The Daniel Thwaites Travel Scholarship was introduced by Mr John Yerburgh, the President and owner of the Company 47 years ago. The aim of the scholarship is to enable students to experience life in a different culture, not as a tourist, but as part of a local family. The students take part in community work, visit local attractions and interact with their host family.
The scholarship is arranged every year with the help of EIL (Experiment in International Living). EIL provide a list of suggested countries and the choice is made by Mr Yerburgh.
Previously, trips have taken place in countries including Poland, Russia, India, America, China and Argentina. The trips usually take place in July and the students relate their experiences at a presentation evening held in September, which is attended by Mr & Mrs Yerburgh, the Mayors and Education/Team Leaders.
The party consists of 10 students (5 boys and 5 girls) accompanied by 2 Leaders (teachers or youth leaders) chosen from local boroughs. The students are not chosen specifically for their academic prowess, but more for their ability to communicate and work as a team with the other students. They are usually aged 17 – 19. The successful students taking part in this year’s visit are off to Brazil. They will start their trip in Salvador and will stay with a local family in Lencois in Chapada Diamantina.
......Germany 2006
......China 2005