Riding elephants, snake handling, kick-boxing and bamboo dancing were just some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences given to students from Camborne Science and International Academy recently.

Eight students and two members of staff from the school travelled to Thailand during half-term for an unforgettable school exchange. “The journey took almost 24 hours and included a bus and two flights,” said Emily Dagg, in year 11. “We were met by our buddies from Mahidol Wittayanusorn School who were so friendly and we felt straight at home.”

Students stayed with host families, joined in the school community, took part in lessons, attended assemblies and worked with their peers on educational projects. “It was amazing to be at school in Thailand and every day we learnt something new about their culture and way of life," said year ten student Connor Williams. "The assemblies were very different to ours, we stood up and sang the national anthem while they raised the flag.

“In lessons, when the teacher walked in all of the students in the class said ‘good morning teacher’ and at the end you’re not allowed to leave when the bell went, only when you say ‘thank you teacher.’”

Lizzie Waddling, head of art, design and photography at CSIA, said: “I was delighted in how involved our students were in the lessons. There was a chemistry quiz where they used a microphone to answer questions, they weren’t phased at all. In biology, all our students had a go at dissecting an earthworm which was definitely a first for them all.”

Throughout the exchange, the group were taken on various trips which included the biggest mall in Thailand, the MBK department store in Bangkok, shopping around a floating market and to a historical museum. “On our last day, we were given the chance to ride elephants which was unbelievable,” said Shania Gilbert in year ten. “We had so many incredible experiences which we will never forget.”

The students also visited a number of temples and the Grand Palace. “Almost every temple was made out of solid gold, it was so pretty, we couldn’t believe our eyes,” said Amelia Burrell in year ten. “Not only did we have many cultural experiences, we also learnt so much as students of Mahidol Wittayanusorn School.”

On the last day during an English lesson, the class performed a Halloween-inspired drama about ghosts from other countries for their visitors. Students spent their last evening as a group with all the families and commented on how sad they were to leave.

“Our hosts were so welcoming and gave up lots of their time to make sure we enjoyed ourselves,” said Tom Andrews in year ten. “Our trip to Thailand was an incredible experience and we highly recommend this trip.”

Leanne Millar, English teacher and deputy director of KS3 at CSIA, said “Our students were a credit to CSIA and took part in every opportunity with enthusiasm. Buddies at the school were fantastic and it was brilliant to see students from across the globe socialising and working together.”

CSIA's principal, Ian Kenworthy, said: “Trips like this help our young people to rise to new challenges, promote personal, social and emotional development and enable our young people to become adaptable and confident individuals. This lays strong foundations for successful learning and achievement in all areas. We’re very proud of our academy’s international programme and it’s wonderful to see how much our students enjoyed their visit to Thailand.”