Turing Scheme Success Stories

Discover how students and professionals from across the UK have transformed their futures through the Turing Scheme. By taking part in our life-changing cultural and professional experiences abroad, these stories showcase the real impact of global opportunities – inspiring the next generation to explore, learn, and thrive beyond borders.

Trento, Italy

Participants

  • Year 6 pupils from a London primary school. Nearly all are travelling abroad for the first time.

Learning objectives

  • Deepen knowledge of geography and geology.
  • Explore Roman history and heritage.
  • Gain practical food safety skills.
  • Build cultural awareness and teamwork.

Activities

  • 5-day visit to an Italian school.
  • Field visits to the Dolomites, Lake Caldonazzo, and the Trento Science Museum.
  • Tours of Buonconsiglio Castle and Roman ruins beneath the city.
  • Pizza-making & food hygiene workshop.
  • Joint projects with Italian peers: penpal exchanges, mural painting, and creative workshops.

Iana, 11

It was really really fun, I had a great time, the views were incredible and the food was amazing too! Also we got to eat pizza, pasta and ice cream. It was the best trip ever!

Saira (Teacher)

I believe this is an exciting opportunity for pupils, especially in my school where the cohort of families we have may not have the means to explore other countries. Some pupils had never flown before.

Valencia, Spain

Participants

  • FE students (ages 17–23) from Kent, who are aspiring football coaches (NCFE Level 3 in Sport qualification). Most of the students have never travelled abroad.

Learning objectives

  • Enhance practical football coaching skills.
  • Understand Spanish coaching philosophies and career pathways.
  • Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication in a sports context.
  • Build cultural awareness & independence.

Activities

  • 12 days of on-field training, gym sessions, and classroom-based lessons with Spanish coaches.
  • Guest talks from local football professionals.
  • Mock coaching sessions, tactical workshops, and sports leadership discussions.
  • Cultural exchange through meals, community engagement, and exposure to Spanish traditions.

Elliott, 18

It’s been such a great experience for us as young people, flying by ourselves and living without our family. We will remember this for the rest of our lives.

James, 19

Playing in this heat was tough. My feet felt like they were on fire. We went to the beach afterwards, and we got into a random 5v5 football game. It was brilliant. People were so nice here. I’ll never forget this, ever.

Sylhet, Bangladesh

Participants

  • 16–19-year-old students from London. Most of them are of Bangladeshi origin, but they had never visited Bangladesh before, let alone left the UK.

Learning objectives

  • Develop skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, management, IT, and mathematics.
  • Gain understanding of their Bangladeshi heritage, culture, and family connections.
  • Explore environmental sustainability practices.
  • Improve confidence, communication, problem-solving, and intercultural awareness.

Activities

  • Visited 6 village and city schools over 9 days.
  • Took part in collaborative lessons, peer teaching, and workshops.
  • Engaged in cultural experiences, family connections, and heritage-discovery activities.
  • Explored environmental sustainability through visiting estates, riverfronts, and seeing local practices.

Labiba, 16

Meeting my relatives and seeing the culture up close was amazing. I feel way more confident and connected to my family now.

Aaqibul, 17

Teaching younger kids at the local school was cool. This trip made me realise how different life can be in another country and gave me a new perspective on things I take for granted.