Learning in Paradise

Last month, Chichester College students took part in the learning adventure of a lifetime in the Caribbean.

A group of 12 hospitality students and 13 travel & tourism students travelled to St Lucia, where they spent two-weeks taking part in a range of different activities.

From working at the five-star Sandals Grande St. Lucian Hotel to meeting with the island’s Ministry of Tourism and spending a day volunteering in the community to provide meals to those in need.

The trip was organised through the Turing Scheme with Caribbean Elective, a social enterprise that works with schools, colleges and universities to create educational programmes designed to provide students with opportunities to have positive, lasting impacts on communities in the Caribbean while also developing and honing the students’ own knowledge and skills.

Part of this includes learning about sustainable tourism and the positive impact it can have on local communities – as the students discovered first hand during a visit to a local farm, where they gained valuable insight into food production and the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients

There was also time to have some fun too – memorable trips giving the students an opportunity to experience life on the other side, including a catamaran trip around the island and time spent exploring Hotel Chocolat’s ‘Project Chocolat’ experience.

Diane Jackson, Head of Learning for Service Industries, said: “This was an amazing experience and opportunity for our students to gain first-hand knowledge of the Caribbean tourism and hospitality industry.

“They were able to meet high profile members of this important industry – including Senator Dominic Fedee, who served as Saint Lucia’s most recent Minister of Tourism – and also explored some of the island’s most iconic spots.

“It was very much an ‘access all areas’ experience for them – giving them practical work experience in one of the most exclusive hotels on the island. I think it was a transformative experience for the students, bringing so much of their learning to life in a truly magical location.”