What is Vcil Travel School?

Vcil Travel School is an experiential learning/international travel program using context-based learning methods in a multicultural environment. By combining with local community development, Vcil Travel School aims to innovate and rethink education as well as tourism.

With that desire, Vcil Travel School brings education out of the confines of classroom walls to interact with the wider world outside, where learners are exposed and experience through working with organizations in the local area and communities in different localities.

In this way, the program not only creates positive impacts with local communities but also creates space for participants to immerse themselves in different contexts and environments.

Through this, participants have the opportunity to reassess their thinking, lifestyle, and challenge their perspectives; these are the materials to create profound changes within each individual participant, while broadening horizons, developing knowledge and promoting international cooperation.

Approach

Since its inception in 2018, we have operated many learning programs in different countries, including: Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea and India. Each program will have its own theme, depending on the land chosen for organizing the program.

Vcil Travel School connects participants with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and interests to explore learning topics together. We also collaborate with NGOs, communities, local schools, inviting influential individuals and experts to organize these programs.

To ensure the program is meaningful, creates impact, we apply the following educational platforms and methods:

Mindful travel

Travel with mindful and conscious thinking, focusing on being present in a conscious way and enjoying the environment, culture and interaction with people in a thoughtful and respectful manner. This concept stems from the principles of meditation, including paying attention to thoughts and emotions without judgment, while fully focusing on present experience.

Living like a local

‍Experience living like a local in everyday life, such as through using public transportation or eating local food.

Volunteering

‍Participate and contribute to activities supporting local communities, from caring for the elderly, doing organic farming or recycling waste. The purpose is to enhance understanding of social context and build connections with local people.

Context-based learning

‍Learners will be "immersed" in the context of the land deeply. The program is designed to facilitate members to connect with diverse aspects of the land's culture.

Activities are not confined to using intellect only (such as discussions and expert lectures) but also include workshops and cultural exchange interactions.

Support local economy

• Choose as much local food as possible, produced organically if possible, both when eating at restaurants and when shopping at markets.
• Avoid products of multinational companies like Nestle, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc. - these companies are destroying the local economy and causing environmental pollution worldwide.
• Buy local handicrafts and support local shops, restaurants, accommodations and climbing agencies to ensure the money you spend contributes to the local economy.
• Do your own research on prices and current price levels so you can negotiate fairly. By paying too much, you contribute to inflation. By paying too little, you deny a fair profit to the seller. To get information about current prices, you can contact the tourism office staff.
  

Peer to peer learning 

Participating in a program through peer-to-peer learning methods will promote a collaborative and dynamic environment. People participating in the learning program in Ladakh can share knowledge, experience and deep understanding, creating a rich learning carpet. This approach emphasizes the value of mutual exchange, allowing each participant to contribute and benefit from diverse perspectives within the group.

Field research (Field trip)

Trips apply field research methodology, providing participants with the opportunity to explore and directly research the culture, environment and community dynamics of the region. Immersed in the local context, participants can conduct on-site interviews, gather valuable data and gain deeper understanding of the land. Field research enhances the learning experience by connecting theory with observation and practical analysis.

Learning through experience and reflection (Experiential learning and reflection)

Experiential learning is a dynamic educational method focused on active participation and practical experience, promoting deeper understanding of concepts through direct engagement. Combined with reflective practice methods, this method becomes a powerful tool for developing insights and connections. In the learning program in Ladakh, this approach is expressed through various hands-on activities such as farming, cooking, etc.

Participatory learning 

Applying the participatory learning model, the trip encourages active participation and contribution of all participants. Rather than passively receiving information, individuals participate in hands-on activities, discussions and projects. This approach empowers participants to take ownership of their learning experience, develop responsibility and promote deeper connections with culture and community.

Different Vcil Travel School programs that have been organized

Vcil Travel School 2018 in Thailand and Cambodia

Journey to Happy and Sustainable Education

Held in Thailand and Cambodia, from September 6-16, 2018

Vcil Travel School 2019 in Thailand and India

Worldview shift towards building new stories/society

Held in Thailand & Auroville (India), from December 4 - 30, 2019

Vcil Travel School 2022 in Ladakh (India)

Mindful Travel and Sustainable Lifestyle

Held in Ladakh, India, From August 27 - September 10, 2022

Vcil Travel School 2022 in New Delhi & Udaipur (India)

Alternative education and Right Livelihood

Held in New Delhi & Udaipur, India, from October 3 - 15, 2022

Vcil Travel School 2022 in Auroville (India)

New consciousness, new society

Held in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 4 - 10, 2023

Vcil Travel School 2023 in South Korea

From Han River miracles to alternative paths

Held in Seoul, Ulsan, Busan, South Korea from October 8 - 18, 2023

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