From Thailand To Tasmania: Global Citizenship In Action

What happens when two schools, worlds apart, come together with a shared vision for service and cultural understanding? 

Launceston Grammar’s growing partnership with Thailand’s Mechai Bamboo School is more than just an exchange program, it’s a transformative journey for students both here and in Thailand. From life in rural Thai villages to bushwalks on the Tasman Peninsula, this unique collaboration is shaping global citizens through hands-on learning, deep connection, and a spirit of shared purpose. One of the first to experience this firsthand is Grade 10 exchange student, Khao Sereecharoenwanich.

Q. What inspired you to take part in this exchange program? 

A. I first heard about the program from one of my English teachers, who encouraged me to apply. Studying overseas has always been a dream of mine and my family. My dad passed away a few years ago and he really hoped I would have the chance to experience education abroad. Being part of this exchange is a way for me to honour his dream. I’ve always been interested in seeing what education is like in other countries, and international experiences like this offer better learning opportunities than those available in Thailand. 

Q. What were your first impressions of Grammar, and how has your experience compared to life at Mechai Bamboo School? 

A. My experience at Grammar has been really positive. Everyone has been friendly, which helped on my first day. The campus felt big and overwhelming at first, especially compared to the smaller layout at Mechai. I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far, and I love the weather! 

There are quite a few differences between the two schools. The uniform is very different, and at Mechai, we don’t have recess, pastoral care, or a tutor system. The curriculum at Grammar is more challenging, and I sometimes struggle to keep up, but I’m doing my best. 

Q. At Mechai Bamboo School, students play an active role in maintaining the gardens and teaching agricultural skills. What do you enjoy most about being part of this? 

A. I’m proud of it because it’s something I’ve done with my own hands. Being involved from the start; planting, looking after the crops, and then seeing everything grow, is such an amazing feeling. We grow a lot of vegetables like eggplant, cabbage, basil and bok choy. It’s rewarding to see the results of our hard work, especially because we use what we grow to cook our own meals. It makes me feel more independent and connected to what I eat. 

Q. What subjects or activities have you enjoyed the most since starting at Grammar? 

A. I really loved the bushwalking camp. We went to the Tasman Peninsula and hiked 15 kilometres every day. It was my first time ever camping, so everything was new – sleeping and cooking outdoors, carrying a heavy pack – I had never done anything like that before, and I loved every part! I swam in the sea with my friends, and at night we played Uno in our tents (even though we were supposed to be asleep!).

I also really enjoy PE. Back at my school in Thailand, we usually do one sport per term. But at Grammar, I’ve had the chance to try so many new sports like pickleball, tennis, and footy. I had never even heard of some of these before, so it’s been exciting to try them for the first time. 

Q. What advice would you give to future exchange students from Mechai Bamboo School before they come to Grammar? 

A. Try as many things as you can - there is so much to do! It’s been an amazing experience. If you want to learn English, it’s the best way to do it. Sometimes I struggle to say something because I don’t feel confident to speak to the native English speakers. But I feel like my English is better now and I’ve learned so many new words. 

 

We then spoke with Susan Bell, VET and Workplace Learning Coordinator, who gave us her insights on the partnership from a teachers perspective. 

Q. How did the partnership between Grammar and Mechai Bamboo School come about? 

A. The partnership began after I visited the Mechai Bamboo School. What started as a teacher exchange was extended to offering a scholarship for one of their students to attend Grammar for a term. In return, we are sending our students to Thailand in November to gain hands-on experience and help teach English to Mechai students. 

Q. What are the key goals of the exchange program, and what makes it stand out from other student exchanges? 

A. The exchange program is grounded in service. What sets it apart from typical exchange initiatives is its deeper purpose: fostering empathy, sustainability, and cultural understanding through shared daily routines. From 5am starts with cleaning and gardening to learning alongside students from remote villages, our students will gain insight into a way of life vastly different from their own. It’s not just about travel, it’s about contributing meaningfully and developing humility through lived experience. 

Q. How can students and the wider community support or get involved in the program in the future? 

A. Students, families, and staff can get involved by expressing interest. The program is open to Grades 11-12, with plans for Thai language preparation and a future Cambodia expansion. Opportunities include hosting visiting Mechai students, attending talks like Dominic Sharpe’s in July (founding trustee of CamKids and Director of Liger Leadership Academy), and registering early for the 2026 exchange trip.