Sixth Form Indonesia trip: leeches, learning and living in the moment

Published by The King Alfred School on Tuesday 8th of October 2024

A group of King Alfred Sixth Form students recently journeyed to remote Indonesian islands where they conducted ecological research – and learned valuable life lessons, too.

The two-week trip saw the group of eight – six students and two teachers – travel to the Wallacea region in eastern Indonesia. There they worked on two separate projects alongside scientists from Operation Wallacea, an environmental research and conservation organisation.

On Buton Island they completed biodiversity surveys, collecting data on flora and fauna including bats, butterflies and birds. Students look at a butterfly specimen in a ziplock bagMeanwhile, at Hoga Island Marine Station the students took part in diving trips to assess the ocean’s community structure, including macroinvertebrates (such as sea snails, clams and crayfish), fish and coral cover.

The KAS group worked alongside students from Taiwanese and Australian schools on the projects. The data gathered on their expeditions will help to inform further research and support funding applications.

When not on-project, students embraced the full jungle-life experience. Lodgings included army-style tents with camp beds and traditional wooden huts, whilst basic meals included rice and noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A thorough kit-list included long-sleeved tops and bottoms to guard against parasites – although Sixth Former Ella says leeches did still need peeling off her trousers from time to time!

Three teenage girls sit around a wooden table in a open-sided hut on a river in IndonesiaThe trip also provided opportunities for deeper personal development. Resilience and adaptability were key learnings for KAS student Libby, who says: “It was very basic living, which was a big shock at first. I initially thought ‘I’m not built for this’, but you quickly get used to it – and it actually becomes enjoyable.”

The remote location also gave Libby the opportunity to switch off and connect more deeply with those around her. “There was no phone service, so we weren’t on our mobiles. It was scary to start with, as I couldn’t easily contact my parents. But then it forced me to communicate more with others on the trip, which helped us to bond.”

Connection was also a key takeaway for Ella, especially with the local people. “It was really eye-opening to see how people can live very simply and still be happy,” she says. “It made me realise that I don’t necessarily need lots of stuff to enjoy myself.”

She adds that the trip has given her the confidence to go travelling in the future. “I already knew that I wanted to travel, but it’s cemented that I can do it. It showed me I’m capable of packing a rucksack and going somewhere different or remote.”

The School hopes to repeat the trip, and both students would wholeheartedly-recommend it to fellow KAS pupils. As Libby concludes: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – take it!”