Sri Lanka International Practicum Adventure Programme 2025

A Journey of Growth: Sri Lanka International Practicum Adventure Programme 2025

While the campus is quieter during the summer break, it remains a season of growth and learning for students. This June, a group of six students from the Faculty of Education embarked on a memorable journey to Sri Lanka, a country that boasts rich culture and captivating nature.

Objective

With support from the UGC Funding Scheme for Mainland and Global Engagement and Student Learning Experience, the School-University Partnerships (SUP) Office of the Faculty of Education offers the Sri Lanka International Practicum Adventure Programme 2025. The initiative aims to provide participants with a unique opportunity to develop pedagogical expertise and professional attributes through school attachment in Sri Lanka, cultural immersion as well as dialogue with students and seasoned educators in a cross-cultural environment.

International Practicum

Soaking up the sun and welcoming vibes of the country, our students were inspired and empowered both inside and outside the classroom. In a new educational setting, they cultivated their teaching skills and stepped out of their comfort zones when technological tools were not readily available or when encountered with language barriers and different cultural norms. The experience prompted them to challenge their assumptions, adapt and devise novel solutions to overcome obstacles and deliver positive outcomes in the classroom. It also helped them to be more adaptable, creative and collaborative in addressing real-world challenges.

Having the opportunity to teach in different types of schools and learn from seasoned educators in Sri Lanka, the participants have gained fresh perspectives on varied educational topics and developed practical skills, from lesson planning and formative assessment to fostering hands-on activities and collaborative learning as well as promoting learner engagement and equity in education. Our pre-service teachers were also inspired by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the pupils in Sri Lankan classrooms, which contribute to a vibrant, stimulating learning environment despite constraints of resources. Profoundly, the experience has also led our students to reflect deeply on not just pedagogy but also the essence and power of education. 

Culture Immersion

Outside the classroom, the participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves into Sri Lankan culture by visiting heritage sites, engaging with various communities, sampling local delicacies, and joining traditional festivities. As they gained a deeper understanding of the country’s values and traditions, the students learned to appreciate the connections formed and the spirit of gratitude and community embraced by the people.

Looking ahead

In their reflections, students expressed their gratitude for this journey of growth – they have become more confident, resilient and culturally aware with a global mindset. Above all, they look forward to applying what they have learnt to positively impact the learning communities they will serve in Hong Kong and beyond.

Read on to find out more about students’ reflections and watch a video featuring some memorable moments from the practicum programme.