From London to Seoul: an international mentoring experience with Lacoste

Capital City College A Level student Chidera Odo has made the most of mentorship during a visit to South Korea.

A Capital City College (CCC) student has taken a mentoring experience with Lacoste in London to new heights during a visit to the global brand’s South Korean headquarters whilst on the college’s fully funded Turing Scheme mobility trip.

Chidera Odo, who is studying A Level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, is enrolled on the Committed Crocodiles programme with Lacoste. The programme partners learners with professionals within the fashion industry to build confidence and develop essential skills. 

While visiting South Korea as part of the Turing Scheme, Chidera was able to take advantage of a unique opportunity to meet with a Korean mentor, Sumyung Kim, in an extension of the Committed Crocodiles programme. Chidera received a warm welcome at Lacoste’s Hyundai Department Store in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, followed by a visit to the South Korea Head office which offered panoramic views over the iconic Hangang (Han River).

During her tour of the South Korean Head Office, Chidera had the opportunity to explore different departments, meet designers and the CEO. She said: “The office was stunning – really modern and open, and you could see the whole river from up there.” 

Philippa Cooke, Head of Hub at CCC’s Angel centre, said: “Bringing together the Lacoste mentoring programme and the Turing mobility scheme was a deliberate decision. Both opportunities aim to expand learners’ personal and professional horizons. By connecting them, we created a richer, more coherent experience that allowed the student to deepen her learning, apply it in a global context, and build lasting confidence in her ability to navigate the professional world.”

The experience offered Chidera a rare insight into Lacoste’s international operations and design processes. A key moment during her visit was a discussion around cultural influences on fashion. Chidera said: “In London, we tend to wear more trousers, but Sumyung explained that Korean women often prefer long dresses. The designs reflect that – the collections in Seoul feel fluid and elegant, shaped by the local culture.” 

Philippa said: “High-quality mentoring helps learners visualise themselves in aspirational industries they may previously have felt excluded from, building confidence, curiosity, and long-term ambition. For both mentor and mentee, the experience in Seoul underscored the value of international collaboration and cultural exchange.”

Chidera’s visit showcases the opportunities on offer at CCC. Our dedicated careers teams understand the vital role of mentoring in effective career development – supporting learners through a range of Career programmes to build self-awareness, independence, confidence, communication skills and a clearer understanding of their place in the world of work.

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