Last weekend, over 100 West Lothian College students flew out to countries across Europe as part of the college’s international programme.
The trips funded by Erasmus+ saw hair & beauty students travel to Portugal, sports and childcare to Italy, motor vehicle to Sweden, construction to Spain and business, tourism, health and social care to France.
The students are abroad for two weeks and are completing a work placement with a local organisation, during evening and weekends the students are also able to experience different cultures, with hosts organising many activities.
The college has been offering international opportunities to students and staff for a number of years and has seen the positive impact this has had on their students, with increased engagement, enthusiasm and success within their courses. A vast amount of the students chosen to go on the trips have never been abroad before, with many having their first passport funded by the college for the purpose of their trip.
Daniel Evans, Head of International at West Lothian College said: “Since 2015, over 400 students have travelled abroad with the college and we are incredibly proud of the work we do to offer so many young people an international experience as part of their courses. We have had excellent feedback from students and staff who have been on these trips, the number of those achieving great results after being on these trips speaks to the success of these projects and we hope to be able to deliver these visits well into the future.”