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EKC Dover College student goes on a trip of a lifetime thanks to the Turing Scheme

5 May 2026
EKC Dover College student travelled to Thailand to witness wild elephants, learn about recycling plastic and visit an orphanage as part of the Turing Scheme.

A student from EKC Dover College recently joined fellow learners from across East Kent Colleges (EKC) Group for a trip of a lifetime, where they took part in cultural immersion activities and built their sustainability skills in Thailand.  

The trip funded by the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, saw the students kayak on the River Kwai, see wild elephants, visit the Thai king’s palace and an orphanage, attend a religious ceremony, create seed bombs and learn about plastic recycling. 

students in Thailand

The students also sampled the local cuisine, helped prepare traditional products and learnt about eco-tourism. 

Travel and Tourism student, Harry, attended the trip alongside eight other Students’ Union representatives from the Group’s Colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Folkestone, Sheppey and EKC Training. 

students in Thailand

Luke Underdown, Uni Protect Project Officer for EKC Group, and organiser of the trip, said: “On international trips like this one, students come back with so many great memories and stories which they will cherish forever as well as develop so many soft skills which they can bring back and utilise within their roles back home.” 

elephant in Thailand

The Turing Scheme is a UK Government programme that financially supports students to study and work abroad, enhancing skills, employability, and international experience.  

EKC Group continues to bid for trips to provide these unique opportunities for our students. 

students visit Thailand

Each year, we aim to hold international trips, which all EKC Group students are eligible to sign-up to.  

Would you like the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime? Study with us and see where your course could take you.