Students return from the land of the rising sun with a new perspective

Students and staff from Hair, Beauty, Make-up Artistry, Hospitality, Tourism and Events courses, took advantage of UK Government Turing Scheme funding to travel to Japan recently, on a once in a lifetime educational visit from Thursday 29 January to Friday 13 February.

Towards the end of 2025 the College discovered it had 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.

After arriving in Narita International Airport – about 60 KM from Tokyo - on Thursday 13 February, the group of 28 students and six staff, travelled to the city of Kashiwa, about 30KM from the capital, where they would be staying.

Whilst in Japan they joined in workshops and seminars related to their subject areas, learned about the Japanese language and culture and visited various sites including: Umami and Kikkomen soy sauce factories, the famous Skytree (Japan’s tallest building), Tokyo Bay, the Panasonic Beauty site, an Imperial Palace, various shrines and temples such as Meihi and Sensoji, several markets including Kappabashi – where traditional kitchen utensils are bought – and attended the Tuna Auction at the Toyosu Fish Market, and also enjoyed a Sushi experience and navigated through the mazes of Shinjuku Station and Ginza.

The group also visited the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center in Tokyo a free, hands-on disaster preparedness facility near the Tokyo Skytree, offering realistic simulations, including a magnitude 7 earthquake experience, high-wind/heavy rain scenarios, smoke evasion training, and flood survival techniques. 

Some of the students and lecturers, in their free time, also experienced a traditional Japanese Tea ceremony, bullet train trip called Shinkansen, and also a visit to Disney and Disney Sea and to the traditional and historic Japanese coastal city of Kamakura.

Harry Prentice (31) from Carluke who is on the HND Professional Cookery and Management course, said: “Going to Japan abroad solo for the first time taught me not all learning is done in the classroom. Learning the history and culture of a country and seeing life unfolding in front of you with the people and everyday scenarios, is extremely valuable…and there's no rush like cramming onto the last train from Shibuya! The lecturers and students we met were all amazing people who were approachable and understanding of each other’s situations.”

Harrison Firth (17) from Bonnybridge, who is studying Professional Cookery Level 2 said: “I think that the trip to Japan was a once in a lifetime opportunity opening all of our eyes to the different experience of how hospitality is displayed in different countries, and I think it will help us along our career paths for the future.”

Sarah Reilly (19) from Lanark, is currently on the HND Travel and Tourism course, she, said: “The trip to Tokyo was an amazing experience and gave me a real insight into Japanese culture and tourism. As a HND Travel and Tourism student, it helped me see how a global destination like Tokyo manages attractions, culture, and modern infrastructure. Highlights for me were the sushi-making class, visiting temples, seeing the Tokyo Skytree, and touring ANA’s aircraft hangar. It was a great opportunity that will definitely help with my studies and future career in the travel industry.”

Maggie Mitchell (18), from Stirling, who is studying for a HND Travel and Tourism, said: “I thought the trip to Japan was an amazing experience, not just because it was Japan, but also because experiencing it with the college, it allowed me to meet lots of new people I wouldn't usually speak to in College. I had lots of fun during the activities and sightseeing as I have a passion for travelling and experiencing new cultures. 

“I feel the trip will benefit me in my future as it allowed me to learn skills I can use for future jobs through the Japanese culture and service training we had. I believe it has benefited my studies as the experience showed me lots of tourism aspects and it was amazing to see some of what I learn about. I travel often, but the trip has motivated me to work hard and keep going with my dream to experience the rest of the world.”

Jodie Park (29) from Alloa, who is currently studying for a NC Beauty Care qualification, said: “The Japan trip was truly a life changing experience for me. Having the opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand was incredible, I was especially struck by how the cities could be so clean and quiet in noise, while still feeling so vibrant and busy, and by the level of respect people show to one another on a daily basis. It was also so wonderful to meet so many other students and lecturers during the trip, I didn't know anyone when we left for Japan but I've come away with friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”

Kenzie Jamie Campbell (21) from Alloa who is studying a HND Beauty Therapy course, said: “This was a once in a life time trip that I wouldn't have been able to experience without the funding we received from the Turing Scheme. It was great to witness so many new things, from the culture to the food and people. One of the weirdest things for me was how quiet the trains are… no loud talking, no phones, everyone and everything on silent. But my favourite memory was on one of the free days when me and Shannon went a little train hopping journey to Akihabara Tokyo and Shibuya, and when we made it to Shibuya it was dark and was all lit up, and it was so surreal to see in person it looked like a movie set.”

