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Term 2: Lombok, Indonesia  People, Culture, and Innovation

Guiding Inquiry: How do communities balance tradition, technology, and sustainability? 
Key Concepts: Sustainability, Biodiversity, Human Impact
SDGs Focus: SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure)

Highlights

The Lombok term offers a dynamic immersion in the diverse ecological and cultural fabric of Indonesia. Learners begin with surf exploration and ocean literacy at Kuta Beach, connecting physical skill with marine awareness. The journey continues through field studies in Mount Rinjani National Park, where students engage with geological and ecological systems in one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

 

Midway through the term, we collaborate with the Indonesia Biru Foundation, deepening understanding of regenerative practices, conservation, and social impact. The experience culminates in an extended stay on an organic farm, where students engage in permaculture, sustainable living, and hands-on agroecology—a slow, intentional close to the term that grounds learning in the rhythms of land and community.

 

All of this is interwoven into a transdisciplinary inquiry on regeneration, systems thinking, and ecological interdependence.

Example Itinerary

Smiling for the Camera

Week 1

Week 1: Flipped Learning (Remote Preparation)

  • Introduction to sustainable development in Indonesia, with a focus on tradition, innovation, and ethical entrepreneurship.

  • Research on Lombok’s local industries, eco-tourism, and community-led innovation projects.

  • Peer discussions exploring how culture, technology, and sustainability intersect across generations.

  • Self-inquiry journaling: personal connections to innovation and cultural identity.

  • Virtual Q&A with Indonesian social entrepreneurs and regenerative business leaders.

Weeks 2-8

In-Person Immersive Learning 

  • Surf Culture & Coastal Sustainability: Surfing, beach clean-ups, and exploring the economic and ecological impact of surf tourism.

  • Mount Rinjani Field Studies: Trekking and ecological mapping, with a focus on volcanic ecosystems, water cycles, and local conservation efforts.

  • Mathematics & Data Science: Analyzing tourism data, micro-enterprise models, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

  • Innovation & Enterprise: Visits to social enterprises and eco-villages; exploring ethical entrepreneurship in local communities.

  • Permaculture & Agroecology: Living and learning on an organic farm—hands-on work in regenerative agriculture, compost systems, and circular economies.

  • Art & Cultural Expression: Collaborative storytelling and creative documentation exploring identity, sustainability, and innovation through traditional and modern forms.

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Teenagers

Weeks 9-10

Remote Project-Based Learning

  • Finalizing proposals for community-based innovation projects, rooted in sustainability and cultural context.

  • Virtual collaboration with Indonesian changemakers and regenerative entrepreneurs.

  • Preparing student-led presentations, ethical business pitches, and multimedia reflections on the term’s inquiry.

Weeks 11-12

Family Time & Transition

  • Rest, travel, and reflection.

  • Optional family-led eco-travel experiences to reinforce sustainability concepts.

Holding Hands Outdoors
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