Singapore Study Tour

Our staff and students are still talking about how amazing the Study Tour to Singapore was - here are a few more reflections from Addison Ireland & Abbey Collins.

The St Joseph’s College Echuca STEM tour to Singapore was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, exploring, and plenty of fun. After months of planning, meetings, and getting to know what made Singapore so unique, we finally took off – excited, nervous and ready for an adventure.

Our journey began at the incredible Changi Airport, where we were instantly wowed by the Jewel Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery and high-tech design, it was the perfect welcome to Singapore. Stepping out into the thick, tropical air reminded us that we were far from home, and that the real adventure was just beginning.

Over the next nine days, we dived deep into Singapore’s culture, history and future-focused innovation. Led by our fantastic tour leader Natalie, we explored how Singapore transformed from a small fishing village into one of the world’s most impressive and forward-thinking cities. We also had the chance to talk to locals and hear personal stories that gave us a better understanding of life in this fascinating place.

One of the first things we all noticed was how clean and safe the city was. There was barely a scrap of litter anywhere, and it wasn’t just because of the strict laws – there seemed to be a real sense of pride and respect for the environment shared by everyone who lives there.

Every day brought something new and exciting. We posed in front of iconic statues and futuristic buildings, wandered through the mind-blowing Supertree Grove and the misty Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, and even stood under another massive indoor waterfall. The city was full of picture-perfect moments, and we made the most of every one.

Some highlights included visiting the Formula 1 Pit Lane, imagining the crowds during race week, and getting a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Singapore Flyer. Riding cable cars to Sentosa Island was also a thrill, offering amazing views as we soared above the skyline. And Universal Studios was an epic day that we will never forget.

A big part of the tour was focused on sustainability. We learned about Singapore’s clever use of green rooftops, their push for public transport over private cars, and the innovative ways they conserve water. The Wings of Time light show, projected onto a 30-metre wall of water, combined storytelling and eco-conscious in a truly stunning display.

Of course, no trip to Singapore would be complete without sampling the local food. We visited buzzing hawker markets, explored the colourful streets of Little India, and enjoyed incredible buffet meals every night. From spicy crab to sweet street snacks, every dish gave us a taste of Singapore’s rich and diverse culture.

None of this would’ve been possible without the amazing teachers who came with us. Their support, encouragement, and sense of fun helped make this trip as special as it was. They made sure we stayed safe, learned heaps, and still had an awesome time along the way.

The Singapore STEM tour was an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience that showed us how learning can happen anywhere. We came back with new friendships, fresh perspectives, and memories that will stick with us forever.