Students from Richmond Institute (RISL) recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, travelling to Samoa for a week filled with adventures and unique experiences. 

The trip saw 16 RISL students travel between the capital city, Apia, and Samoa’s biggest island, Savai'i, for just over a week. 

Richmond Institute is the education arm of the Richmond Football Club and a leader in sports industry education. In collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Richmond Institute develops the next generation of sports industry leaders. Click here to learn more.

In Apia, students were able to see Samoa’s natural sites and experience strong cultural immersion, while in Savai'i, students helped deliver AFL clinics in high schools, introducing the sport to a new region of fans.

One of RISL’s most unique student trip offerings, the Samoan trip is underpinned by the connection key RISL staff have built with the Australian High Commission, who have a strong presence in Samoa and work to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in the country through sport and physical activity, where RISL has a great opportunity to make an impact.

RISL students adjusted to ‘island time’ with ease and got involved in every opportunity, even stepping out of their comfort zone when tasting traditional Samoan food.

Highlights of the trip included the FiaFia cultural night at the Samoa Beach Resort, which involved a fire show and demonstrations of traditional dances, which RISL students got involved in, the Morning Church Service at Mulivai Cathedral, The To Sua Ocean Trench, a wonderful swimming hole, and the footy clinics delivered in Savai'i.

The students and teachers at the schools loved getting involved in AFL, while also building a connection with RISL students.

Last year, Richmond forward Mykelti Lefau and a group of Tiger players and staff visited Samoa, as the Club’s links with the country go from strength to strength. 

The travelling RISL cohort were warmly welcomed by Samoa Tourism, as their guides, Martin and Tee, joined them for the entire trip, teaching them about Samoan culture and the language. 

Overall, the trip is an example of how RISL students have unique opportunities to grow and develop, not only as future leaders, but also as people, stepping out of their comfort zones and creating valuable life skills. 

Other trips this year have seen students travel to India, Cape York and more. Along with the AFL game day experience RISL provides to students, there’s no better place to study if you’re dreaming of a future in sport. Click here to learn more.