Year 12 student Freedom M, shares her experience travelling to Greece with UoB School via the Turing Scheme:
Going to Greece through the Turing Scheme was such a unique and unforgettable experience. It was my first time travelling with an educational programme like this, and I’m grateful I had the chance to go. It gave me the opportunity to explore a different country, culture, and way of life, all while growing as an individual and stepping out of my comfort zone.
One of the most interesting parts of the trip was visiting the American Farm School in Thessaloniki. It wasn’t like anything I’d ever seen before – students there learn through proactivity, especially in areas like agriculture, sustainability, and science. We were able to view the snails, greenhouses, and even the labs where students were working on real-life experiments and projects. Speaking to the students made me realise how different education can be in other parts of the world. I found it inspiring – how passionate they were about their learning.
Another big part of the trip for me was trying new foods – something I’m usually a bit cautious about. But I challenged myself to try everything, from gyros to souvlaki. This helped me become more open-minded and willing to embrace unfamiliar experiences.
We also visited museums and cultural sites, including the White Tower and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Seeing ancient ruins and artefacts in person made Greek history come to life. It was fascinating to learn about Greek mythology, whilst standing in the location of where so much of it happened!
Most of all, this experience taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I’m capable of more than I thought, especially when I push myself outside of what’s comfortable. I had to talk to new people, manage new situations, and stay confident in unfamiliar settings — and I really surprised myself with how well I handled it. The Turing Scheme didn’t just give me the chance to travel; it gave me the chance to grow. I came back more confident, curious, and motivated. I now have a stronger appreciation for different cultures, and I’m more excited than ever to keep exploring the world and learning from it.
