Once-in-a-lifetime international exchange to South Korea for Burton and South Derbyshire College students

International Ambassadors and Childcare students from Burton and South Derbyshire College are currently taking part in an international exchange to South Korea as part of a new £2.5 million Department for Education programme in partnership with the British Council.

The group of eight students are spending one week in South Korea (26^th October–3^rd November), linking up with a partner college in Jeonju. During the week, they will learn about South Korea’s culture, education and history through a variety of activities, including participating in classes at the college, visiting local settings based on their area of study in Jeonju, and having the opportunity to explore the capital city of Seoul and visit the Korean border and the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone).

The international school exchange programme offers grants to secondary schools and colleges in England with above-average numbers of pupil premium and financially less-advantaged students. It will give thousands of learners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience new cultures, improve language skills, and build independence and resilience.

Stephanie Bower, International Officer at Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “This is a life changing opportunity for our learners, providing them with an opportunity to develop their global employability skills and to gain an enhanced awareness of cultures that differ from their own. We have an increasing number of international students visiting BSDC year upon year, and this experience will enable these learners to gain a greater understanding of the backgrounds and experiences that these international students have, encouraging friendship and shared understanding across the whole college.”

Vicky Gough, schools adviser at the British Council, said: “This school exchange to South Korea will immerse Burton and South Derbyshire College students in a very different way of life, and the memories they’ll make will no doubt stay with them for years to come. International experience can have a positive and long-lasting effect on people’s lives, which is why it’s particularly important that we support pupils who might not otherwise get such an opportunity to learn about new cultures in this way.”

Loren Mortlock, an International Ambassador participating in the exchange said: “This trip has been a dream of mine for many years, after being in love with South Korean culture. I am honoured to have the opportunity to fully experience what South Korea has to offer.  I’m hoping this trip will help me in my journey to eventually study Korean at university.”