TUTORS from Trafford College are preparing to embark on an educational trip of a lifetime as they swap their classrooms in Stretford for a university in China.

English teacher Zoe Davies, and Julie Milner, who teaches ESOL and maths, will be visiting the university in Tianjin, (a two-hour drive from Beijing).

The aim is to help the Chinese teachers become familiar with a more communicative approach, and Western teaching and learning methods.

The teachers will deliver a two-week vocational English teacher training programme at the university.

Taking place between July 16 and July 30, the experience involves teaching intensive vocational training to English teachers from colleges in China.

Julie, who has previously taught English on the Italian Riviera, was thrilled to discover that she had been selected.

She said: “I’m both nervous and excited to be taking part in the programme, but I’m so glad that both Zoe and I are going. I think we’ll be able to support each other and draw on one another’s varied skills and experience.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the very different culture, and Tianjin University holds vast yoga classes - in an area the size of a football pitch - which I hope I can take part in! My students have also told me I have to visit the local midnight street markets.”

Zoe added: “I’m most looking forward to engaging with the other Chinese delegates and their cultures, as well as sampling the cuisine!”

Zoe and Julie will jet off on July 13 for their 17-day trip.