Travel and tourism students from West Nottinghamshire College soaked up the culture of a foreign country while meeting their counterparts at a college in Estonia.

The seven-night trip saw Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism learners focus on responsible tourism and strategies that have been implemented there to enhance the positive impacts of encouraging people to visit the Baltic nation.

This included engaging with local people to understand their views on how tourism impacts the environment and communities.

The group took part in Estonian National Independence Day celebrations, which recognise Estonians fulfilling the dream of sovereignty and include fireworks, concerts, and a parade of defence forces.

During five days in the town of Tartu, students visited Tagupidi Maja — an upside-down house visitor attraction — as well as enjoying snow tubing at Tartu Lume Park. They also discovered how such facilities are monitored and managed, particularly with regard to winter sports.

At the AHHAA Science Centre learners analysed their marketing strategies, helping them to understand how attractions appeal to different customer segments while ensuring that local culture is preserved.

A large proportion of their time spent in Tartu was spent with students at VOCO College, looking at cultural exchanges and the difference in educational practices used by Estonian and British students.
West Notts visitors delivered two presentations to their Estonian hosts, one about life, history, and education in the UK, and another that reflected on their experiences in Tartu.

The final two days were spent in the country’s capital of Tallinn. Highlights included a trip to the city’s TV Tower, the highest open-view platform in the Nordic countries at 175m.

Travel and tourism programme area leader Hannah Locke said: “Our time in Tartu and Tallinn was incredible in terms of research, fun, and culture. We packed a lot into the week.

“Students did exceptionally well, overcoming language barriers and low confidence, presenting information to VOCO College students that was clear, professional and yet personal to their experiences. They did themselves and the college very proud.”

Student Mia Wilkinson added: “I really enjoyed visiting Estonia. I experienced so many amazing opportunities, such as the upside-down house, a science museum, and sledging on rubber rings — as well as the fun experience of living with my friends for a week.

“We were doing fun and exciting things every day.”