From July 8-26, 2025, twenty YCYW students immersed themselves in hands-on learning. They engaged in various activities—from marine science on the Great Barrier Reef to robotics, cybersecurity, and healthcare workshops; from wilderness camping under star-filled skies to prototyping new ideas through an entrepreneurship project. During the trip, the students developed friendships across campuses, stepped out of their comfort zones, and linked classroom theories to real-world discovery.

Read on for insights about the programme, and from its leader, the accompanying teacher, and participating students. 

We built on last year’s “ChinaOne” to offer “OceaniaOne”—a 12-month-in-the-making summer programme that immerses 14–15-year-olds in environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. Unlike typical camps that focus on a single subject, we have connected fields—such as marine science on the Great Barrier Reef with nursing—to spark fresh ideas such as a “coral first-aid kit”.

Our aim is twofold. First, students uncover interests they would never consider and develop unexpected skills. Second, we mirror global trends towards double majors and interdisciplinary study. Forging links between research and real-world challenges produces truly novel outcomes.

Coordinating and overseeing such a large-scale experiential learning programme was not easy. We wrote to probably 20–25 universities, negotiated unique laboratory visits, and designed experiences that go beyond educational tourism. Every risk assessment, logistical plan, and expert partnership had to be forged from scratch.

As an accompanying teacher, I saw how this Australian journey offered students far more than a study tour. It fostered genuine growth that I would describe in one word: “authentic”—academic rigour, real challenges, and cultural immersion. 

The biggest gain was a widening of academic horizons. We didn’t just tour the Australian National University and the University of Canberra; we joined hands-on workshops. At Griffith University, students used spectrometers to test sunscreen SPF (sun protection factor) and even made facial cleanser in the lab, turning abstract chemistry into vivid experiments. At a zoo workshop we partnered with Sydney University, many students encountered zoology for the first time, gaining fresh respect for wildlife.

With Queensland University of Technology, we co-designed a three-day entrepreneurship module. In a 3D-print-equipped makerspace, small teams ideated, prototyped, and pitched solutions. Faculty members guided each group patiently; by the end, every student had delivered a confident presentation—sharpening business acumen, teamwork and communication.

What set OceaniaOne apart was its real-world access that typical tours could not match. I recall how Ray, a student who is fascinated with computers, was captivated by the Australian National University robotics lab. I encouraged him to exchange contact information with a professor—an experience no brochure could rival. 

To me, OceaniaOne was far more than a summer study tour; it was a window into the real world. Whereas ChinaOne offered a broad “adventure” of new experiences, OceaniaOne went deeper, enabling me to engage with subjects I genuinely care about and to gain concrete, meaningful insights.

The most unforgettable part was our five days in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef. It wasn’t mere snorkelling—it was hands-on marine science. We used transect tapes to assess coral health and distinguished living from bleached colonies. We also learned about the crown-of-thorns starfish that threaten the ecosystem. Seeing biology and geography in action turned my vague interest in zoology and marine conservation into a tangible passion.

Beyond sharpening my academic interests, the programme challenged me personally. The entrepreneurship programme in Brisbane was outside my comfort zone, but brainstorming ideas and delivering pitches with my team honed my teamwork and communication skills. More importantly, it taught me how to tackle unfamiliar subjects with curiosity and an open mind.

The immersive moments themselves also stood out, such as: camping beneath the Southern Hemisphere’s starry skies with kangaroos as neighbours; discussing conservation with experts at Sydney Zoo; and developing friendships across Yew Chung campuses. These experiences deepened my appreciation for global diversity and reinforced the strong sense of community within our network of schools.

OceaniaOne in Australia proved to be a truly formative experience. As a Year 12 Biology and Chemistry student, this was my first opportunity to link classroom theories with real-world practice.

What I’m most proud of happened in Cairns. Although I’d never learned to swim in my 16 years, I mustered the courage to snorkel in the open sea. The moment I slipped beneath the surface and saw vibrant corals and schools of tropical fish, I was lost for words. We didn’t just observe marine life—we measured coral health by colour (white for dead, bright for healthy). In the university lab, we even tested sunscreen effectiveness ourselves, giving me a much clearer understanding of applied chemistry.

Beyond the academic insights, the trip strengthened my independence. Travelling so far from home for the first time, I managed my own schedule and struck up simple English conversations with locals while shopping. These small steps greatly boosted my confidence.

Building friendships with YCYW students from different campuses was especially rewarding. We moved from shy introductions to deep conversations about our school experiences, forging strong bonds we still maintain. That sense of belonging to one big family was truly heartwarming.

I’d never been to Australia, nor had I studied marine science at school. Yet OceaniaOne’s Great Barrier Reef dive changed that: I measured coral, inspected starfish, and discussed coral bleaching with researchers, discovering an unexpected fascination for marine sciences.

At Queensland University of Technology, the entrepreneurship module taught us practical, real-world skills. Our team built a “runaway” alarm clock prototype that rolls away when it rings, forcing heavy sleepers out of bed. In two days, we scavenged foam, circuit boards, and wires; wrote code with Dr Hurley’s help; and delivered a five-minute pitch. I learnt to craft a narrative, identify a target market, and set pricing—skills that dovetail with my business and computer science studies.

Camping in Girraween National Park tested my limits. We hiked steep slopes, collected firewood, lit campfires, and watched kangaroos in the morning fog. Temperatures dipped below freezing, but conquering the cold and the rugged terrain filled me with newfound confidence.