The world is their classroom for Haileybury’s global learners

Imagine teenagers constructing water tanks in Vietnam, simulating space exploration with NASA, visiting the United Nations, or working hands on at a panda conservation centre in China. These are just some of the extraordinary opportunities available to Haileybury students through the Year 9 Explore and Expeditions program.

This unique initiative takes learning far beyond the traditional classroom setting and at its heart are two immersive cultural experiences for every student

“At Haileybury, we help students see beyond borders, to understand, connect and thrive in an interconnected world,” says Dr Stephan Muller, Deputy Principal (Education Research and International).

The two off-campus experiences, each about ten days long, are carefully designed to take students outside of their everyday routines and perspectives, and into diverse settings and communities. In doing so they are challenged to broaden their outlook and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Student Danielle agrees the Year 9 trip to China challenged her thinking. Her trip even incorporated a visit to Haileybury Tianjin, Haileybury’s China-based school. “Led by the Tianjin students, we had the opportunity to tour the school, engage in a Chinese lesson, be amazed by science experiments, and have an exciting badminton match in their new sporting facilities. While our schooling is similar, there was a plethora of differences that opened our eyes to new ways of learning,” she says.

Jessica participated in a tour of the Ivy League colleges in the USA. The tour was designed to give students an understanding of student life at prestigious colleges in the USA such as Harvard, MIT, Brown, Yale and Georgetown, enabling students to think beyond Australia for their tertiary education and long-term goals.

“These experiences have made me more curious about the world around me, and after visiting the US, I see Melbourne quite differently,” she said. She explains that the trip also gave her a deeper appreciation of some of the university traditions in the USA.

Lucas, who travelled to India, reflects that the trip broadened his experience, giving him a richer understanding of the world. He valued the opportunity to experience different cultures, enjoy beautiful tourist sites as well as gain a new “understanding of different people’s way of life.” The Indian trip enabled students to connect with children supported by the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi, visit the iconic Taj Mahal and enjoy Bollywood dancing and a jungle safari.

A meaningful social justice component is a crucial component of each trip and reflects Haileybury’s commitment to service and fostering global responsibility. During past projects, students have supported construction projects such as water tanks in schools and participated in conservation projects.

The program usually takes place in Terms 2 and 3, with up to ten different trip choices for each term. Options include both overseas and Australian experiences.

2026 Explore and Expeditions program highlights

This year, students have an exciting year ahead. Some of the trips include:

NASA: an immersive journey that takes a deep dive into science, technology and innovation, which incorporates a five-day Space Camp at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre, Houston, USA.

Walking the Wars, France: Students journey across battlefields and historic sites to better understand how history and wars have shaped their present and in doing so become more informed, empathetic global citizens.

China: An opportunity to learn about Chinese history, culture and customs, including a visit to Haileybury Tianjin.

Panama: Students investigate Panama’s unique biodiversity, a vital component of global ecological health which includes rainforests, mangroves, cloud forests and coral reefs which all play a part in supporting numerous mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Students also learn about the conservation of animals such as the two-toed sloth, capybara and jaguar.

South Africa: Students explore the rich culture, history and natural landscapes of South Africa. Truly a once in a lifetime immersive educational experience, students will learn about the social and environmental challenges facing the people and animals of South Africa today from world leading conservationists.

Other 2026 destination options include the Spanish Camino Trail, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and New Zealand. Local trips include Victoria, Sydney, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

By participating in the Explore and Expeditions program, the students this year will broaden their international perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.