[F]our European visitors have been studying at Barrow Sixth Form as part of a year living and learning in South Cumbria.
The students, from the Netherlands, Slovakia and two from Denmark, have stayed with host families in Barrow while they studied academic subjects at the Rating Lane campus.
Caroline Revsbech, Loes Verhoeven, Andrea Eliasen, all aged 17, and 18-year-old Ivan Culak completed a range of subjects including maths, English, PE, photography, sociology, geography, creative writing and health and social care at A/S level. Some also completed the community sports leader award.
As well as finding their way around Furness and the Lake District, they have travelled to cities including York, Manchester, Chester, London, Blackpool and Edinburgh to make the most of their stay.
Andrea, from Denmark, who stayed with second year A level student Chloe Limitsios, said it had been a great opportunity to experience the culture – both of the UK and the college environment. “I’ve enjoyed it,” she said. “It has been different as there is a focus on the creative subjects, which are taken more seriously,” she said.
Loes, of the Netherlands, said she was looking forward to coming back to visit one day. “I have definitely enjoyed this chance to experience something new and that is something I can talk about in my future. The students here are friendly – we have to start the conversation but that’s okay and they are really friendly when you get talking to them.”
Jeff Chadd, Assistant Principal – Head of Sixth Form, said the sixth form had welcomed overseas students for many years via long-standing links with the EF organisation.
“The students settled in really well and it’s beneficial for staff and students alike to have a range of nationalities in our sixth form community. They are great role models to our current students to show that you can study and travel abroad in future years.”
