South Eastern Regional College

Students from Northern Ireland will be heading to the USA, Turkmenistan and Japan to further their vocational studies after their college secured Turing Scheme funding.

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has been awarded more than £66,000 by the UK government’s international education programme to send 16 students on the potentially life-changing trips.

Professional cookery students will be flying off to the United States to take part in an initiative to tackle food waste and security, as well as showcasing Irish street food. Production arts students will travel to Turkmenistan to work with peers in a variety of practical workshops culminating in a joint theatrical production.

Travel and tourism students, meanwhile, are heading for Japan to learn more about the country, culture, and language. This trip will build on a virtual exchange and facilitate an in-person meeting to create a joint tourism project highlighting the best of Japan and Northern Ireland.

International student mobility

The placements will allow the 16 participants to further develop vocational and technical skills; increase their exposure to diverse cultural experiences; improve language competences; develop personal and social competences including teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership and confidence; and enhance their business knowledge to prepare them for work.

Ken Webb, SERC Principal and Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have secured Turing Scheme funding in its inaugural year, underlining our commitment to international student mobility.

“Our aim is to improve the quality and relevance of education and training – providing opportunities for students to improve the personal, social and employability skills valued by employers.

Widening access

“About a quarter of our students are from disadvantaged backgrounds with many never having travelled abroad.

“The Turing Scheme will be invaluable in supporting SERC’s commitment to widening participation by providing a unique opportunity for those students that would otherwise be unable to avail themselves of international travel or work/study experiences.”

SERC, based in Northern Ireland, is a further education college committed to quality education and learning opportunities for local communities, delivering programmes from entry level to Master’s.

The primary objective is to be a key driver of economic development by empowering students and business to fulfil their ambitions, making Northern Ireland a successful, globally competitive and sustainable region.

Read more about further education opportunities under the Turing Scheme on our dedicated webpage.