HSDC has successfully concluded its latest international cultural exchange through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme – a global programme that funds opportunities for students, learners and pupils to study or work abroad. This year’s visit marked HSDC’s fourth major Turing partnership with Manav Rachna Educational Institutes (MREI), seeing 46 students from a range of courses travel to India for two and a half weeks.
The delegation soon after landing at Dehli Airport.
Over the course of the trip, students from six curriculum areas – Early Years, Engineering, Textiles, Catering, Science and Sports – travelled to India to take part in an uniquely ambitious itinerary hosted by MREI. Though operating as one international visit, the programme functioned as six separate and specialist trips, each designed to immerse students deeply within their discipline whilst encouraging cross-cultural learning and personal growth.
This was the largest Turing delegation that HSDC has ever sent abroad, with students from all three campuses – Alton College, Havant and South Downs – all participating.
This experience represents the fourth year of collaboration between HSDC and MREI under the Turing Scheme. The strength of this international partnership has formed the true bedrock of the students’ enrichment, academic activity and authentic cultural immersion on this trip.
This delegation also strengthened HSDC’s ties with local businesses across the region, with employers such as Growing Places Nursery and Airbus sending representatives to India along with the students.
HSDC’s learners were welcomed with open arms into the MREI community, taking part in hands-on workshops, industry visits, cultural activities and collaborative learning with Indian students. These activities were distinct depending on the courses of the students, with Sports students embarking on leadership sessions, engineering students being introduced to quantum computing and textiles students learning about the rich heritage of Indian fashion and design.
The breadth and quality of the itinerary, spanning from early years pedagogy to artisan textiles crafts, provided HSDC’s students with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience of exceptional support, engagement and enrichment.
There were also reflective group moments, including a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal and the India Gate, where HSDC’s delegation could enjoy the rich cultural beauty and heritage of India all together. Both students and staff also participated in traditional Indian dancing lessons!
The students were able to embark on a variety of activities and workshops relevant to their College courses.
Running a programme of this scale required significant organisational capacity, with the HSDC team, spearheaded by Turing Coordinator Julio Carrillo, seamlessly leading six simultaneous study-abroad strands to provide the College’s students with exceptional opportunities and experiences. As a result of the Turing Scheme’s funding, and HSDC’s robust extracurricular commitment, students were able to benefit from an international experience that would otherwise be unattainable for many, promoting social mobility and international exposure.
Speaking about the importance of Turing trips like these, Julio Carrillo said:
“I truly believe in the transformational power of the social mobility that comes about as a result of these Turing trips. It has been a privilege to lead one of HSDC’s most ambitious endeavours abroad. This experience has been so incredibly rewarding, and I remain motivated to do it again next year to keep supporting ambitious learners at HSDC!”
HSDC’s mission to broaden students’ horizons through international learning was fully realised through this exchange, supporting not just academic progression but lifelong aspirations and employability.
The College would like to once again thank Manav Rachna Educational Institutions for their continuous support throughout this partnership. The success of HSDC’s most recent Turing trip reinforces the impact of global partnerships in modern education, and the transformative impact of cultural exchange on young people.