The Counselling and Guidance Unit of the Department of Student Affairs organised Peer Helper Study Trip to Guilin University of Technology (GUT) for the third time with 22 UTAR peer helpers and one staff. The study trip was held from 23 to 30 September 2019.

The participants were involved in a variety of live activities that enriched their personal development and peer communication. The activities included Psychological Exploration, Expressive Art Therapies, Career Planning and many other classes conducted by GUT lecturers.

Moreover, the participants also had the chance to participate in the Outdoor Quality Development Training to enhance their leadership and teamwork among peers. In addition, they also visited the Yanshan Campus, Li River Cruise, Guilin Water System and Elephant Hill Park. They were also given the opportunity to engage in Chinese cultural activities such as Chinese paper cutting and calligraphy.

The highlight of the trip was the Peer Helper Community Project that was held at GUT Affiliated Primary School in Guilin, China. With the help of 10 GUT helpers, the team was supervised by four GUT lecturers and 12 primary school teachers. The project aimed to expose the peer helpers to the local community of the Chinese primary school besides providing a platform for them to experience intercultural cooperation with the volunteer workers of GUT. It also aimed to promote self-awareness and self-growth through the community project.

The primary school students enquired about Malaysia and its cultures, the different races as well as UTAR and its programmes while enjoying the activities outlined for them. It was very stimulating to have the younger generations engaging in an intellectual session while having fun.
The trip also provided an opportunity for the student helpers to explore places of attractions in Guilin by themselves. They enjoyed the trip with the international students from GUT. The training session provided by GUT staff enabled participants to gain a handful of knowledge and skills.