SIBU: Seven former students of Lodge National, Batu Lintang and Sibu Methodist School will be embarking on an exciting journey to Bahrain for a work-based learning experience called the Goodwill Ambassador Programme.
Currently studying ‘A’-levels at the top sixth form college in UK, Cardiff Sixth Form College (CSFC), their one-week visit will be structured in such a way that students are able to undertake work experience placements in a career of their choosing.
CSFC has taken part in the prestigious Goodwill Ambassador Programme for the past four years and is delighted to be involved again this year.
Among others, students will spend time working and helping within the local communities.
An extremely popular part of the programme is the time spent in a local school and orphanage where students can teach English, help out generally and build friendships. The trip was not designed to be completely work-based as students have time to go for sightseeing including popular tourist destinations.
Former student of Lodge National Lai Zong Bao, said: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I hope to experience a whole new culture, different from any I have ever experienced before. I am very grateful to my college for this opportunity.”
Another student from Lodge National Aaron Chieng, echoed Lai’s view, saying: “Firsthand experience in a country with political unrest will definitely serve to be a lifelong memory and a chance to mature further through it.
“I feel coming to the UK and CSFC have allowed me to explore opportunities I had not thought of before.”
Reports following previous visits have confirmed that the work experience hosts find CSFC students eager to learn, willing to help and interested in participating.
Students at CSFC usually aim for highly demanded courses at university such as Medicine, Dentistry and Finance, compelling them to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible before applying to university. Academic achievement at CSFC has been outstanding and it was ranked the top sixth form college in 2010 and 2011 in various UK League Tables.
Yasmin Sarwar, senior science tutor, who had just won the ‘Best Science Teacher Award’ in Wales, said: “We believe that we have succeeded in drawing up a well-structured and well-balanced programme that gives students the opportunity to learn more about their chosen career and to become involved in community based programmes, while experiencing international travel and life in a different country and culture.”
CSFC are very proud of their 100 per cent university placements of their students to study in their chosen careers and universities, including Oxbridge.
Meanwhile, a seminar entitled, ‘Successful entry into top universities’ will be held today at Hilton Hotel, Kuching from 2pm till 5pm. This will be an opportunity to meet the college’s principal and 31 of their students who are currently in Kuching for a two week programme, the United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Programme.
They are attached to different organisations including Sarawak General Hospital and Timberland Hospital to gain experience and exposure. For more information on the college, contact GES Global Educational Services on 082-577802/577801 or 016-8895532 (Rachel), 016-8785532 (Voon) or email to [email protected].