Christina Fraser (22) from Plean, who is on the HND Make-up Artistry course, said: “This trip was a once in a life time opportunity that I enjoyed thoroughly. My favourite part was enjoying time away with my classmates and learning new skills that I can take with me after college into industry.

Hannah Graham (18) from Stirling, who is on the HND Make-up Artistry course, said: “My favourite thing in Japan was learning about the culture. The culture there is so different from their cleanliness to their cuisine. I also learned and loved the make-up artistry workshop. I learned so much about the anatomy and how they apply make-up. All the skills that I learned, I will bring to my further studies.”

Jasmine Keenan (17) from Lochgelly, Fife, who is also on the HND Make-up Artistry course, said: “I will forever be grateful I was granted with a place on the Japan trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it, getting to see how the make-up artists at the other side of the world worked was an inspiration. I took away with me how minimalistic their kits were compared to ours, yet they could achieve the same outcome. The way their educational systems work were interesting as well. I also loved growing my bonds with my fellow peers over the 17 days.”

Edyta Musielak (38) from Stirling currently studying for a HND in Make-up Artistry, said: “I had the amazing opportunity to visit Japan, where I experienced its culture, food, and traditions first hand. I enjoyed exploring temples, trying local dishes, and learning about Japanese beauty and fashion trends. It was truly inspiring and motivated me to work hard to return there one day.  would like to thank Forth Valley College for this beautiful adventure and for giving me the chance to see Japan.”

Kirsten Smith (19) from Stirling, is studying for a HND Make-up Artistry, and said: “I loved my time in Japan, the weather was really nice and it even snowed at one point.  My favourite part was visiting the temples and shrines, they were really beautiful and detailed, and you can even get a fortune from them as well as charms called Omamori which can give you protection or luck for many different things.”

Sophie Smail (19) from Stirling, who studying for a Level 2 Hairdressing student, said: “This was the most interesting and exciting trip I have been on yet! My favourite part was definitely exploring Japan with my classmates, seeing the industry over there and making new friends during the trip.

Alex Myles, (20) from Doune, who is studying for a Level 2 in Haridressing, said: “My Japan experience was amazing. We explored a lot  everyday so got to visit so many places like the temples and shrines. We also did a lot of activities and had new experiences and tried a lot of the local food, which I am very grateful to have done.”

Another student on the trip who did not want to be named, said: “For me the Japan trip was a once in a life time experience that helped me become more confident in social situations, and gave me the chance to embrace another cultures and traditions in a fully immersive way. Truly worth every minute I was there and I would love to go back some day.”

Lecturer Caroline McConachie, said: “Our visit to Tokyo, Japan was more than just a trip—it was a meaningful learning experience. The students and lecturers strengthened their adaptability and problem-solving skills by navigating a busy city and overcoming language barriers. We all gained confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture. Most importantly, we learned how to step outside our comfort zones, work together, and grow from real-world experiences that will stay with us far beyond the classroom. I for one can’t wait to take students back in the future.”

Lecturer William Wood, said: “I was incredibly proud of how our students embraced Japan. They stepped outside their comfort zones, adapted to a completely different culture, and even confidently navigated the country independently. They represented us with maturity and professionalism throughout.

“To be away from home for 17 days in a completely different culture is a significant step for any student. Watching them grow in confidence, support each other and fully immerse themselves in the experience was truly inspiring. It was an amazing trip, not just for me as a Lecturer, but for every one of them.”

Lecturer Tracey Ritchie, said: “It was great to see staff and students engage with our trip to Japan. Everyone stepped outside of our familiar environments and language, and embraced then reflected on the cultural differences we experienced which, in turn, has broadened our life experiences. Additionally, both staff and students, learned non-Western techniques and methodology that will enhance their practice going forward. It was a fantastic opportunity for all that I would be delighted to participate in again.”

Lecturer Nicola MacKenzie, said: “I recently had the privilege of visiting Japan alongside fellow staff members and students from different areas in the college, this experience for me was inspiring and unforgettable. This trip allowed me to explore and experience the Japanese culture and educational system for hairdressing. During the trip we participated in different hairdressing activities which included a session with some college hairdressing students and their sensei, this allowed us to observe various techniques and learn about the differences in the Japanese hair industry to our own practice in Scotland.

“Every day we experienced and learned something different about Japan, and we got the opportunity to visit so many different places. I have come home with memories that I will talk about for years to come, new friendships made and also with a hope I might get to return there one day.”