TURKISH DELIGHT IN DEVON

A TURKISH delegation of 10 students have spent 3 weeks in Plymouth learning about computer technology functions, software, and training, and especially brushing up on their English language skills, at Almond Vocational Link based at City Business Park.

Almond Vocational Link gives European students valuable experience in spoken English, work experience, and classroom training.

Computer teacher Murat Kert from Hatay, from the Iskenderon Teknik ve Endustri Meslek Lisesi school in Hatay, said: “The students have enjoyed their educational visit to Plymouth and sampled much of the city’s cultural delights, and many are going home with a better understanding of English and computer skills.”

The project is called ITC, and focused on learning about building computers, software, training and networking, and participating with partners in Plymouth, London, Germany, and Italy.

Managing director, Janet Wonnacott, said: “The group from Turkey had an action pack programme and learned how to build a computer from scratch, and especially developing their English skills. We are hoping to further develop our projects in Turkey.”

European Union-funded Almond Vocational Link started work in 2007, and brings together foreign students from across the EU to Plymouth every year.

The company is successfully piloting a Montessori teaching programme that is helping mature students master the English language with interactive, fun and free flowing techniques that doesn’t make learners sound or look silly, said Mrs Wonnacott.

Almond recently launched a language cafe in bringing foreign speakers together to help them integrate into the Plymouth community.

Anyone looking for more information about the Language Cafe can contact:  www.almondvoclink.co.uk

Picture: Thumbs up from the Turkish delegation visiting Plymouth.