MASSAGE students have had their lives touched spiritually by a work experience trip to South East Asia.
Darlington College beauty students spent two weeks in Bangkok gaining a qualification in Thai massage.
The students visited Thailand to gain new skills and broaden their horizons in a trip funded by the Department for Education’s Turing Scheme.
Many of them are now planning to use their new talents in future businesses after they complete their level 3 beauty therapy course at Darlington College.
As well as completing the massage course and sight-seeing, the students visited an orphanage where they took toys and drawing equipment and played with children.
Emily Whitfield, of Darlington, was inspired by the course and by losing her mum recently to cancer. “In her final days she was offered holistic treatments which really helped and going forward I’d like to do the same and the Thai experience will really help that,” said Emily.
Amanda Slattery, of Darlington, said: “It was hard work as you have to use a lot of pressure and it was very hot. But the tutors were lovely and we learned a great deal.”
Debra Gentles, of Darlington, said: “It was an amazing experience, a once in a lifetime trip. The temples were incredible and the course was fabulous as it was a completely different way of working.”
Clarinda Bowe, of Burneston, near Bedale, is now planning to set up a holistic massage business in a shepherd’s hut on her farm. “I want to do something that I enjoy and I’ll be able to fit around my kids and the farm,” she said.
Chloe Anderson, of Durham, said: “The trip was the best thing I have ever done and I have never heard of any other college sending students to Thailand. I loved it and will go back one day.
“I loved the orphanage and wanted to spend longer with the children. I was shocked how little they had.”
Darlington College curriculum lead for hair, beauty, catering and sport Beth Hurle said: “This was an incredible trip, truly life-changing for our students and the impact, I’m sure, will shape their future lives and careers. The Thai people were so incredibly warm and welcoming and I think their empathy and spirituality rubbed off on us all.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.