6 August 2026
Our Aviation, Travel and Tourism students recently returned from an unforgettable 15-day educational visit to Thailand. Funded through the Turing Scheme, the trip offered far more than sightseeing. It was an opportunity for students to develop the professional, cultural and personal skills that employers value, while experiencing first-hand how the global tourism industry operates. Â
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Throughout their visit, our students explored some of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks, including panoramic views from the 74th floor of King Power Mahanakhon and visiting the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, to gain a deeper understanding of Thailand’s rich culture and  gaining a deeper understanding of Thailand’s rich culture and history. Alongside these cultural highlights, they visited local businesses, including the flower market, a coconut sugar factory and traditional floating market, gaining insight into Thailand’s tourism economy and the importance of preserving local heritage.
Developing Industry Skills
A key focus of the programme was sustainability and responsible tourism. During their time in Kanchanaburi, students learned about sustainable farming and tourism initiatives within the local community, including how to reuse a plastic bottle as rope.
The trip also gave students the opportunity to build global connections through a visit to a vocational college in Kanchanaburi, where they met local students and learnt to prepare traditional Thai dishes, including Pad Thai. The experience helped develop their communication skills, confidence and cultural awareness, qualities that are increasingly important in today’s tourism industry, helping them stand out to future employers.
Reflecting on his time away, student Rowan said: “What surprised me most about Thailand was how welcoming and nice the community was. Every time I spoke to a local, they were always happy to teach me new things and improve my understanding of their culture.
Building Confidence Through New Experiences
Adventure tourism also played an important role in the programme, with students hiking the spectacular seven-tiered Erwan Falls, kayaking down the River Kwai and enjoying the unforgettable chance to feed and wash elephants. These activities challenged students to step outside their comfort zones and encouraged them to work together, which highlighted just how important teamwork is in the travel industry. The adventure aspect of their itinerary was a favourite for many with student Rahim telling us:; “I had never done kayaking before, so it was a new skill that I developed. I was a bit scared of falling in the water, but I really enjoyed it and had such a good experience.”
To consolidate everything they had learned, students designed their own travel itineraries for a dream destination, applying all their new knowledge of customer experience, sustainability and planning into one final project. The visit concluded with a celebration of the students’ achievements during the trip.
International opportunities like this are just one of the manyways East Surrey College prepares students for successful careers. By combining classroom learning with real world experiences, employer focused projects and global opportunities, students gain the skills and confidence needed to stand out in a competitive sector.
Find out more about our Aviation, Travel and Tourism courses and discover how studying at East Surrey College could open up opportunities like this.
