ERAU Bintan (Pulau Bintang) Enrichment Activity 2018
August 1, 2018
Embry-Riddle Asia Overseas Enrichment programme took place on the 25th May 2018. The duration of the programme was 4 days 3 nights in which students experienced the life of the local communities and their problem the locals face when it comes to environmental factors; such as waste disposal and water collection. Aside from the aforementioned, the physical activities were conducted such as flying fox, coconut tree climbing, rock climbing, etc.
Since the Overseas Enrichment Programme was held during the term break it allows the students to relax and disconnect from the internet as the lodging for the programme is held on a sunny beach. Apart from the relaxation the programme brought, it allows students to appreciate the benefit of the infrastructure and facilities that were given to them back home. In addition, students were hosted by the local communities, the interaction with them gave the students an insight into the daily lives of the local.
Upon arriving on Pulau Bintang (Bintan), the students were greeted with the friendly faces of the local and was transported to the lodging site, Loola Resort. The first activity the students took part was the rock-climbing activity which was categorized into three difficulties; easy, medium, and difficult. Most of the students managed to overcome the easy and medium difficulty wall, however not many are able to conquer the most challenging wall. However, these activities encourage the student to portray grit and teach them lessons in life – it never hurts to try. Following the rock-climbing activity was the breath-taking flying fox – the students, one by one, was made to slide down a line into a pool of water.
On the second day, the student visited the local airport – Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport. After the airport visiting, the students did boom-netting in which they have to jump off a platform 5 meter above the sea, into a net which was submerged in the water. After which, the students were made to enter the net while the boat was moving. These created a “whirlpool” which swirls the students around in the safety of the net.
The students started the day with a physically demanding activity, kayaking. The activity allowed the students to explore the mangrove and forge friendships by encouraging each other. After the kayaking was the eco-tour, which gave the students an insight into the struggles of the locals, the problem which they face, the solutions and the efforts to create an eco-friendly country.
On the last day, the students attempt the coconut tree climbing activity. It showcases the process of harvesting coconuts. Lastly, was the exhilarating skywalk, in which the students jumped off
an elevated beam attached to a harness and safety line. Last but not least, the trip ended with a short shopping trip along with numerous newly forged friendship.