guide meets you at the airport and remains with the group until departure.Support you can rely onFrom your first enquiry through to your return home, VST works alongside your school every step of the way. We are committed to supporting your staff and students to ensure your tour is safe, meaningful, well organised, and truly memorable.If your school is considering an overseas tour next year, now is the perfect time to start the conversation.

We love hearing the creative ways schools raise money to support their Vietnam School Tours adventures — and one school shared a fundraising idea so simple (and so fun!) that we just had to pass it on.Their students organised a Fun Run Fundraiser, where each runner asked friends, family, and supporters to sponsor them for every lap they completed. The setup was straightforward: sponsors pledged a small amount per lap — for example, $1 or $2 — and on the day of the event, the students simply ran as many laps as they could. Afterwards, they counted their laps and multiplied by the sponsorship amount to determine how much they’d raised.What made this idea even better was how easy it was to organise. The Fun Run didn’t require special equipment or a big budget — just a marked running area, some enthusiastic participants, and a bit of coordination. The school even held theirs during lunchtime, turning an ordinary break into a burst of energy, laughter, and friendly competition.This fundraiser can be done just by the students travelling on tour, or it can grow into a whole-school community event. Involving the wider school or even different year groups makes it even more engaging — and significantly boosts the fundraising total!The money raised from this particular Fun Run went directly toward the students’ community service project, where they helped build a library for a local school in Cambodia. Knowing that every lap contributed to something so meaningful made the event even more rewarding — a perfect example of students working together, having fun, and making a real difference.

At Vietnam School Tours, we believe the most powerful stories come from the families who entrust us with their children’s journeys. We’re honoured to share the reflections of Jenny Mejalli, a mother whose sons have travelled with us on life-changing overseas adventures. From Vietnam to Cambodia, Jenny’s words capture not only the excitement of these trips, but also the peace of mind parents feel knowing their children are safe, supported, and inspired."I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with Vietnam School Tours, led by the dedicated and meticulous owner, Tram. From our very first presentation evening, Tram demonstrated a genuine passion for providing safe, enriching and unforgettable overseas camps for children.Our sons have had the privilege of participating in these incredible trips, last year’s adventure in Vietnam and this year's journey to Cambodia. Each trip was thoughtfully organised, with Tram’s attention to detail ensuring that every aspect was covered—from safety protocols to cultural immersion activities. It’s clear that Tram is particular about ticking every box, which gave us peace of mind knowing our kids were in caring and capable hands.The cultural experiences, learning opportunities, and friendships formed have been truly priceless. My boys came back not only with a deeper understanding of the local cultures but also with stories and memories that will last a lifetime. Watching them grow in confidence, curiosity and global awareness has been such a rewarding outcome.My youngest is eagerly awaiting his turn to join next year's trip and I have no hesitation in recommending Vietnam School Tours to any parent seeking a well-organised, meaningful and safe overseas adventure for their children. Tram’s dedication to making these trips meaningful and safe truly sets this company apart.Thank you Tram for your unwavering commitment to creating such impactful experiences for our kids!"Jenny Mejalli

