Name: Ramlah Binte Eesah
Student ID: K1571682
Course Title: BA English with Psychology
Assignment Number: TMA02

Should the Singapore MOE continue to conduct overseas learning journeys even after the incident of the Sabah Earthquake?

One of the best ways to broaden our minds is to travel and be exposed to the world. Schools in Singapore provide overseas learning journeys to encourage students to learn not only through the classroom but also through experiential learning, giving them the chance to break out of their academic routine. Students should be encouraged to embark on overseas learning journeys provided by their schools as it develops their leadership skills, gives them a greater sense of independence and confidence, and allows them to become appreciative and altruistic individuals (Ministry of Education (MOE), Para 1, 2014).
Overseas learning journeys have allowed students to develop their leadership skills. The Member of Parliament, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, highlighted that “For many of the students, the experience of having to overcome the physical and mental challenges to conquer Mount Kinabalu was a metaphor for learning to conquer themselves and future challenges in life” (MOE, Para 7, 2015). Such trips have enhanced students’ social competence, allowing them to go beyond their comfort zones and confront challenges that may befall them. These experiences have been beneficial to students as they learn to resolve issues and make independent decisions without family support. Dr Lim opined that these valuable experiences are unlikely to be attained from neither the classroom or from excursions to anywhere else in Singapore alone. (MOE, Para 5, 2015)
Self-development comes from venturing forth to explore and understand the unfamiliar with an honest, open and inquisitive mind. These overseas expeditions have increased independence and confidence in students