International Scholarships for Change

Dear Supporters, 

A group of 11 students from Burnley College in the UK travelled to Thailand. Funds from the International Scholarship Programme were used to contribute to their trip's expenses. Each of the 11 students was awarded funding to cover 15% of their trip cost.

We’d like to introduce you to some of the students who embarked on a 10 day trip to Southern Thailand on a conservation trip.        

Meet Eden

Eden is currently studying her Level 3 BTEC in Travel and Tourism, she was hoping that the trip would give her the opportunity to put her knowledge into practice. The trip will give her great experience which will come in handy when applying for jobs in the travel sector.

What was the hardest thing about being in Thailand?

Communication! Even though we spoke different languages, I learnt that it is still possible to communicate!

Do you think that you made a difference?

“I think I made a difference while I was on the trip, as well as when I returned. While on the trip I tried my hardest with activities and once home I have never stopped telling and teaching everyone what I learned.I have taken part in beach cleans, listened to inspiring presentations about the environment and sustainability. I will never forget it!”

What skills did you improve on your trip to Thailand?

“I have become a lot more determined! I have also improved my communication skills, ability to work as part of a team as well as my problem-solving skills.”

What’s changed now that you’re home?

“Since I’ve been home I have been reflecting on everything that I have learnt on my trip to Thailand. It has made me change the way that I think, from what I do in my day to day routine, to what I teach people about. The main thing that I have taken back with me is the information I have learnt about plastic pollution. The main thing that I have done is to tell people at work about the effect of plastic bags and how we should try to avoid using them to save more harm to our environment.

I feel amazing that I have managed to make a small change but it can make a worldwide impact. This whole experience has made me think before I do something and to think about the consequences of my actions.”

We wish Eden all the best in her future studies and we look forward to following her journey in the Travel and Tourism industry!

Thank you for your support of this project
With Gratitude, 
The GVI Trust

Dear Supporters, 

Today we would like to introduce you to the students who were awarded a partial scholarship to embark on an International Education Experience to Thailand. 

1. Eden, is 17 years old. She currently volunteers as part of a local youth group and has taken part in a number of fundraising events for this cause. Eden is studying Level 3 BTEC in Travel and Tourism. With the theory learnt in the classroom, Eden hopes the trip will allow her experience and put into practice her new knowledge. The volunteering trip will give her a huge amount of experience needed when applying for jobs within the travel sector.
2. Rachel is 16 years old. She is currently volunteering within a local veterinary practice. She loves her volunteering role and is excited about the conservation volunteering aspects in Thailand especially with the sea turtles. Rachel fundraising experience and has just finished raising money for a defibrillator for her primary school. She is studying Level 3 BTEC Child Care.
3. Georgia is 18 years old. She is a member of the Thailand Volunteering Committee in college. She has taken part in a variety of fundraising and looks forward to continuing this. Georgia is studying Level 3 BTEC in Travel and Tourism. She is excited for the experience and believes the whole trip will have a huge positive impact on her career aspirations working within the travel industry.  
4. Jessica is 16. She currently volunteers in a children’s nursery. She has previously raised money for MacMillan and the Dogs Trust. Jessica is studying Level 3 in Child Care. Jessica is looking forward to meeting the children within the Thai community and feels she has lot of practical experience to offer projects.
5. Lauren is 17. She is a volunteer with the Greater Manchester Police in Child Sexual Exploitation and is a Burnley College Ambassador. She has a lot of experience in volunteering and in fundraising and is aiming to join the RAF. Lauren is studying A levels and believes the trip offers her a chance of a lifetime enabling her to experience a different culture, learn new skills and help meet the needs of the community.
6. Lydia is 16 years old. She currently volunteers for Girl Guiding for ages 7-11. She has experience of fundraising via face painting, handing out flyers, cake stalls etc. Lydia is studying A levels. She is particularly looking forward to volunteering within the Thai community and working as a team to achieve an overall goal which has lasting effects.
7. Milly is 17 years old. She is an active member of the Thailand Volunteering Committee and shares her experiences of fundraising with the group. Milly is currently studying A levels. Milly believes the trip will give her an opportunity to lead her peers and keep them motivated. She believes her confidence and nurturing nature will all allow her to be respectful and adapt to a different community and be considerate of others.
8. Jessica is 18 years old. She currently volunteers at a local dance school teaching children aged 5-13yrs. She has extensive experience of fundraising having previously raised money for her dance group to attend a competition in Germany and with them achieving 2^nd in the world dance championship. Jessica is currently studying A levels. Jessica works well within a team, is creative and open minded. She has good time management skills and looks forward to completing tasks that have a real impact in the local community.
9. Charlotte is 18 years old. She is currently a volunteer for Girl Guiding and has raised money for Cancer Research and Pendleside Hospice. Charlotte is studying Level 3 BTEC in Media and is the main lead in all social media, blogging and live posts for the trip. She has effective communication skills, is good at planning and organising and is creative and enjoys generating ideas.
10. Kae-Lei is 16 years old. She takes an active role as a member of the Thailand Volunteering Committee and has raised money for various charities including Pendleside Hospice. Kai Lei is studying A levels and is looking forward to putting the theory she has learnt in her A level Environmental Studies into practice to help the community and sea turtles.
11. Claire is 17 years old. She currently volunteers at a Children’s nursery and has experience of fundraising for Child Reach. Claire is studying Level 3 Child Care and looks forward to working in the community in Phang Nga. She has excellent communication skills and looks forward to engaging with the community. Claire is enthusiastic and works well under pressure, she has a willingness to learn and enjoys overcoming challenges given. Claire believes her commitment to the trip will ensure tasks given are completed with motivation and within the given deadline. 

We can't wait to see how much these 11 students grow and learn on their trip to Thailand! While they are in Thailand they will be taking part in community and conservation projects and they will be earning credits for their studies. 

Next time we will be able to update you about how their trip went. 

With Gratitude, 
The GVI Trust