A college group is taking part in a government scheme to provide students with overseas learning experiences.

South Hampshire College Group will participate in the Turing Scheme, a £110 million programme offering fully funded international education trips to UK students.

The initiative, which focuses on students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enables participation in various activities such as building houses, working in care communities, and engaging with education and sports groups.

Ben Sheridan, vice principal at South Hampshire College Group, said: "The Turing Scheme provides South Hampshire College Group with an excellent opportunity to send our students abroad for life enhancing work placements. This will provide unique first-hand experiences of life abroad, immersing students in different cultures.

"Our students will be visiting unique destinations which for many, will be their first time outside the European continent or possibly abroad. I am truly proud to be able to offer this to our students, and this year marks the start of a growing international department who will be able offer further trips to more students in the future."

Paris Carter, Turing Scheme Coordinator at South Hampshire College Group, said: "The Turing Scheme provides unique, once-in-a-lifetime international work experience placements and cultural experiences for our students at South Hampshire College Group. Participation in these trips allows for personal - and professional - growth and development and boosts employability and is a fantastic opportunity!"

Students can also explore the local culture through safari trips, city tours, and arts and community projects. Four trips are already planned for 2025, including to Gambia in January, Sri Lanka in February, Bali in March, and the USA in April.

These trips, initially available to students in health, childcare, sport, and travel and tourism courses, are expected to expand further into 2025.

The college group expressed its excitement about the scheme, saying it will provide "unforgettable learning experiences" for its students.