A week ago, we returned from Nepal after an inspiring and enriching journey. This experience not only provided us with new insights but also deepened our connection with colleagues, the international educational field, and our shared mission in God’s Kingdom.
International educational trips like this have a lasting impact—not only on the participants but also on our institution, our teaching practices, and our students. Experiencing education in a completely different context made us more aware of the value of quality education and the opportunities it creates.
Education in a Different Context: A Transformative Experience
During our trip, we gained a unique perspective on Nepalese education. We visited schools, engaged in discussions with teachers, and observed firsthand how education is structured in a vastly different cultural and economic setting. These experiences not only broadened our understanding but also challenged us to reflect on our own teaching methods:
📌 "I saw how much impact can be made with very few resources. It was both inspiring and confronting: what can we learn from this in our own, much wealthier educational environment?"
📌 "Observing lessons in another culture made me realize how I can teach more inclusively and how essential interaction is for learning processes."
These encounters and experiences not only expanded our professional knowledge but also touched us personally.
The Influence of Culture on Education
A key theme of this trip was understanding the influence of culture on education. The differences between Nepal and the Netherlands made us more aware of how education is shaped by its context—while at the same time reinforcing the universal power of education as a tool for change.
📌 "This trip has made me more aware of the value of education. Not just as a profession, but as a means to transform lives."
Additionally, it encouraged us to reflect on the role of identity in education: how can a Christian educational institution express its identity in an environment where it is not a given?
📌 "I witnessed how an organization operates strongly based on values in a challenging context. It made me think: how can we integrate our own identity even more consciously and effectively into our education?"
Learning and Growing Together
One of the most valuable aspects of this trip was spending time together as colleagues. Stepping out of our familiar environment allowed us to connect in new ways, strengthening our teamwork and collaboration.
📌 "I’ve come to realize again how important it is to spend time with colleagues. It helps us truly get to know one another and connect—not only to each other but also to Driestar and our shared mission to build God’s Kingdom together."
It was also deeply encouraging to meet Christians from a different culture and share our faith.
📌 "Cross-cultural encounters touch you personally. They are formative. The people I met and their stories will stay with me—as a Christian and as an educator. They bring perspective, humility, understanding, and faith."
Impact on Driestar and Our Students
The insights and experiences we gained will be brought back into our work and shared with our students. International projects like these are crucial in making students aware of the importance of internationalization and inspiring them to explore beyond their own borders.
📌 "This trip has strengthened my motivation for my work. It helps me see the bigger picture and better guide students in their own development."
Moreover, international collaboration contributes to the development of our curriculum and network. Our connections with ECEC and other partners in Nepal offer opportunities for future collaborations and exchanges in education development and professionalization.
Looking Ahead
This journey has not only inspired us but also opened new doors for collaboration and knowledge exchange. In the coming months, we will explore how to further develop these international connections for the benefit of our education and students.
We are grateful for this incredible experience and look forward to translating our insights into practice!
This enriching experience was made possible through the support of Erasmus+, which enables international collaboration and professional development. Through this program, we were able to engage in meaningful exchanges, broaden our perspectives, and strengthen our commitment to high-quality, values-driven education. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to building on these international connections in the future!
