EIM Student Leadership Conference, Seoul, Korea 

Our trip to Seoul for the EIM Student Leadership Conference was nothing short of extraordinary! From cultural immersion to leadership development, every moment was packed with learning, connection, and fun.

Exploring Seoul’s Cultural Gems:

The adventure began with visits to iconic sites like Insadong Culture Street and Namsan Tower. Our learners enjoyed browsing antiques, vintage clothing, and sampling local delicacies. A favorite moment was at Dotori Caricature, where everyone got personalized caricature drawings—a highlight of the day. Gyeongbokgung Palace was another standout experience. Clad in traditional Korean hanboks, the group admired the palace’s architecture under the golden sun, pausing to reflect on the incredible opportunity this trip offered.

We also explored Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming historical neighborhood where our learners marveled at the blend of tradition and modernity. Later, they enjoyed vegan delights at the Plant Cafe, shopped in Myeong-dong’s bustling streets, and even discovered a cat café—an unexpected and delightful surprise!

Leadership in Action:

The conference at Dulwich College Seoul was a true highlight. Our learners dove into meet-and-greet sessions, made new friends, and represented Green School and Aotearoa with pride. The indoor slide at the college was a hit, providing a playful break between leadership workshops. Each day of the conference saw our learners growing in confidence, teamwork, and global awareness, leaving them inspired and excited to bring their new skills back home.

Final Moments in Seoul:

As the trip wound down, we visited the Folk Museum in Sejongno to deepen our understanding of Korean heritage. The final evening was a special one, complete with a spa party at the hotel—a relaxing and celebratory end to a whirlwind week.

From cultural exploration to meaningful leadership experiences, this trip offered unforgettable memories. We couldn’t be prouder of how our learners embraced every opportunity, building connections and representing our school and country with such enthusiasm and respect. Ngā mihi for following along on our journey!

Whaea Kelly & Kat, Primary School Educators

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Exploring Sustainability and Creativity: A Journey to Bali 

The anticipation was palpable as our group of eager Year 13 learners boarded an Air NZ flight from Auckland - our destination? Bali, Indonesia and the world-renowned Green School Bali – an institution that's not just a school, but our sister school and a beacon of sustainable education. 

As we made our way to Green School Bali, the verdant rice fields and swaying bamboo forests that surrounded us served as a prelude to the immersive experiences that awaited us. Stepping onto the campus was like entering a whole new world, of stunning bamboo architecture and lush jungle. However, this place also felt oddly familiar, a place where nature and education coexisted harmoniously, just as it does at Green School NZ. 

The heart of Bali Green School beats with a strong commitment to sustainability, and our first day was dedicated to understanding and experiencing this ethos through connecting with educators and students. Our learners were lucky enough to be able to watch the Year 13 Greenstone presentations, which gave them further motivation and encouragement to thrive in their own individual capstone projects. Learners came away from this experience with many strategies for demonstrating good public speaking skills, displaying confidence and demonstrating the ability to engage and captivate an audience. 

Our journey extended beyond the school grounds as we delved into the vibrant Balinese culture. We were treated to mesmerising traditional dance performances, temple visits, yoga, cooking and art that showcased the rich heritage of the island. Interactions with local communities provided a deeper insight into their way of life, fostering an appreciation for diversity and global understanding.

As our trip came to an end, the memories we had made and the lessons we had learned would forever be etched in our minds. Bali and Green School Bali has not just provided an educational experience, but has ignited a spark within each of us – a desire to live sustainably, think creatively, and contribute positively to the world around us.

As we boarded the plane back home, we carried with us a renewed sense of responsibility and a commitment to embody the values we had absorbed during our time in Bali. This journey had not just been a school trip; it had been a transformative adventure that would shape our perspectives and choices for years to come.

Stay tuned for more stories of exploration and discovery as we continue our journey through education and sustainability.

Whaea Sophie, Head of High School Diploma