VAS International Summer Camp in Australia & New Zealand comes to an end

After two weeks of learning and exploration, the Australia and New Zealand journey of the VAS International Summer Camp 2026 has come to a successful close, leaving VASers with meaningful experiences in education, culture, nature, and personal growth. 

VASers visit Victoria University 

One of the highlights of the programme was the opportunity to experience international education firsthand. VASers spent a school day alongside Australian secondary students through the Buddy 1:1 Programme at Nunawading Christian College, while also visiting leading universities including the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the University of Melbourne, and RMIT University to gain insights into overseas learning environments. 

Heartwarming moments of VASers with local secondary school students 

Throughout the journey, students explored many of Australia and New Zealand's iconic destinations. In New Zealand, they visited the famous Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings, marvelled at the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, enjoyed panoramic views from Mt. Eden, trekked along the crystal-clear Te Waihou Blue Spring, and explored the Auckland Art Gallery. In Australia, they discovered Melbourne's landmarks, including Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes. 

The Hobbiton Movie Set 

The crystal-clear Te Waihou Blue Spring

Commemorative photo with the Mayor of Manningham

VASers meet a kangaroo - one of Australia's iconic native animals

The programme also introduced students to local communities and sustainable development through a visit to Manningham Council, where they met the Mayor, toured the Community Garden, and learned about urban planning from local experts. Nature experiences included encounters with Australia's iconic wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats at Maru Koala & Animal Park, as well as visits to Western Springs Lakeside Park and Auckland Zoo. 

Students also immersed themselves in local culture through a visit to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, a traditional "Scones the English Way" baking class, an Australian BBQ featuring local favourites, shopping experiences across Auckland and Melbourne, and a journey back in time at Sovereign Hill (Ballarat), where they tried gold panning, explored an underground mine, and learned about life during Australia's Gold Rush over 170 years ago. 

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

VASers try their hand at gold panning at Sovereign Hill 

The journey concluded with the Graduation Ceremony, where VASers reflected on their experiences, presented their Aussie Journey Project, and received certificates recognising the successful completion of the programme. 

More than an overseas summer camp, the VAS International Summer Camp 2026 empowered students to build confidence, independence, adaptability, and a global mindset through immersive real-world experiences, preparing them for future learning journeys and opportunities around the world. 

>>> View more moments from VAS International Summer Camp 2026 in Australia & New Zealand