There are a few gorgeous island countries in the world that are definitely worth visiting. Although there are many beautiful countries in the world to visit, it has recently been a {#blank#}1{#/blank#} for many Chinese to visit island countries during their holidays. So take a look at these island countries in the world, which everyone should certainly visit at least once in lifetime.

    Malta is a beautiful southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, which has a rich history and a variety of culture. In fact, there are plenty of interesting things to see and to do in Malta and this island country, {#blank#}2{#/blank#} by lots of mysterious hidden coves (小海湾), it has something for everyone. The {#blank#}3{#/blank#} part of Malta has incredible architecture, great walled cities, and many underground {#blank#}4{#/blank#} to explore.

    The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and best island countries The Philippines {#blank#}5{#/blank#} over 7, 000 islands and all of them are beautiful and unique in their own way. There are many wonderful tourist {#blank#}6{#/blank#} including Mayon Volcano (火山), the Chocolate Hills and many more. The country also offers plenty of interesting activities for you to experience, such as diving, climbing, camping and many others.

    The Maldives is not only one of the most beautiful island countries, it is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. The Maldives, {#blank#}7{#/blank#} in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is made up of an entire series of incredible ancient coral reefs (珊瑚礁) that grew up along the sides of ancient volcanoes. There is a {#blank#}8{#/blank#} ocean, with fascinating beaches and luxury resorts (豪华度假区). You can now have easy {#blank#}9{#/blank#} to Maldives by air, and there are luxury hotels of various styles on different islands.

The Floating School

    Life on the islands can feel a bit isolated due to a lack of electricity and internet connectivity.

    Although some of the islands have primary schools, most young people must travel to the larger islands or to the mainland to attend high school. Schools on the islands follow the {#blank#}1{#/blank#} curriculum (课程). They don't teach subjects such as maritime skills, swimming or local fishing traditions, and so the curriculum isn't always {#blank#}2{#/blank#} with students' everyday life.

    So, we {#blank#}3{#/blank#} the Floating School after winning funding through a US State Department grant competition called Seeds for the Future. Before we started the school, we spoke with young people, community leaders and teachers on the islands to find out the topics young people are most interested in. We also learned about the various {#blank#}4{#/blank#} of students and young people who don't go to school. Thus, we {#blank#}5{#/blank#} our own non-formal educational programme that fits with the context of life on the islands. For example, those working in fishing have responsibility {#blank#}6{#/blank#} the marine life, so we teach environmental protection and discourage destructive fishing practices.

    The Floating School is a wooden boat that can {#blank#}7{#/blank#} up to twenty people and it goes to the students, not the other way around -- we use it to transport educational materials, tools, and teachers to young people living on the islands. Our teachers are local young {#blank#}8{#/blank#}— so far we have had journalists, photographers, computer engineers and musicians — and students who want to {#blank#}9{#/blank#} their skills.

    At first, many of the young people thought the Floating School would be the same as their schools on the islands. They had thought of the teachers to be {#blank#}10{#/blank#}. But our students learn through art, media and literature. They don't have to wear uniforms or shoes, and the teachers treat the students as equals, without judging them. This means our students can be themselves.