Dear all,
I receive quite a few questions on the trip so I thought maybe I can answer them in the blog as they are good questions:
Q1: Is the trip dangerous?
Answer 1: All the sites are tourist sites. In fact some of them like the Opium War museum has a certified 5 star rating by the government in China. We chose China for CIP compared to the other Asian states as it is politically stable. Our travel agent is also a famous accredited travel company in Singapore. The places we are trekking at safe too. They are like the tourist routes in Seven Star Crags and the stairs in Tian Tan Buddha. However, as similar to all overseas trips like the sec 2 Sabbatical, it is very important to follow instructions like time to meet, time to lights out for safety reasons. These precautions are similar to what we do in school trips too. That is the reason why we specify that cadets who join must follow instructions, not carry serious breathing problems or injuries, and not be fussy over food. Following instructions also includes not being late every morning or every site we visit. Cause it will delay the whole trip and make us look bad in front other CCA. We cannot be reminding you everyday to bathe, change your clothes or have enough sleep. We also cannot have students fussy over food cause it is not right to waste food. The needy village school students have not enough food. Food in China tends to be more oily and salty as both are symbols of wealth.
Q2: How physical is the trip itself?
Answer 2: It is definitely less physical than NCOC and our physical trainings. However, there is quite a bit of walking over medium to long distances at leisure pace. CIP schools are usually located inside the village and not on the main road. Moreover, we need some walking to explore some places like Victoria Peak and some tourist sites. It should not be an issue if you have been taking part in GM physical activities or have survived NCOC. However, we do not advise students with serious asthma, breathing difficulties or injuries to join. Reason is because we want our students to have complete experiences overseas. It will be a waste if you are constantly in the bus. Moreover, the medical facilities in countryside is not as good so immediate treatment may be a issue if there is a sudden attack.
Q3: Is it a fun trip?
Answer 3: It is a trip that prepares you to be a leader. Service Learning is important in Poly and JC. It is a soft skill that we want to pass down to you. This trip took around 2 years to plan. The reason it took so long was we wanted to make sure all the activities and sites prepared are unique and customised to the SJAB motto of "the Service of Mankind," that translates itself as preparing our cadets for the medical sector and service to the community. That is why most of the activities are leaned towards physical or soft skills based. Our concept is similar to the "Doctors without Borders" concept, where we believe we can make a difference to the needy not just in Singapore but in Asia. Shopping is not something we look into cause we have limited time. Shopping is something you can do when you go on family vacations or personal trips when you grow up. It does not prepare you to be a leader. We leave it to the word of mouth of cadets who have travelled with us before whether the unique SJAB experience is fun. They are the best ambassadors. For those who believe in what we do and our motto, please sign up for the trip if your parents are ok. Cause from past experiences, you will benefit a lot. Can ask those past, present CSMs and corps officer who have joined us.
Q4: What is the weather in Guangzhou and Hongkong in late November? Do I need winter clothes?
Answer 4: The weather in Hongkong is around 20-25 degrees in day time and can drop to 11- 15 degrees nightime. No winter clothes is needed. You can look at Hongkong serial shows actors and actresses to see what they wear. Guangzhou is same temperature but slightly colder in more rural areas. No need winter clothes.
Q5: How different is the CIP from Sec 2 Sabbatical?
Answer 5: It is a smaller group per activity or class. In Sec 2 Sabbatical, 40 students are involved in one activity. Ours will be in groups of around 8. It is much smaller but the learning experiences are far richer. We also provide more individual mentoring.
Q6: How much do I need to pay for the trip?
Answer 6: For PRs and foreigners, you need to pay $1525, excluding VISA charges for some nationalities. For Singapore citizens, there is a error in my briefing on Friday. The amount you pay should be the following, subject to minor changes depending on number of students going. Cause we have a small sum of incentive money due to CAA Gold. Currently we cap the additional money per Singapore citizen at $200. The reason why only Spore citizens get this sum of money is cause this is from the MOE Internationalisation and Opportunity Fund for Singapore citizens only. This amount will be more if there are fewer cadets going cause it is a lump sum divided by number of cadets:
—Parents gross income
below $2500: Students pay 20% ($265: limited cadets can qualify due to cap for number of students per trip that can claim this top tier subsidy)
—Parents gross income $2501 to
$3500: Students pay 50% ($662)
—Parents gross income
$3501 to $$4500: Students pay 75% ($993)
—Parents gross income
$4501 and above: Students pay 100% ($1325)
You can pass me the forms on Wednesday in GM if you are interested and your parents are ok. There are only 25 vacancies. Sec 2s and Sec 3s will get top priority as I recognize your sacrifices this year in NCOC, BGI and FA competition. Moreover you don't have many chances left to travel. Sec 1s please apply too if your parents are ok as we usually have vacancies left for Sec 1s in the last 4 years. If there is a need for interview, the criteria is based on attendance in CCA, participation in CCA, achievements in CCA and other factors like academic performance and leadership potential.
Thanks.
Mr Yong