Students Develop Industry Skills in Thailand
For a group of Hull College Beauty Therapy and Catering & Hospitality students, learning recently went far beyond the classroom – all the way to Thailand. As part of a Turing Scheme-funded placement, students travelled overseas to train with industry specialists, gain internationally recognised Level 3 qualifications, and experience their chosen industries at the heart of Thai culture.
Blending professional training with cultural immersion, the two-week experience challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop specialist skills in a real-world, global setting. For many, it was their first long-haul flight and first opportunity to live, learn and work in a completely new environment.
Catering students began their journey at Suan Dusit University, learning directly from expert Thai chefs and gastronomy lecturers. Through hands-on masterclasses, they explored regional Thai cuisine, mastered authentic dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum Kung, and developed essential kitchen skills including teamwork, communication, and food safety. Working in professional kitchens alongside industry specialists gave students a deep understanding of flavour, culture, and technique that goes far beyond the classroom.
Meanwhile, Beauty Therapy students trained at Chiva Som International Academy, one of Thailand’s leading wellness institutions. Their learning combined cultural immersion with professional practice, from studying the history and philosophy behind Traditional Thai Massage to hands-on training in massage sequencing, herbal compression therapy, and client care. Students crafted their own herbal compresses and completed both practical and theory assessments, successfully achieving their Level 3 Thai Massage qualification in an authentic setting.
Learning Goes Global
Beyond the qualifications, the experience helped students build confidence, independence, and a global perspective that will stay with them throughout their careers.
Clare Chaffe, Assistant Principal at Hull College, said: “This was a truly fantastic and worthwhile experience for everyone involved. Opportunities like this allow our students to develop industry-standard skills while gaining confidence, cultural awareness, and a sense of what’s possible for their future. Seeing them thrive in a completely new environment and achieve Level 3 qualifications overseas is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The Thailand placement reflects Hull College’s commitment to providing life-changing opportunities, combining high-quality education with real-world experience. For students involved, it wasn’t just a trip – it was a defining moment in their journey, opening doors, raising aspirations, and proving that learning at Hull College can take you anywhere in the world.
