Turing Scheme Schools’ Cultural Exchange
Fully-funded trips of a lifetime in 2023
Welcome to the North-West School Cultural Travel programme – hosted by Kaya Responsible Travel, as part of the UK government’s Turing Scheme.
We are delighted to have been awarded a prestigious Turing Scheme grant that fully funds 90 students and 10 staff from 4 North-West schools; William Hulme’s Grammar School, The Hyndburn Academy, Todmorden High School and Marsden Heights Community College – to join groups travelling abroad in 2023.
The aim of this programme is to provide students with the opportunity to meet and connect with other young people in different cultures and backgrounds to expand horizons and develop educated, compassionate global citizens.
With these Turing scheme funds, we will be offering spaces to our students to join groups in one of three locations;
Ecuador
In Ecuador you will be based in the seaside town of Puerto Lopez, where we will be housed together at a hostel and attend the local school each day.
Here we will work on our Spanish language, and also be invited to join local activities, such as cooking classes, salsa lessons, and visits to local beaches and national parks.
20 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of July 1st – July 16th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-day depending on flights.)
Morocco
In Morocco, you will be based in the small capital city of Rabat, where we will be housed together in a traditional Moroccan Riad and attend the local school each day.
Here we will improve our French language, and also be invited to join local activities, such as henna painting, visiting a Moroccan Bazaar (market), an ancient Kasbah (historic site) and even have a beach day!
30 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of March 27th – April 10th 2023 and July 2nd – July 16th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-day depending on flights.)
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
In English-speaking Eswatini, you will be based in the royal valley of Enzulweni, where we will be housed at a camp and attend the local school each day.
You might not have heard of Eswatini before – until 2018 it was called Swaziland and borders South Africa, with which this nation has a very close relationship. The lush green valley is home of the Swazi royal family. Here we will learn about the local culture and tribal languages, visit traditional villages and craft markets and hike in the local hills to spot wildlife.
40 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of July 1 – July 16th 2023 and July 16th – July 30th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-day depending on flights.)
At each location, students will be staying in group accommodation and participating in hands-on training within each working area. The aim of this programme is to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and practical skills, while learning about different cultures and environments to expand horizons and develop educated, compassionate global citizens.
All flights will depart from and return to Manchester airport, and students will need to make their own arrangements for travel to and from home to the airport.
Covid Considerations
COVID vaccination and testing requirements will be dependent on each country. Face masks and social distancing could still be in place, dependent on local rules and laws. We will advise closer to departure.
Application criteria
The Turing scheme aims to offer this opportunity to a broad range of students and, while we are looking for students studying related subjects, application evaluation is not based on your grades! We are looking for enthusiastic pupils to take part in this exciting programme. The scheme is fully funded by the UK government, so there will be no cost incurred other than a £75 confirmation fee for successful applicants.
Application process
- The application form below will be the only requirement for consideration for this program.
- If you are successful with your application, we strongly advise you look into visa requirements straight away.
- A board of administrators will evaluate all applications to select successful applicants on a rolling basis, so we encourage early application.
- Once successful candidates have been notified, a £75 confirmation fee will be required to confirm the placement (hardship grants will be offered to cover this cost where necessary)
- As part of this program, students will be expected to complete some pre-departure assignments, including online attendance at a pre-departure workshop.
- Flights from Manchester Airport will be provided as part of the program, and students will be required to make their own way to the airport on departure, and home from the airport on our return.
Application deadline
Friday October 28th, 2022