GEM - Field Studies Experience

This field learning experience in Penang provides immersive experiences across diverse sustainability contexts, from rainforest ecosystems to urban heritage landscapes and coastal environments. Teachers will get to engage directly with scientists, practitioners, and local communities through hands-on activities including topics related to water resource management studies and community-led mangrove reforestation projects.

The programme offers authentic, place-based learning opportunities that demonstrate human-environment interactions and sustainable development principles in action. Teachers will get to gain practical experience of various geographical phenomena whilst building expertise in field-based pedagogy that can be applied in their own classrooms.

By exploring Penang's rich environmental and cultural heritage, teachers will get to develop a deeper understanding of regional sustainability challenges and solutions. The coherent field learning environment allows teachers to witness sustainability challenges and solutions across multiple contexts, providing them with comprehensive insights that enhance their ability to deliver meaningful geographical education to their students.

Following the successful iteration during the 2024 Geography Symposium, we are offering this re-run of the field learning experience to Batam, Indonesia.

Explore sustainable development challenges in Southeast Asia's rapidly industrialising landscape. Batam provides an authentic case study of how emerging economies balance economic growth with environmental protection, offering direct relevance to our geography curriculum across all levels.

This experience directly supports Lower Secondary sustainability topics, Upper Secondary climate action and tourism development, and Pre-University sustainable development goals.

Teachers will gain firsthand understanding of how physical and human geography intersect in real-world contexts. Return with authentic case studies, field-based pedagogical skills, and deep understanding of regional development patterns. A great opportunity for for educators seeking to bring place-based learning and Southeast Asian perspectives into their classrooms.

Sign-ups will commence in May 2026.