South West College Students Gain International Experience in Aruba Through Turing Scheme

A group of South West College (SWC) Commercial and Business Services students, studying programmes from Level 3 to Foundation Degree level, have returned from a life-changing international work placement in Aruba after spending two weeks gaining hands-on experience at the five-star JOIA Aruba by Iberostar through the UK Government's Turing Scheme.

The placement provided students from SWC's Omagh, Dungannon and Enniskillen campuses with a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills in a global hospitality environment while immersing themselves in a different culture and gaining valuable insight into international tourism operations.

During their time in Aruba, students worked across departments including Front of House, Guest Services, Food and Beverage, Events and Recreation, gaining practical experience in hospitality operations, customer service and guest relations. Working alongside international teams and interacting with guests from around the world, they developed industry-relevant skills while experiencing the fast-paced nature of the global tourism sector.

Beyond the workplace, students gained confidence, independence and cultural awareness while developing valuable employability skills. The experience broadened their horizons, strengthened their career aspirations and left them with lasting memories and increased self-belief.

Reflecting on the experience, Level 3 Travel and Tourism student Caitlin Fawcett-Higgins said:

"I have developed a greater level of confidence and independence. This experience has broadened my perspective and made me more open to different possibilities in my career journey. It has shown me that I am capable of more than I initially thought. The memories I have made over the last two weeks are something I will never forget."

Carol Anne Deeny, Head of College Planning, Development and Support at South West College, said:

"Experiences like these are central to what we do at SWC. We don’t just want to prepare students for exams; we want to inspire ambition, cultivate self-belief, and foster a lifelong passion for learning. This Turing Scheme placement is a prime example of how we combine academic excellence with life-changing, real-world opportunities."

Through initiatives such as the Turing Scheme, SWC continues to broaden horizons for students, enabling them to gain real-world experience, build professional networks and develop the skills required to thrive both locally and internationally.

Applications are now open for full-time courses starting this September. Whether pursuing a career in travel and tourism, business, hospitality or another sector, South West College provides students with the knowledge, experience and opportunities needed to achieve their ambitions.