Exciting journey for students

FROM Scandinavia to South Yorkshire — it proved quite a journey for a pair of travelling students.

The lucky duo — Helena Garnes and Pauline Bragstad — were among eight picked by their school in Norway for a foreign exchange trip and spent a fortnight studying hair and beauty at Rotherham College.

It is part of a Business Education Together programme supported by the college and also saw Norwegian students jetting off to France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain.

When asked what they felt when they found out that they were going to be taking part in the exchange trip, Helena said: “I felt very excited.

“We didn’t know where we were going until we were given our tickets. We had never been to England.”

Helena said that while at Rotherham College, the main thing she had learned was how the British run their salons, adding: “It’s very different to how we do it at home.”

College curriculum leader, Jan Milton, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have Helena and Pauline come into the College.

“They have completely fitted in, they feel just like a part of the furniture.

“We’re very sad to see them leave but hope that they will stay in touch.”

Helena added: “England is very similar to home — the weather, the places.

“The main difference is that the buildings are made from wood at home and brick here.”

Jan said Rotherham students had also gained a lot from the experience, gathering an insight into Norwegian culture, the way salons work and even learning the language.