Student Exchanges Between Wellington College Bangkok and Wellington College UK

Published on 17 July 2026

One of the most distinctive opportunities available to students at Wellington College Bangkok is the chance to experience life at our founding school in the United Kingdom through the Wellington Exchange programme.

Each year, five students from Wellington College UK travel to Bangkok for a two-week cultural and educational exchange in October, before five Wellington College Bangkok students make the return journey to Berkshire the following May. The programme offers far more than travel alone. It is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a different culture, build lasting friendships and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the wider Wellington family.

The most recent exchange began in October 2025 when students from Wellington College UK spent two weeks in Thailand, living with their host families and experiencing daily life at Wellington College Bangkok. Hosted by Amp, Wanjai, Grace, Keagan and Charlie, the visiting students were welcomed into both school and family life, gaining first-hand insight into the vibrant international community that defines Wellington College Bangkok.

Alongside attending lessons, the group explored many aspects of Thai culture. Evenings were filled with visits to temples, markets, shopping districts and cultural landmarks across Bangkok, while a weekend in Pattaya provided further opportunities to experience life beyond the capital. One particular highlight was participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition, allowing the visiting students to share in one of the many enrichment opportunities available to Bangkok pupils.

The exchange continued in May 2026 when Wellington Bangkok students travelled to the United Kingdom for the return visit. For many, this was their first opportunity to experience the historic campus of Wellington College and to see how the school's traditions and values are expressed in its original setting.

The trip was divided into two distinct experiences. Students spent their first week living with host families, providing an authentic insight into everyday life in the UK. They then spent a second week boarding at Wellington College itself—an experience that proved to be one of the highlights of the programme.

While Wellington College Bangkok operates as a day school, Wellington College in the UK is renowned for its boarding tradition. Living on campus allowed students to experience a different style of school life, developing greater independence while becoming fully immersed in the rhythms of a boarding community. This included dinner with the College's Master, Mr James Dahl.

During their stay, students participated in a range of activities both on and off campus. They had the opportunity to try sports not typically available in Thailand, attended the school's production of Mamma Mia, explored London, enjoyed a day at Thorpe Park and experienced the atmosphere of Speech Day—one of the most important events in the Wellington College calendar.

Beyond the activities themselves, the exchange programme helps students develop confidence, adaptability and a broader understanding of the world. It also strengthens the unique relationship between Wellington College Bangkok and Wellington College UK, bringing students together through shared experiences and common values.

The exchange programme forms part of a wider range of opportunities that connect Wellington Bangkok students with the UK school. Year 8 students can participate in a summer school programme at Wellington College, while Year 12 students have the opportunity to attend a university preparation residential designed to support their next steps towards higher education.

Assistant Head of Senior School, Mr Stewart Findlay, who is a key figure in the organisation of these exchanges, said:

“Together, these experiences allow students to benefit from the unique partnership between the two schools, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether through cultural exchange, academic enrichment or university preparation, Wellington students are encouraged to develop a truly global perspective while building connections that can last a lifetime.”

We expect that over the coming months and years such opportunities will continue to grow within the Wellington network of schools. Alongside the campuses already well-established across China and in India, Summer 2026 sees the opening of new schools in Indonesia and the USA, followed by Kazakhstan and Nigeria in 2027 and then Kenya and Qatar in 2028. Such expansion across the globe will inevitably support a range of new opportunities for interaction for our students, and we're excited to explore these soon.