Suwon University students join BSDC students for creative exchange

Creative Content and Fashion students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) recently collaborated with visiting students from Suwon University in South Korea during a two-week study tour.

During the trip, Korean Fashion and Graphic Design students worked together with BSDC students in small, mixed-discipline teams to create a ‘BSDC ? Suwon’ clothing collaboration, bringing together ideas inspired by both cultures. The project culminated in an industry talk and sustainability-focused feedback from Sally Harnden of UK clothing company, Reworked 348.

Students also took part in a full-day pop-art session in which they experimented with discarded materials to create up-cycled designs for display on mannequins in a professional photo shoot. Meanwhile, BSDC Film students captured footage of the visit and produced a documentary exploring the creative process and the cultural exchange between BSDC and Korean students.

For many of the Korean students, the project offered the chance to try new techniques and gain confidence working in an English-speaking environment. One of the participants, Yuna, said: “It’s been a really great experience. I love the atmosphere here and everyone has been so kind. I’d never tried some of these things before, so it was exciting to learn something new. Working in a group has been fun, and it has really helped me practise speaking English with new people. I’ve enjoyed coming up with ideas together and turning them into finished designs.”

Speaking about the pop-art workshop, Kiran Moorley, Fashion Lecturer at BSDC said: “The students have absolutely loved it – the communication between them has been brilliant, and I’m sure some of them will make lasting connections. The project not only strengthened international links but also encouraged students to explore sustainability, creativity and cultural collaboration.”

Steph Parker, Curriculum Team Leader at BSDC added: “It has been fantastic welcoming students from Suwon University to our College. Their two-week collaboration with our Creative learners has resulted in a genuine exchange of ideas and creativity. Through a shared trip to Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery, creative brainstorming and bonding over classic British snacks, the project became as much about friendship as it was about design.

“It was inspiring to see young people connect through a shared love of fashion and graphic design. Experiences like this provide invaluable opportunities for our learners to broaden their cultural understanding and develop a global mindset for their future careers.”

For more details, please got to the News section of the Burton and South Derbyshire College website.