A fantastic new funding award from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, is set to enable Forth Valley College students to embark on life changing experiences around the world this year.
The College has been successful in securing £117,000 funding for academic year 2025/26 to support students and staff to visit Japan and Norway, and also to return to Nepal, where a party of FVC students and staff benefitted from a very successful educational trip in February 2025.
The visits offer students opportunities to enhance their skills within an international setting whilst also improving their cultural awareness and understanding of common global issues. These skills are highly valued in the workplace and will ensure they are fully equipped for today’s rapidly changing labour market.
Planning for 25/26 is well underway and students from Hair/Beauty, Hospitality, Health and Social Care and Business Studies will have an opportunity to apply for one of the sought-after places.
Karyn King, Operations Manager in the Department of Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries, said: “This is our second successful year of funding, and we are set to take 12 staff and 56 students to Nepal, Japan and Norway this year from the departments of Salon Services, Hospitality, Business and Childcare. The success of the visits to Belgium and Nepal earlier this year have paved the way for the coming 12 months, and this is set to be another extremely worthwhile project to be involved in. We can’t thank the UK Government’s Turing Scheme enough for this funding and the opportunity to make such a difference in the lives of young people at Forth Valley College.”
Helen Leslie, Head of Curriculum for the Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities, said: “I am really excited to have our students and staff participate in this life-changing opportunity through the Turing Scheme where they can immerse themselves in the rich cultures and inspiring learning environments of Nepal and Norway, broadening horizons, building their global connections, and taking part in experiences that will stay with them forever.”
Pauline Jackson, FVC's Development and Fundraising Manager, said: "We are over the moon to be one of the successful applicants to the UK Government’s Turing Scheme. We know that competition for funding was extremely high so the successful outcome is a great achievement. The project will give Forth Valley College students an amazing opportunity through learning in a global context. This experience will be of huge benefit as they take their next steps into the world of work and further learning."
In February 2025, a group of Hospitality, Events and Tourism students from Forth Valley College (pictured) travelled on a once in a lifetime 17–day trip to Nepal, visiting the vibrant regions of Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara.
This unique educational journey, thanks to the funding from the Turing Scheme and organised in conjunction with the LCCI College in Nepal, provided students with hands-on experience in culinary arts, professional development, and community engagement, all cantered around the themes of sustainability, community engagement and culinary tourism.
For more information on the Turing Scheme visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/turing-scheme-apply-for-funding-for-international-placements
