Enrichment beyond the classroom is at the heart of what we do. International experiences give our students the opportunity to grow personally, develop vital employability skills and return with broadened perspectives. Three recent global trips to Vietnam, Kenya and Morocco highlight the powerful impact these opportunities have – both for our students and the communities they engage with.
Earlier this year, a group of 19 Construction students travelled to Vietnam to take part in a volunteering project at Tân Trung Kindergarten in Mo Cay Nam. Over three days, they supported essential improvements to the school’s playground, which is regularly affected by annual flooding. Their work helped make the space safer and more resilient for local children, while developing their own teamwork, independence and problem-solving skills, alongside a deeper understanding of global challenges.
More recently, 10 A Level students embarked on an unforgettable nine-day trip to Kenya. Building on our longstanding partnership with Jubilee Academy, students volunteered at the school for four days, completing DIY improvements and delivering creative activities for local pupils. Alongside their volunteering, they immersed themselves in Kenyan culture through a range of educational experiences, including a safari in the Great Rift Valley, a visit to Thomson Falls, experiments at the equator, and tours of tea and coffee plantations and the Giraffe Centre.
A further residential saw 14 students from our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aviation take part in a fully funded 15-night trip to Morocco, supported by the Turing Scheme. Following a rigorous selection process focused on personal development — including confidence, professionalism, teamwork and resilience — students embarked on a diverse and immersive experience across the country.
Over two weeks, students explored a wide range of tourism environments, including the vibrant city of Marrakech, the rural community of Ait Bouguemez, and the Sahara Desert, where they experienced both desert and oasis tourism. This variety gave learners valuable insight into how a single destination can offer multiple tourism experiences, while also deepening their understanding of different cultures and languages.
Reflecting on the trip, Travel and Tourism Lecturer, Sabrina Sandhu said:
“I can confidently say that it was the most exceptional educational trip we have experienced in our years of teaching.
From the moment we arrived, Morocco captivated us with its rich culture, warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible diversity. Every day brought new experiences, from exploring vibrant cities and traditional communities to witnessing the beauty of the desert, mountains, and oases. The trip provided countless opportunities for learning beyond the classroom and allowed our students to gain a genuine appreciation of a destination unlike any they had encountered before”.
“What made this residential truly special was the way our students embraced every opportunity presented to them. We are immensely proud of how they immersed themselves in the culture, stepped outside of their comfort zones, and approached each experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and respect. They engaged fully with local traditions, embraced new challenges, and demonstrated maturity and resilience throughout the journey”.
Across all three trips, students demonstrated enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. These experiences supported the development of essential life skills, including independence, confidence, teamwork and cultural awareness.