A group of students from Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College recently returned from an unforgettable two-week Global Citizenship Programme in Thailand, where they made a real difference to local communities whilst developing valuable skills for their future careers.
Teaching and Cultural Exchange in Mae Sariang
Students worked in a local partner school and embraced Thai culture. They visited local temples, explored markets, and participated in a community clean-up project around Mae Sariang Lake.
Conservation Efforts at Elephant Nature Park
The group travelled to Chiang Mai, where they spent time at Elephant Nature Park (ENP), a world-renowned rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants and other animals. Here, the students took part in hands-on conservation work, and a highlight of the experience was the Elephant Walk with Lek Chailert, founder of ENP and a leading figure in ethical elephant tourism.
Beyond elephants, the group volunteered in the park’s cat sanctuary and walked rescue dogs with disabilities, broadening their understanding of animal welfare and ethical tourism.
A Life-Changing Experience
Animal Care students gained firsthand insight into ethical conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable tourism.
Childcare students developed skills in classroom management, communication, and adaptability through their ESOL teaching experience.
One student described the trip as “life-changing! The hands-on experience we’ve gained from teaching to conservation work has completely changed my perspective. It’s been an amazing journey.”
If you have young people considering their post 16 study options, please visit www.hlnsc.ac.uk or contact:
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0800 032 1986