Timor-Leste Immersion 2026

Over the September holidays, eighteen of our Year 10 and 11 students were accompanied by staff members: Deb Hodge, Patrick Beer and Jenna Funston on an unforgettable 13-day journey to Timor-Leste and what a fantastic experience it was!

It’s hard to describe the significant impact this immersion had on our group. What began as a visit to a new country soon became a powerful lesson in humanity, compassion, and connection. Each student returned home changed; more understanding of this struggling nation and its traumatic past, more compassionate towards these proud, gentle people, and more deeply aware of one’s ability to make a difference through small, simple actions.

On Atauro Island, our students worked side by side with local Timorese students, helping them to improve their English, a skill that can transform lives by opening doors to education, employment, and opportunity. Our school visits began early with a beautiful island sunrise, before we headed off to Tahi Opu School, the new English language school in Bikeli. The scenic journey along the coastline gave us a glimpse of the island’s beauty, but nothing prepared us for the incredible welcome that awaited us. As we stepped from the buses, the students lined the pathway and greeted us with the song, Oh, Oh Timor, before presenting each of us with a beautiful Tais scarf. It was a very touching welcome that made us feel incredibly special and reminded us of the warmth and generosity of the Timorese people. We then joined the students in English lessons, sharing games and activities focused on family, numbers, hobbies and directions. Their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and sheer joy made teaching an absolute highlight of the day. During morning tea, fresh coconuts, singing, dancing and plenty of laughter created a wonderful sense of connection, with the students also eagerly taking photos with us. It was days filled with learning, laughter, cultural exchange and genuine friendship; it was an experience our students will remember for a very long time.

One afternoon, these same children from the Bikeli village arrived at Barry’s Place on the back of a truck, ready for an epic game of soccer. The skill, enthusiasm and energy of the local kids were incredible as they proved it was impossible to beat them. Despite some great goals from PJ and Reuben and an impressive assist from Casey, we went down 7–2. The score, however, mattered little as the afternoon was all about fun, friendship and connection. The match finished with plenty of selfies, laughter, dancing and a huge conga line. It was a wonderful celebration of the friendships and memories being created on Atauro. When it came time to say goodbye, there were tears, hugs, and heartfelt promises to stay connected, a true sign of the meaningful relationships built in such a short time.

Snorkelling in this idyllic marine setting was a real highlight for us, with Atauro renowned as a hidden gem and a place that offers access to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems and spectacular coral reefs in the world. After a short kayak out to the reef, students swam in crystal-clear water and were amazed by the beauty beneath the surface. Colourful coral, schools of tropical fish and bright blue starfish made for a memorable experience. We enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the outer reef and waking each morning to brilliant sunrises over the sea. We saw the local fishermen set out in their boats before dawn, and we got to eat their delicious daily catch every lunch and evening meaI. It was a reminder of the simplicity of island life and the beauty of nature.

After five days on the island, our group returned to Dili, and continued to explore the history and complex relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste, as well as the importance of the Catholic Church in standing in solidarity with the people during the years of Indonesian occupation. Despite the nation’s difficult history of colonisation and conflict, the Timorese people welcomed us with warmth and kindness. Their resilience and faith left a lasting impression on every one of us.

On our last day, we were fortunate enough to head to the mountains to visit Railaco NOSSEF Jesuit Senior School, a school we support through our Jesuit Mission fundraising. With around 300 students in Years 10–12, including boarding facilities for students who live too far away to walk to school, it was very interesting to tour the campus and sit in on an English lesson. We were reminded of the privilege of education here in Timor, with fees of around $124 a year being significant when the average daily wage is approximately $5.25. Our next stop was Timor Global Coffee, where we saw the fascinating process of harvesting, washing, drying and sorting coffee beans. Naturally, plenty of coffee was purchased to bring home to family. We then travelled to Cristo Rei, the magnificent statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Dili, where we tackled the 591 steep steps to the summit. Although our legs were certainly burning after the climb, the breathtaking views across the coastline made every step worthwhile.

This immersion was so much more than travel; it was truly an education of the heart and mind. Our students came back to Australia more inspired to live as young people for others. It perfectly embodies our Jesuit values of love, service and companionship, and it’s an experience our young people will carry with them for life. One of the most rewarding aspects of our Timor-Leste immersion was our time in Bikeli village, where our students embraced the opportunity to learn from and alongside the local community. What was particularly impressive was the students’ willingness to step outside their comfort zones, communicate across language and cultural differences, and build genuine connections with the children and families they met. We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented our College, demonstrating our Ignatian call to be people for others by walking alongside the Bikeli community with humility, joy and respect.

In 2027, we will once again offer this extraordinary opportunity to our Year 10 and 11 students. While we recognise that the program represents a financial commitment, we can say with absolute confidence that it is worth every cent. The growth, maturity, and spiritual insight students gain cannot be replicated in a classroom.

The Timor-Leste Immersion is more than a trip, it’s a transformative experience that shapes hearts, minds, and futures. We warmly encourage families to consider this incredible journey for their child in 2027.

If you are interested and would like further information, please email Deb Hodge-hodged@ignatius.vic.edu.au

Deb Hodge, Patrick Beer & Jenna Funston
Timor-Leste Immersion Conveners