CCC Turing Scheme students visit South Korea  

Over 40 students from Capital City College (CCC) are having the experience of a lifetime in South Korea by taking part in the Turing Scheme.

Forty-one students from CCC have taken part this year in the popular Turing Scheme, the UK’s global programme for studying, working, and living abroad. In honour of British mathematician and scientist Alan Turing, the scheme offers students the chance to explore different languages and cultures, build new skills, boost their employment prospects and experience international travel. Open to students aged over 18 who are enrolled on a Further Education course at the college, the Turing Scheme gives learners the chance to learn basic Korean and experience local culture while building their self-confidence.

Now for a fourth year, this popular trip adds to the success of previous Turing Scheme trips to Korea and highlights the strong ongoing partnerships between CCC and a number of Korean colleges. Learners are attending classes in Keimyung College University (KMCU) in Daegu, South Korea, the fourth largest city in the country, at Kyungbuk College (KBC) in Yeongju,and Korea Polytechnics (KOPO), in Jeonju.

During the programme, students participate in a range of cultural and study activities which seek to develop their hard and soft skills. Learners at host colleges are working on a hard skills assignment which looks at areas of best practice in Korea, and attended lectures on different topics, ranging from customer service skills to AI.

Learners are also undertaking a Green Skills programme which improves their understanding of environmental challenges and climate action, comparing issues and responses in the UK and South Korea. As part of the programme, learners at KMCU planted trees, students at KBC picked litter and learners at KOPO visited the Rural Development Administration part of the Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to learn how they are using science and technology to combat climate change.

As part of their cultural programme, so far learners at KOPO have played drone football and visited Jeonju Hanok village. Learners at KMCU had a day trip to Busan, Korea’s second largest city, where they experienced a traditional Korean Tea ceremony, while students at KBC visited Buseoksa Temple and Yeongju town council office.

Here’s what some of our students said

Phillippa: “I am having an amazing experience, that has really boosted my mind, and life experiences. Every time I think about what I would be doing now, I am happy that I applied to be here. It has given me the confidence to be aware that I can be in wholly different world and culture and be accepted as a human being. I am happy that I started studying again, and became a part of the Capital city College family. It given opportunities that I could never imagine.”

Simon: “This experience so far has showed me a world where even the rush feels respectful. Coming from London’s messy charm, Korea’s quiet order and everyday courtesy hit me in the best way—it made me slow down, observe more, and appreciate the small rituals that hold a culture together.”

Joseph: “I have found this experience so far to be insightful and culturally enriching. The buddies here at KMCU have been really nice and helpful, showing us around in their own time and really taking an interest in getting to know us. Taekwando was very fun and pottery was quite relaxing.”

Elizabeth: “This is a very lovely and well-planned programme, the professors are very kind and patient. So far this program has brought me out of my comfort zone and has reinforced my love for learning new things. I can’t wait to see what this programme entails.”

Kenzie: “During my first four days in Daegu, I instantly felt welcomed by the exceptional buddies at KMCU. They are certainly a true testament of the university’s culture and polite practices. Separately, I already feel like I’ve acquired cultural and enrichment that will last me a lifetime. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to soon visit other parts of Asia.”

Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal for Young People, English, Mathematics and SEND at CCC, said: “I have had the privilege to travel to South Korea with a group of learners, and I’m in awe of what this experience has meant for them. Our students have had the opportunity to travel, explore a new culture, and grow in ways that just aren’t possible in the classroom.

“For some, it was their first time on a plane. For others, their first time outside of London. But what united them all was their openness, curiosity, and willingness to embrace every moment. This trip has been a powerful reminder of what a privilege it is to work in this sector—to support learners as they grow, to open doors to new opportunities, and to be part of a journey that truly changes lives.”

The Turing Scheme is just one of the many benefits of studying with us. Find out more about college life at CCC including trips, discount schemes, clubs, societies and sports teams.

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