Durham Education Group’s parent company East Durham College has received confirmation of Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status from the UK Border Agency.

This approval allows us to enrol international students onto a wide range of courses within the College, including A-levels and Access courses. 

HTS is granted to institutions who demonstrate the highest levels of quality in education and compliance with immigration legislation.  It also gives confidence to overseas students who are looking for a course of study with a reputable UK education provider.

Braving the elements on a visit to Bamburgh Beach and Castle

A group of German students from a school in Bavaria have just arrived in the region to spend two weeks improving their English and sampling life in the north east of England.

The group of 18 students, aged 16 to 18, are visiting the region as part of a long established exchange programme with East Durham College.

The German school, called Stattliche Fachoberschule und Berufsoberschule in Altötting, has been sending their students to the north east for 22 years.

As well as improving their English, the trip enables the visiting students to gain some work experience as part of their high school studies in social care, engineering and business administration.

In addition to East Durham College itself, a range of other Peterlee-based employers take part in providing work placements including local primary schools, The Peterlee Fire Company, Mecaplast Peterlee Ltd and Metromail.

As part of the trip the students also get to take part in bell ringing at Durham Cathedral, visit York Minster and Bamburgh Castle and to see a British institution – a pantomime – when they visit The Lubetkin Theatre t see a production of Jack and the Beanstalk by the Performing Arts and Music students at East Durham College.

Helen Mair, International Administrative Manager with Durham Education Group, said: “The students will have the opportunity to improve their English language skills as well as gaining valuable knowledge of business practices.

“East Durham College has longstanding relationships with all of the work placement providers who help to ensure the success of the students’ experiences for which we are very grateful.”

The British Embassy in Vienna

Durham Education Group and East Durham College were represented at the UKTI Training Showcase in Vienna, 13^th & 14^th November 2012.

The exhibition held at the British Embassy Residence in Vienna attracted visitors from 20 countries, including Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe.  We are looking forward to welcoming more students to the College as result of this event.  

Please follow this link for more details: http://ukinaustria.fco.gov.uk/en/business/events/CEN_Skills_2012

Pictured above (L to R): English Language Tutor Sally Ellis with international students Jeffrey Siu Fung Lee (Hong Kong), Lukas Vanhoucke (Belgium), Emma Moengaard Smith (Denmark), Beth Snegir (Russia), Gianmaria Bottino (Italy), Leona Shiyu Xu (China) and International Administrative Manager Helen Mair.

A Durham-based college had a truly international flavour as a group of students flew in from China, Hong Kong, Italy, Denmark, Russia and Belgium to improve their English before starting at one of the region’s top independent schools.

Durham Education Group’s latest venture saw the group of 6 students take part in a one-week English Language and Culture Summer programme, a short course specifically designed for international students aged from 13 to 18.

The joint initiative between East Durham College and Durham School saw the students take part in the intensive course before taking up their studies at Durham School.

Helen Mair, International Administrative Manager with Durham Education Group, said: “It was a great opportunity for the students to improve their English language skills and for everyone to acclimatise to life in the UK before moving on to their formal studies at Durham School.”

Morning English classes were held at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus, near Durham City, before a variety of fun afternoon trips and activities including boxercise, badminton, flower arranging and cake decorating.

“During the week the group visited the College’s Farm and Small Animal Unit, and were lucky enough to meet Phil Niall who gave us an impromptu falconry display,” said Helen.

Students were able to ‘hold’ a Harris Hawk and an owl; a few brave students also handled a tarantula and a python.

There was also a day trip to York which included visits to the Jorvik Centre, York Minster and the National Railway Museum. Afternoon trips included Newcastle’s excellent Great North Museum, Chinatown, Grainger market and, of course, the retail heaven that is Northumberland Street.

All the students said how much they had enjoyed improving their English on the course; getting to make new friends and taking part in the exciting trips and activities. International student Beth Snegir, 14, from Russia, pictured left, said: “I am half English, but I have found the classes very interesting and helpful.”

Fellow student Jeffrey Lee, 18, from Hong Kong, added: “I feel that my confidence has really improved.” The final day of the programme saw the students treated to a delicious afternoon tea at Durham School and receive their completion certificates from proud Headmaster Mr George.

Mr George said: “On behalf of the School I would like to wish all of the students every success in their studies here. I’d also like to congratulate everyone who played a part in ensuring that the course was such a fantastic success.”

Durham Education Group is already planning similar courses for next year and would be happy to discuss individual requirements with anyone interested in taking part. For more detail please call Helen Mair on +44 (0)191 375 4767.

German students from Altötting, near Munich staying at the Houghall Campus In Durham

Durham Education Group recently welcomed a group of nine German students to our region to take part in a 2-week residential intensive English language course.

The students, from Altötting, near Munich, were accommodated at East Durham College’s Houghall boarding accommodation and were taught at the campus too.

The students, aged 18 and 25, focussed on improving their English language skills in preparation for their return to school in September where they will take the final year of the Abitur.

As well as studying hard the students also got to go on a couple of trips, visiting Alnwick and York.

Helen Mair, International Administrative Manager with Durham Education Group, said: “We are delighted that our first group booking was so successful.

“The group gave us some excellent feedback on both teaching and facilities and we expect to work with their institution again next year.”

Student Max Koblbauer, 21, said, “The course was absolutely great and has really helped to improve my English. The north east of England is wonderful too.”

Durham Education Group is an initiative step up by East Durham College to attract students from overseas to come to our region to take part in intensive English language courses.