OSEP Japan 2026
26 October 2026
Our Secondary 3 students took part in a five-day Overseas Student Exchange Programme (OSEP) to Japan.
OSEP Japan 2026: Learning Beyond Borders
From 2 to 6 June 2026, our Secondary 3 students took part in a five-day Overseas Student Exchange Programme (OSEP) to Japan, accompanied by Mr Keith Teo, Mr Kelvin Leong and Ms Christina Siau. The programme combined cultural immersion, school exchange and experiential learning, giving students the chance to step beyond the familiar and learn in a setting that no classroom can replicate. Over five days, they built the essential 21st-century competencies (E21CC) that prepare them to thrive in a fast-changing, interconnected world.
Civic and Global Literacy: Understanding Our World
From regional partnerships to real-world challenges, our students discovered how countries learn from and support one another.
At the ASEAN-Japan Centre, students gained insights into the close ties between ASEAN and Japan. They also came to better understand Singapore’s place in an interconnected world, and how regional partnerships shape the opportunities and stability we enjoy.
Students working together for a group project in the ASEAN-Japan Centre.
At the Ikebukuro Life Safety Centre, earthquake simulations brought disaster preparedness to life. Going through the simulations themselves, rather than only reading about them, helped students practise staying calm, thinking clearly and acting responsibly under pressure.
Students experiencing an earthquake simulation at the Ikebukuro Life Safety Centre.
A visit to Tsukiji Market offered another window into Japanese society, where students explored local food, traditions and everyday life while appreciating the richness of a different culture. By observing how a community lives and works, they strengthened their cross-cultural awareness and developed a genuine respect for diversity and appreciation for the richness of a culture different from their own.
Students enjoying Solatsuki, a traditional Japanese treat in Tsukiji Market.
Communication and Collaboration: Building Bridges
Learning went beyond the classroom as students visited MITA International School of Science and Mathematics to connect with their Japanese peers. Speaking with students from another country required them to step out of their comfort zones, listen carefully and express themselves clearly, building their communication skills and confidence. By sharing perspectives and discovering common ground, they also practised empathy and open-mindedness, which are essential to working well with people from different backgrounds.
The experience reminded students that meaningful connections begin with curiosity and a willingness to learn from one another. These collaboration and cross-cultural skills will serve them well in school, in future workplaces and in a global society.
Adaptive and Inventive Thinking: Discovering Innovation
Japan is known for its technological advancement and creative ingenuity, and our students had the opportunity to explore both at close range.
At the Mitsubishi Museum, they discovered innovative technologies and learnt how engineering and invention have shaped the modern world. This encouraged them to think about how ideas become practical solutions.
Students attempting an architectural challenge at the Mitsubishi Museum.
At the Cup Noodles Museum, they learnt how an everyday food product grew into a global phenomenon, and saw how persistence and imagination can turn a simple idea into something used by millions.
Both students and teachers had the opportunity to look at the manufacturing process and design their own cup noodles!
These visits encouraged students to look at familiar things with fresh curiosity, question what is possible and consider how creativity can address needs and challenges in society.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
OSEP Japan was more than a journey to new places; it was an opportunity to see the world through fresh eyes. Through cultural immersion, authentic encounters and shared discoveries, students broadened their horizons, strengthened their 21st-century competencies and deepened their appreciation of Singapore’s place in the global community. They returned with not only new knowledge, but also meaningful experiences to inspire their learning long after the journey ended.
OSEP Japan in snapshots.
Through programmes like OSEP, we aim to give every student the opportunity to learn from the world, and to bring what they have learnt back to enrich their school, their community and their country.