Posted: 01/04/09
College trainer heads East for Easter
West Nottinghamshire College software trainer Helen Franklin is heading off to Taiwan on a month-long group study visit, organised by Rotary.
Helen has since become involved with Rotaract, part of Rotary International. An organisation for 18-30 year olds with clubs throughout the world, it enables members to meet people, try new activities and make a difference by raising funds for local and national charities.
Helen joined the organisation after spotting an advert in a local community magazine seeking volunteers to join its ‘District 1220’ exchange.
She and four colleagues – Lesley Parkinson, Claire Hodgetts, Adaresh Bhogal and Steve Moore – fly out on Good Friday (10 April) and will visit Rotary clubs in Taiwan to discuss vocational and study options in Great Britain including at West Nottinghamshire College.
She said: “This cultural and vocational exchange will see me visiting a number of Rotary clubs, businesses and colleges to develop links and share best practice.
“I’m really excited to be taking part in the ‘District 1220’ initiative, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about a new culture while meeting people abroad that do a similar job to me.
“While there I’ll be promoting the College’s first ever English language summer school, which is already attracting interest from students in China and Nigeria.”
Helen will stay with four different families during her visit and will have the opportunity to meet VIPs and deliver presentations about her home country and profession.
She added: “I’ve been busy learning Mandarin over the last few months, which I hope will help me communicate with our host families and the people that we meet. I certainly hope to develop some interesting leads and bring some useful contacts back to the College and to Rotaract.”
West Nottinghamshire College’s English language summer school runs from 6 July to 14 August and offers people the chance to develop their speaking skills in a relaxed environment, combined with weekend activities, tours of the area and a trip to London.
