Plymouth Marjon University students broaden global horizons through the Turing Scheme in Vietnam

Released: 25.05.26

Students from Plymouth Marjon University had the trip of a lifetime, gaining invaluable academic experience in Vietnam as part of the UK Government’s Turing Scheme.

Seven students spent time taking part in academic and cultural activities at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Students studying Speech and Language Therapy as well as a BEd Primary Education student benefitted from the scheme and attending classes alongside Vietnamese students, took part in academic discussions and experienced different approaches to teaching, learning and communication.

For Beth Groves, a BEd Primary Education student, the academic experience has been particularly valuable.“Public speaking and meeting Vietnamese English teachers has been a real highlight for me,” Beth said.

For Kally Luck, another first‑year SLT student, the emphasis on collaboration stood out: “The General English classes were a great opportunity to help students learn through working with a native speaker. We got to know each other really well – and even shared Vietnamese snacks together,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, students engaged with Vietnamese culture. Emily Green, a first‑year SLT student, described the importance of building relationships early in the visit: “Meeting the students and faculty on the first day and getting to know them outside of the classroom was a real highlight. It was so nice to build relationships with the HUST students – they were incredibly welcoming,” she said, adding: “Visiting Ninh Binh was unforgettable. It’s such a beautiful place and such a contrast to Hanoi. Cycling around Tam Coc and visiting the bird and flower park were highlights – and the food here is amazing. I’m feeling very grateful for this opportunity.”

Anna Keast, SLT student explained the relevance to her programme: “Seeing how Vietnamese students approach English speech sounds in phonetics was really interesting for me academically,” she said. “Culturally, exploring less touristy areas of Hanoi and visiting the Vietnamese Women’s Museum was fascinating. Hearing personal stories and learning about women revolutionaries was a real highlight.”

The University designs international opportunities such as these to enhance students’ employability, confidence and global awareness (while also reflecting Marjon’s core values of Independence, Humanity, Curiosity and Ambition.)

The Turing Scheme provides funding for global opportunities with additional financial support available for students who face barriers to participation, and receive contributions towards costs such as travel, passports, visas and health insurance, where required.

For more information about future global opportunities, including Camp America summer camps, students can contact the international team at International@marjon.ac.uk.