Eight students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) have returned from a transformative two-week educational trip to Tenerife, funded through the UK Government's Turing Scheme.
The students, who are studying on the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice, travelled from SERC's Bangor, Lisburn and Downpatrick campuses to Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife, where they combined professional development with cultural immersion.
The group included Louis Marshall (18, Newtownards), Oran Toland (20, Belfast), Scott Truesdale (22, Belfast), Glesni Porteous (18, Kircubbin) and Katie Pollock (21, Bangor) all from Bangor Campus; Corey Speers (22, Downpatrick) from Downpatrick Campus; and Katie-Louise Murphy (19, Craigavon) and Kyle Halligan (20, Lisburn), both from Lisburn Campus.
During their stay, students attended FU International Academy, where they explored how creative media can be used to promote and advertise businesses. Through a series of practical workshops, they developed skills in photography, photo editing, presentations, research techniques and campaign design, all while working in an international learning environment.
In addition to their academic programme, the group took part in a range of cultural activities including yoga, painting, salsa dancing and Spanish language lessons, helping them to engage with local traditions and gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture. They also enjoyed excursions to some of Tenerife's most popular attractions, including Loro Parque and Siam Park, while sampling local cuisine, exploring the island's landmarks and building photography portfolios to support their coursework and future creative projects at SERC.
Reflecting on the experience, Katie Pollock, a student from Bangor Campus, said, "This trip has been educational and so much fun. I've made so many new friends and it has really helped with my confidence in getting to know new people from other campuses and other countries.”
She added, "I have improved my communication and technical skills as we were learning something new at the school every day. This trip has made me excited for my future where I hope to do photography, travel the world and make new friends along the way."
Fellow student, Oran Toland, from Bangor Campus, added. "This trip as amazing. It will impact my career and how I want to develop my skillset for media and beyond. It has made me consider the possibility of doing international work, so I think it will positively influence the shape my future."
Commenting on the success of the mobility, Nik Thomas, Creative Media Lecturer, one of the SERC team who accompanied the students said, "This fully funded Turing Scheme trip offered students invaluable opportunities to broaden their horizons, develop new skills and experience different cultures. The Creative Media students fully embraced every aspect of their time in Tenerife, enhancing their professional practice while developing the confidence, independence and global outlook that will benefit them throughout their future careers."
The Turing Scheme provides students with opportunities to study, train and gain valuable international experience abroad, helping to develop personal confidence, cultural awareness and employability skills. The Turing Scheme provides funding for students to undertake a study or work placement across the world, contributing to the UK Government’s commitment to a Global Britain, by helping organisations such as SERC to enhance existing international links and forge new relationships. The delivery partner for the Turing Scheme is the Department for Education (UK).
Above: (L – R) Corey Speers (22, Downpatrick), Katie Pollock (21, Bangor); Katie-Louise Murphy (19, Craigavon); Glesni Porteous (18, Kircubbin); Louis Marshall (18, Newtownards), Scott Truesdale (22, Belfast); Oran Toland (20, Belfast), and Kyle Halligan (20, Lisburn).
