Letter: On 'Learning beyond school walls'

Wed, 07/09/2008 10:47 AM  |  Reader's Forum

This refers to an article titled "Learning beyond school walls" (The Jakarta Post, July 6).

I think international field trips are great to broaden students' horizon and of course it gives the schools some pride from being able to conduct such activities.

However, Indonesia is so culturally rich that local field trips that probably cost less should be done more often, not just for students who go to international schools but especially for local students.

Local field trips should not just be limited to Puncak (where every Indonesian family would have gone anyway) or Bandung or Bogor, but should be extended to Kalimantan, Kepulauan Seribu, Lombok, Sulawesi, etc.

Even better, local field trips can be more than sightseeing. Some high schools have done mission trips, such as helping a local church rebuild their ministry.

I went to a high school in Indonesia and am currently attending a university overseas, and often find it shameful that I hadn't gone to most of these beautiful places in Jakarta.

Knowledge and experience of Indonesian culture largely contribute to national pride, and this should be prepared early, and what could be a better opportunity than to experience them with fellow students and teachers?

DIAN
Jakarta

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