Darlington College students return from 'life-changing' Thailand trip - Darlington and Stockton Times

[Gavin Engelbrecht]

The group spent two weeks in the bustling city of Bangkok, gaining a qualification in Thai massage.

The trip aimed to broaden their horizons and provide new skills funded by the Turing Scheme from the Department for Education.The group spent two weeks in Bangkok (Image: Darlington College)

The students are now keen to incorporate their newly acquired skills into their future career plans after completing their level 3 beauty therapy course at Darlington College.

While in Thailand, they also visited an orphanage, bringing along toys, drawing equipment, and offering companionship to the children there.

Emily Whitfield, from Darlington, found the course and the trip particularly inspiring after recently losing her mother to cancer.Trying some of the local cuisine (Image: Darlington College)

She said: "In her final days, she was offered holistic treatments which really helped and going forward I’d like to do the same and the Thai experience will really help that."

Amanda Slattery, another student from Darlington, said: "It was hard work as you have to use a lot of pressure and it was very hot.

"But the tutors were lovely and we learned a great deal."It was a 'life-changing' experience for all (Image: Darlington College)

Clarinda Bowe, of Burneston, near Bedale, is now planning to set up a holistic massage business in a shepherd’s hut on her farm.

She said: "I want to do something that I enjoy and I’ll be able to fit around my kids and the farm."

Chloe Anderson, of Durham, said: "The trip was the best thing I have ever done and I have never heard of any other college sending students to Thailand.

"I loved it and will go back one day."(Image: Darlington College)

She also spoke about their visit to the orphanage: "I loved the orphanage and wanted to spend longer with the children.

"I was shocked how little they had."

Beth Hurle, Darlington College’s curriculum lead for hair, beauty, catering, and sport, said: "This was an incredible trip, truly life-changing for our students and the impact, I’m sure, will shape their future lives and careers.

"The Thai people were so incredibly warm and welcoming and I think their empathy and spirituality rubbed off on us all."

For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.