Students return from life-changing Thailand experience

Twenty students from Ashton Sixth Form College have returned from an unforgettable two-week trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they immersed themselves in a new culture.

Delivered in partnership with Think Pacific, the visit provided students with the opportunity to experience life in Thailand through a packed itinerary of cultural, environmental and community-based activities.

After arriving in Chiang Mai, students were introduced to the local area before enjoying a traditional Khum Khan Toke dinner and cultural performance. Over the following two weeks, they embraced every aspect of Thai life from learning the art of Muay Thai boxing and taking part in authentic Thai cooking classes to visiting historic temples, exploring bustling markets and hiking through Doi Inthanon National Park to Thailand's highest point.

A key part of the experience involved working alongside local organisations and communities. Students took part in a variety of hands-on workshops including pottery, textile making, tie-dyeing and weaving, explored sustainable farming and environmental practices and visited local businesses to learn more about ethical production and community development.

The group also experienced traditional crafts at the Umbrella Making Centre, created handmade paper at the Elephant PooPoo Paper Park and enjoyed dedicated reflection sessions, encouraging them to think about the impact of the experience and everything they had learnt throughout the trip.

Alongside the organised activities, students embraced Thai culture by sampling authentic cuisine, visiting local night markets, meeting members of the local community and experiencing a way of life very different from their own.

The trip was made possible through funding support, helping to ensure students could benefit from an international experience that broadened their horizons and created memories to last a lifetime.

Lisa Richards, Centre Principal at Ashton Sixth Form College, said:

"This trip has been truly life-changing for the 20 students who participated. They have been completely immersed in another culture; experiencing sights, sounds, activities and food they have never experienced before as well as bonding as a group and making a positive impact on the local community they have been part of. This trip will have changed them, even if in a small way, and it will live in their memories for a very long time.

"Trips and visits are so important in bringing the curriculum to life and enriching our students' experience by exposure to the wider world outside of education. Over 200 trips and visits have taken place this year across the college, both in the UK and abroad. Of course, college is about gaining important qualifications, but also developing as a person and so we will continue to jump on opportunities like this that come our way!"

Nathan, one of the students who took part in the trip, said:

"Going to Thailand has been an unforgettable experience that has given me experiences with a new culture and new friends that I will treasure for the rest of my life."

The Thailand trip reflects Ashton Sixth Form College's commitment to providing students with opportunities beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop new skills, gain a global perspective and grow in confidence through real-world experiences.