Students fly across the pond

Students from Travel and Tourism and Public Services courses recently visited New York as part of their educational studies.

From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square and Central Park, students had the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural landmarks that make New York a top global tourist destination.

The students enjoyed a unique walk along the High Line seeing New York’s innovative urban design of the elevated park. A poignant visit to the ground zero museum provided them with deep insight into the events of September 11, 2001.

Students explored Little Island, a remarkable floating park that showcases the creativity and green space innovations within urban environments. They experienced the breathtaking views at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, where students enjoyed panoramic sights of New York City’s skyline, including the Empire State Building and Central Park.

College continued their unique link with the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Department by having a tour of the Correctional Facility at Riverhead. The prison, which houses a range of prisoners from New York State and beyond, gives a unique opportunity for students to see how the penal systems of the US and the UK differ.

The trip runs every year to allow students to experience different cultures, visit iconic locations and give them the opportunity to gather information and materials that will help with their College projects.

Keil Boutell, a Level 3 Entry to Uniformed Services student, said: “The trip to New York City was an amazing experience, so many opportunities, for example the prison as we got to see what life was like in there, and lots of other things like exploring the city. Extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit and I would 100% recommend the trip to future students.”

Rebekah Morris, Programme Manager at Barnsley College, added: “We can’t wait to see the impact this trip will have on our students’ education and future careers. This trip offers our students the chance to network with industry professionals and fellow students, fostering connections that could benefit their future careers.

“The visit is not just about learning—it’s about inspiring our students to see the bigger picture, think globally, and understand the critical role of public services and tourism in shaping societies.”