A group of 14 students will embark on a trip of a lifetime this weekend, when they jet off for a two week long, all expenses paid work experience placement in Greece.

The work placement programme in the resort of Glyfada, Athens, was first introduced at the College in 2012. It offers Hospitality & Catering and Travel & Tourism students the unique chance to improve their skills and gain valuable experience in their trades, whilst taking part in rich, diverse and cultural work based and social activities.

 “We have taken students to the Glyfada seafront hotel for the last few years and it has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved,” explained Travel & Tourism Lecturer, Wayne Hull.

“The students get to experience how the industries in which they are studying are run in a different culture and climate. It’s also a great social experience for them as well as educational, they get to mingle with students from other countries who have also travelled to the hotel to take part in the programme.

“For a lot our students this is the first time they have travelled abroad without their families, and during their stay they take part in various activities and day trips including, visiting the Acropolis, travelling to Delphi and taking part in a three island cruise.”

A new bid of €60,000 was secured earlier this summer, funded by European Union Student Exchange programme, Erasmus, which allows students studying in their second year to get the opportunity to work abroad. The bid will be used for this year and next year’s Greek trips.

Jessica Taylor, 17, from Shrewsbury, currently studying Travel & Tourism, said: “I can’t wait to go to Athens next week. It will be a good opportunity for our group to bond with each other, as well as making friends with international students.

 “I hope to work abroad one day as a holiday rep, so this is definitely going to be a good insight for me into how other cultures work.”

Chad Thomas, 16, from Bishops Castle, is currently studying Hospitality & Catering. He said: “We had to make a presentation and have an interview about the industry to gain a place on this trip.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to work in a hotel in Greece, but also to seeing some of the sights. We’ve been learning Greek in preparation for the trip, so I’m looking forward to getting the chance to try it out.”

The College strives to offer students valuable and exciting work placements in their chosen industries, and wherever possible the opportunity to travel abroad.

To find out more information about Hospitality & Catering or Travel & Tourism courses at Shrewsbury College please visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 342411.