Staffordshire students return from China trip
Ten lucky students who won a trip to China have spoken about the once in a lifetime experience after their return.
The Staffordshire University students arrived back at Manchester airport on October 30 after their 9-day adventure to Beijing and Chengdu.
During the visit the students went to Beijing to see Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China, before flying to Chengdu to the Panda Breeding Centre.
The purpose of the visit to China was to launch the Beaconwood International Education Programme, an exchange programme which will see Chinese students coming to Stafford and English students visiting China.
The group were given the chance to go on the trip after inning a competition run by the new Chinese-run college New Beacon Group.
Sophie Thomas a student at Weston Road Academy, said: “Thank you to all at the New Beacon Group for the amazing opportunity, I have had the best time ever and loved every moment."
The students have now returned to school and are busy writing articles about their visit, to be part of an exhibition.
The competition which got them on the trip launched in May and asked Staffordshire students to design their vision of a 'school of the future'; inspired by New Beacon Group's vision for the former Staffordshire University Beaconside campus.
The judging panel, which included Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council and Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council, selected 10 lucky winners based on their vision and presentation.
Since the winners were announced in July, the 10 students have attended a short course in Mandarin at the New Beacon Group headquarters in Stafford. This culminated in a celebration dinner at Essence of the Orient in Stafford attended by Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy.
Rebecca Bostock head of business development for New Beacon Group, who accompanied the students, said: “The trip was just wonderful.
"Alongside visiting world famous landmarks, students had an opportunity to see every day China.
"The students really enjoyed meeting Chinese students during the two school visits and talking to them about what their life is like in China.
"Everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed, it truly was a once in a lifetime experience."
Dr Kai Liu, CEO of New Beacon Group welcomed the students back and told them: “You have all been a wonderful ambassador for Staffordshire and the United Kingdom”.
