Twenty sixth formers from University College Birmingham got to explore Singapore's groundbreaking work in sustainability on an educational trip of a lifetime - changing their perspectives forever.

During the two-week trip, the group had the incredible opportunity to kayak from Singapore to Palau Ubin to explore the mangroves and visit a floating restaurant, take in nature reserves and solar parks and hear from university experts on the country's ambitious environmental policies and sustainability initiatives.

Crucially, the trip - funded by the UK government's Turing scheme - gave the students invaluable international experience and the opportunity to engage in real academic research, enhancing their employability skills.

During a rigorous selection process, students who wanted to be considered for a place on the trip had to write a letter of application, submit a CV and present their ideas on sustainability to senior leaders within University College Birmingham.

Best friends Lavanya Anpalakan and Anika Tahsin, who met at primary school, couldn't believe it when they heard they had both been selected for the trip.

"We were screaming so much when we heard," said Lavanya, who is studying for A-levels in biology, psychology and business and an AS-level in core maths.

"I was there without my parents and thought I'd be really homesick," added Anika, who is studying A-level biology, business and psychology, an AS-level in core maths and a Level 3 in health and social care.

"But I loved it and navigated the whole city. The group became like one big family, everyone really bonded, and it's something I will tell my children about. I now want to do an exchange programme in the summer." 

Tayyib Al Salam, who is studying A-levels in maths, computer science and psychology, said: "When I found out I was going, I jumped in the air! My parents thought I might be worried as I didn't really know anyone, but I got to know the person I was sharing a room with well. We couldn't stop talking the first night we got there."