When it comes to planning an unforgettable school trip, Vietnam stands out as a destination that offers more than just sightseeing. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, Vietnam transforms every excursion into an immersive learning experience. For students, a journey here is not only about travel—it’s about gaining perspective, building resilience, and connecting with a culture that is both ancient and rapidly evolving.A Country Steeped in HistoryVietnam’s history is one of resilience and transformation, making it an incredible classroom without walls. Students walking through the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City can imagine the ingenuity and struggles of the Vietnamese during wartime. In Hanoi, visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the Temple of Literature reveal the deep reverence for national heroes and the Confucian roots of Vietnamese education.Every historical site invites discussion—not only about Vietnam’s past, but also about themes of perseverance, leadership, and cultural identity that are globally relevant.Landscapes that Inspire CuriosityFrom the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa, Vietnam’s geography is breathtaking and diverse. These natural wonders provide students with the chance to learn about ecology, geology, and sustainable development in real time.Ha Long Bay teaches about limestone karsts and marine ecosystems.The Mekong Delta opens up lessons in agriculture, biodiversity, and water management.Central Highlands villages highlight how geography shapes culture, livelihood, and traditions.Each stop on the itinerary blends classroom knowledge with real-world experience—sparking curiosity and encouraging questions that textbooks alone cannot inspire.A Cultural MosaicVietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with unique traditions, clothing, and cuisine. A school tour often includes homestays or visits to minority communities, where students can interact directly with local families. These moments provide invaluable lessons in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and global citizenship.Food is another gateway into Vietnam’s culture. From learning how to roll spring rolls in a cooking class to sampling pho at a street-side stall, students experience the warmth and hospitality that define Vietnamese society.Experiential Learning in ActionVietnam School Tours are designed with the principle of learning by doing. This means students don’t just listen to guides—they participate. They might:Join a farming activity in Hoi An, planting rice alongside local farmers.Take part in a community service project, such as teaching English or painting classrooms in rural schools.Cycle through ancient towns, exploring architecture and urban planning from centuries ago.These hands-on experiences encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability—all vital life skills.Safe, Well-Organized, and EnrichingOne of the top priorities for schools and parents is safety, and Vietnam School Tours ensures this through carefully vetted partners, experienced local guides, and comprehensive risk management. Every itinerary is designed not only for educational depth but also for comfort and peace of mind.The result? Students return home with stories to tell, new friendships forged, and a deeper appreciation for the world beyond their classroom.Why Choose Vietnam as Your Next Destination?Vietnam offers the perfect balance:History that inspires reflectionLandscapes that fuel curiosityCulture that fosters empathyExperiences that build resilienceFor students, a trip to Vietnam is more than a school tour—it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of exploration, awareness, and growth.

Why Hoi An is the Perfect Educational DestinationHoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Vietnam’s central coast, is more than just a charming riverside town—it’s a vibrant classroom where history, culture, and hands-on learning come alive for students. For schools planning an overseas excursion, Hoi An offers the perfect mix of cultural immersion, educational enrichment, and unforgettable adventures.Walking through the lantern-lit streets, students are transported back in time. Once a bustling trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An retains its original architecture and multicultural influences from Chinese, Japanese, and European traders. Each building, bridge, and market stall tells a story waiting to be discovered.Hands-On Learning ExperiencesHoi An is not just about sightseeing—it’s about doing. Students can:Join lantern-making workshops and understand the symbolism behind Vietnam’s iconic lanterns.Try their hand at traditional cooking classes, learning how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from local markets.Cycle through rice paddies and fishing villages, engaging directly with the rhythms of rural life.Visit historical landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and ancient Chinese assembly halls, where lessons in history, art, and cultural studies come alive.These activities transform classroom theories into lived experiences, reinforcing cultural understanding in a tangible way.Community Engagement and Service LearningOne of the most rewarding aspects of a Vietnam School Tour in Hoi An is the chance to give back. Many groups choose to take part in community service, such as teaching English to local students, assisting at community centers, or helping with environmental conservation projects. This not only enriches the students’ personal growth but also strengthens cross-cultural bonds.A Safe and Student-Friendly DestinationHoi An is known for its warm hospitality, pedestrian-friendly Old Town, and welcoming community—making it a safe and supportive environment for school groups. The town balances vibrant energy with a laid-back charm, ensuring students are both engaged and comfortable throughout their stay.Lasting Memories and Lifelong LessonsA school trip to Hoi An is more than just travel—it’s an educational journey that leaves lasting impressions. Students return home with deeper cultural awareness, stronger teamwork skills, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.For teachers and school leaders, Hoi An provides a structured yet flexible itinerary that balances learning with fun, ensuring every participant gains both knowledge and unforgettable experiences.Vietnam School Tours designs customized itineraries to fit the unique needs of your school group. From cultural workshops to community service, every detail is planned to maximize educational value and student engagement.