Lincoln College Students Jet Off to China for a Two-Week Fully Funded Trip

During the April 2025 half-term, eight Construction and Civil Engineering students from Lincoln College embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime international placement at Sichuan College of Architectural Technology in Deyang, China. 

The two-week, fully funded trip was part of the Turing Scheme, offering students an enriching blend of academic learning and cultural discovery. From historic temples and bustling markets to towering smart buildings and serene tea ceremonies, the experience offered a perfect balance between modern innovation and traditional Chinese culture. 

The itinerary was packed with opportunities to enhance vocational learning. Students took part in technical lectures, workshops, and site visits covering topics such as green building, sustainable concrete, smart construction, traditional Chinese architecture, and cross-cultural communication. Hands-on activities included a full GNSS-RTK land survey, a drone demonstration, and collaborative project work. 

Working in international teams with Chinese students, the groups designed sustainable renovations for a college building. Their proposals incorporated biophilic and eco-friendly principles and included BIM models, feasibility studies, condition surveys, cost schedules, mood boards, and client-focused presentations. Each group presented their ideas to a panel of experts, demonstrating professionalism and delivering industry-standard work. 

Students also overcame language and cultural barriers to form friendships, exchange ideas, and grow in confidence. The final day was marked by formal group presentations, impressing judges with the students' teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration. 

Beyond academic activities, the trip was filled with cultural highlights. Students visited pandas in Chengdu, toured the Natural History Museum, hiked to mountaintop Drum and Bell Towers, attended a traditional Bian Lian (face-changing) performance, and sampled Sichuan cuisine – including hotpot, seafood, and street food. They even tried traditional mask painting and Mahjong, the classic Chinese tile-based game. 

The trip concluded with a Luban Tea Ceremony titled East Meets West, featuring a variety of Chinese teas and coffees. Students from both countries took part in tea-tasting competitions, sampling new flavours and enjoying friendly rivalry over who could best identify the blends. 

First-year T Level Construction student Alfie Spowage was particularly inspired by the trip. Alfie said: “The two-week trip to China was one of the best experiences of my life. We visited incredible places - from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers like the IFC building - and explored everything from pandas and natural history to sustainable construction methods. I even tried pigs’ brains and cow stomach, which I never thought I would!  

“What really stood out was the cultural exchange and the friendships we made with the Chinese students. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of learning and living, and I was so inspired that I’ve already spoken to the Dean about studying higher education and Mandarin in China. I’m genuinely excited about what the future might hold - this trip has completely changed my outlook.” 

Andy Whitelaw, Lecturer in Technical and Professional Studies (Construction and Building Services) at Lincoln College, said “This trip was truly transformative for our students. It offered not only technical enrichment but also personal growth. The students gained knowledge, made lasting memories, exchanged cultures, and built international friendships. Watching them embrace every opportunity was incredibly rewarding.  

“We are sincerely grateful to our colleagues at Sichuan College for their generosity and hospitality - you’ve left a lasting impression on all of us.” 

Build the foundations for your future at Lincoln College. We offer various specialist pathways including Civil Engineering, Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating, Multi Skills, Plastering, Plumbing, Carpentry & Joinery and Electrical Installations.  

Apply now to study Construction with us from September 2025 here.