A fact-finding and fun-packed Canadian adventure
Our Business students have been picking up tips – and promoting North Yorkshire – during a trip to Canada.
Three lucky Level 3 learners, Grace Payler, Dan Rushton and Lily Bell, travelled to the country thanks to funding from the Turing Scheme.
During their visit, the trio enjoyed an educational visit to a Quesada Burritos & Tacos restaurant, and took part in a sustainable tourism class at Georgian College, in Ontario. They also managed to squeeze in some incredible sightseeing opportunities and other leisure activities.
Working on a marketing campaign
Dan said: “On the first day, we went down to Quesada in Barrie, met with the owner and asked them questions about the business and how it was marketed.
“Whilst we had lunch, we worked on a marketing task; discussing new ways to market the business to increase its sales.”
Another day began with some snow tubing fun, before the students – who were accompanied on the trip by our Business course leader, David Gaunt – headed to Georgian College.
Tourism insights and one-off experiences
There, they joined a class to present a slideshow about Harrogate and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy and learn about sustainable tourism in Canada.
David, meanwhile, taught a lesson on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it varies across different countries, to degree students.
It wasn’t all hard work, however, and the Harrogate group also found time to visit Niagara Falls and take in an ice hockey game.
Grace said: “I loved visiting Niagara Falls and seeing so many different things I never thought I would be able to see.
“We attended a Barrie Colts ice hockey game with members of the international team and a Canadian student who will be part of a reciprocal visit to Harrogate College. It was a great new experience for me.”
Adapting to unexpected challenges
The trip also turned into a real test of adaptability and independence when flights were unexpectedly cancelled both ways. The students, along with David, had to quickly adjust plans and find solutions to navigate these disruptions.
Fortunately, they received invaluable support from two Barrie residents, Jean Maurice and Bill, who are connected to the international conifer network. Their kindness and generosity in assisting the group through the travel difficulties made a huge difference, ensuring they could still make the most of their trip. This experience not only highlighted the importance of resilience but also showed the strength of international connections and community support.
A life-changing trip
Reflecting on the trip as a whole, Lily said: “Canada was great, it grew my confidence and allowed me to develop new skills such as presenting, using a slideshow that we had created before the trip.”
Dan added: “Going to Canada was incredible, it has really given me a new outlook on college life and it has improved my organisational skills because we had to be ready on time for each day’s events.
“The experience has also led me to feel more confident in myself.”
