Turning Experience into Opportunity – how my Borneo trip helped me upskill for life beyond school

When I came home from Malaysian Borneo, I realised that my Global Action trip gave me the best of both worlds: an unforgettable experience and the chance to develop skills that go far beyond the classroom. While I was making memories and experiencing somewhere completely new, I was also building qualities that universities and employers genuinely look for.

Step Outside the Syllabus

A Global Action trip takes you way beyond the classroom (and I’m not just saying that because I’ve worked there since leaving school!). It’s one thing learning about global issues and different cultures, but it’s completely different seeing them for yourself. Being there makes everything feel more real and gives you a much better understanding of the world around you.

Along the way, you’ll naturally develop communication and teamwork skills. You’ll learn how to explain your ideas clearly, listen to others and adapt when there are language or cultural differences. You’ll also work with people from different backgrounds, building confidence while learning how to support others and contribute to a team.

When my team and I arrived for our homestay in Sepilok, we stayed with lovely local Malay families. At first, we wondered how we’d communicate, but it turned out to be much easier than we expected. A mix of hand gestures, Google Translate, pointing at random objects and plenty of laughter got us through! It was a great reminder that communication isn’t just about speaking the same language – it’s about being patient, open-minded and willing to have a go.

The best part? These are exactly the kinds of skills universities and employers want to see because you’ve developed them through real experiences.

Where You Start to Stand Out

For a lot of people, this could be their first time properly away from home, and that’s a big deal. It’s your chance to become more independent while still having experienced leaders there to support you.

You’ll find yourself making decisions, managing your time, stepping outside your comfort zone and taking responsibility for yourself. Those moments might seem small at the time, but they’re often the ones that build the most confidence.

On the trek is where I really came into my own. Long, challenging days hiking through the jungle pushed me well outside my comfort zone and taught me the importance of discipline, resilience and keeping going even when things felt tough. By the end of the trek, I realised I was capable of far more than I’d given myself credit for.

When it comes to university applications, personal statements or interviews, these experiences help you stand out because you’ve genuinely lived them. It’s proof that when things get tough, you’re not going to give up – whether it’s a difficult project or curveballs at work.

Think Bigger. See Further.

Living and working alongside local communities isn’t just about visiting somewhere new – it’s about seeing life from a different perspective. By getting involved in meaningful projects, you gain a better understanding of different cultures and the challenges communities face.

Planting trees as a team really helped us see first-hand what conservation actually involves. It made it clear just how much effort and hard work people are putting in to protect their environment every day.

Experiences like that help you become more adaptable, open-minded and emotionally aware. Learning to understand and respect different perspectives and connect with people from all walks of life is something that will stay with you long after the trip ends, and is an essential life skill.

Transferable skills, confidence and resilience

In summary, it’s not just about what you do while you’re there – it’s about what you bring home with you afterwards: those hard to pin down transferable soft skills employers talk about like communication and teamwork. The confidence and resilience built through experiences outside your comfort zone will open doors in your future too.