SBU Sixth students in Engineering, Health and Finance benefitted from fantastic practical experience with international work placements in early 2026, as part of the Turing Scheme. Three groups travelled to Spain and Greece in January and February 2026, a round up of their trip diaries is below. Further groups are abroad on placements in June. You can also read more about the Engineering students in Valencia here.
Update: Thursday 19 February
The end of this winter’s international placement trips today! Over their final week, the 20 Business & Finance students completed and presented their placement projects – costed business plan proposals, which were then pitched to Ioannis Apostolakis, Director of the Piraeus Bank in Crete. All four groups, with business ideas including a fitness-themed hotel, marketing agency for small tourist businesses, and website for local tutors, had their plans ‘approved’. This ensured successful completion of an essential part of the group’s T-Level qualification.
The trip wasn’t all about work. Over the weekend, the students also enjoyed a visit to the heritage museum and fortress, and some scenic hiking at a lake and gorge.
Friday 13 February
14 days of work placement in Crete ended on Thursday for the group of SBUSixth Health students. They wrapped up with a review of what they achieved with local partners the European Education and Learning Institute. The session also included getting some fantastic feedback from their employers and thanks for their contribution.
The Business & Finance group are also in Crete, coming to the end of Week 2. The last few days have included sessions on financial reporting and investment evaluation from the Director of a Greek bank. The students also spent time working on business psychology and skills mapping with a lecturer from the University of Crete.
A big highlight from the week was when the groups met up on Wednesday evening for dinner in a fish restaurant on the harbour.
Update: Monday 9 February
The Engineering group arrived home on Friday, tired but happy after a fantastic two weeks in Valencia! The Health and Business & Finance group are still in Crete. On Saturday, the groups got together for a cultural trip to the Palace of Knossos and visit to Heraklion.
During the working week, the Health students had completed the second week of their placements. The Business & Finance group had an exciting first week, including sessions in banking, a visit to a Broker, and working on business plans, which they will present to a panel of expert investors later in the trip. They also enjoyed some cultural time, including a tour of Rethymno and visit to the nearby Archaeological museum.
Lead tutor Clarise Mofor said: “A highlight for the group was their meeting with a senior broker in one of the most reputable brokerage companies in Greece. They had a great session, with key advice on how to go into the field, asset management, investment expertise and dealing with clients.”
Update: Tuesday 3 February
The Business & Finance group, including 20 students from Year 12 and 13, arrived at their hotel at around midnight on Monday and were back out for their induction session on Tuesday morning. They are preparing for visits and practical sessions in some of the island’s financial organisations, starting properly on Wednesday. Later in the afternoon the group headed to local food shops to buy ingredients for tonight’s meal
Update: Saturday 31 January
The Engineering group have been fully engaged in their placements. Some have been speaking with their employers and asking for even more challenging tasks — opportunities that really push them and help them grow. One of our staff members with them reports: “The experience in Valencia is highly positive both professionally and personally for all students. The opportunity to undertake placements in an international setting has enhanced students’ confidence, adaptability, and cultural awareness.”
Meanwhile the Health group arrived in Crete on Monday and have settled into the first week of their placements in hospitals, care settings and medical practices. Their supervising tutor reports: “On day one, everyone had a chance to visit their placements and meet their supervisors. In the evening we had a tour of the town, stopping off to get some groceries for dinner and breakfast. Every evening since we have all got together to share reflections on our experiences in the different settings. On Friday everyone finished at 4, and it was a lovely day so we were able to have our reflection time by the beach!”
Update: Friday 23 January
“Chilly but sunny here in Valencia – good weather for work! We are all settling into the various shift times – it is good to be getting up early and making our way to work independently, seeing plenty of the city. Some of us are working in bike rental, doing repairs and getting bikes ready for new customers. A good opportunity for some engineering in action as well as chance to meet and chat with Valencia residents and tourists.”
Tuesday 20 January
“Today, we visited all the companies where we will be doing our placements. We each met our managers and were given a clear overview of roles and responsibilities. Tomorrow is our first day in the jobs, with some starting at 9.30 and others doing later shifts. Overall, everyone is in good spirits, with no signs of homesickness so far!”
