The students visited Saudi engineering firms and the flagship ITQAN Institute, which Lincoln College runs in partnership with the world’s largest oil producer, Saudi Aramco.
Student Tom Saddler said he had an incredible time that opened his eyes to how wonderful Saudi Arabia is.
“from day-one everyone in the college and everyone we met on the streets was just so nice – taking the time to stop and say welcome to Saudi Arabia and being really interested in our visit and what we do back home,” he said.
“It was wonderful waking up in the sunshine every day and the Saudi students were great, helping us to settle in and feel at home.
“We worked with the ITQAN students on engineering projects and had loads of fun go karting, riding camels, and sightseeing.
“I will go back to the UK and speak nothing but positivity about Saudi Arabia and my experiences there. Who knows, maybe one day I can see myself working out here because I've fallen in love with the country so much.”
The students and apprentices travelled to Saudi Arabia as part of the Turing Scheme. This is the UK government’s global programme to study and work abroad. The scheme provides funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It is hoped that Saudi students will now also visit the UK through reciprocal funding.
Lincoln College Group Managing Director for International and Commercial James Foster said: “One of the main benefits of operating internationally is our ability to share the expertise of staff and the amazing opportunities that we offer our students across the globe.”
“This was a true life and career-enhancing opportunity for some of our young engineers to experience their industry in the context of a very different culture and working with a truly global business. It certainly changed their perceptions and opened their eyes to the wonderful opportunities ahead of them around the world.”
