STUDENTS are going on 'a trip of a lifetime' by going to Thailand to learn a new skill as part of their beauty course.

Eight students and two tutors from Activate Learning Reading College and the City of Oxford, will be jetting off to Thailand during the February half-term.

Masters in Thai massage will teach the students at least 45 hours of the traditional beauty treatment at the Chiva Som Institute in Bangkok.

Nicola Robinson, tutor at Activate Learning at the City of Oxford College, said: "My students are looking forward to going to Thailand.

"They will have a trip of a lifetime and learn so much about the culture and holistic well-being as well as new skills to help their careers."

At the end of the week, there will be a short assessment and the successful students get a Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) endorsed certificate.

The students will then be able to practise and be insured for traditional Thai Massage to work in the Oxford area.

Robyn Hunt, a level 3 Beauty student, said: "We are all very excited about going to Thailand and it will help our careers enormously.

"I am particularly looking forward to being taught by a Master in Thailand."

The course,which has been operating since 2011, is provided by World City Links who is a not for profit education partnership organisation.

Julian Venniss, director of world city links, said: "We have been operating this course in Bangkok every year since 2011 and it is great that we have students from other colleges outside of London.

"The students will have a great time and come back enthused and excited."