Burton youngsters have jetted off across the world for the summer to meet their duties as international ambassadors.

Students from Burton and South Derbyshire College, Georgina Eyley and Joseph Cowlishaw, both 19, and Ellie Jackson, 17, have travelled to Ansan University, in Seoul, where they will be spending the next six weeks.

The three pupils were chosen after a rigorous interview process and will be mentoring Korean students on their travels, teaching them English skills.

The college runs its own cultural exchange programme with educational institutions in South Korea. Between them, the students have planned more than 30 English lessons, with a range of activities that will be given to the group of Korean pupils.

It’s not simply about teaching either, as the three have been busy learning Korean phrases to make sure they are able to take part in simple conversations on their travels.

Omar Mirza, 19, meanwhile will be flying away to DENPA educational institution in Nagoya, Japan, becoming the first Burton and South Derbyshire College student to do so.

Omar will be out there for four weeks of study, which will see him take part in Japanese lessons, traditional cultural experiences and visiting local attractions with other college students.

Omar Mirza will be spending his summer break in Japan
Omar Mirza will be spending his summer break in Japan

He has already learned the two Japanese alphabets and a whole list of useful phrases, commenting: “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I will remember this visit to Japan for the rest of my life.”

In their roles as international ambassadors, the four students will work alongside international students to develop a range of skills both in the classroom and out.

International operations manager for Burton and South Derbyshire College, Ann Walton, said: “We are delighted to provide our international ambassadors with exciting opportunities to visit countries such as South Korea and Japan.

“Experiences like this are a fantastic way for students to enhance their employability skills and to gain experience of different cultures, which is invaluable in today’s global job market.”