West Lothian College Provides international Opportunities for Students
West Lothian College has been approved for a two year project funded by the UK National Agency for Erasmus+ which will allow funded overseas work experiences for Further Education students in 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Altogether 200 students of West Lothian College will benefit from this life changing experience.
The college has been offering international opportunities to students and staff for a number of years and the positive impact has been very clear among students with a visible increase in engagement and enthusiasm leading to more success within their courses. Many of the students selected for the trips have never been abroad before, these trips allow personal growth and to experience a whole new culture as well as the chance pick up additional skills for their chosen subject of study in an international environment and context.
Participating students undertake 2 weeks of work experience related to their studies as well as cultural activities and the completion of a work placement SQA qualification. They additionally receive a Europass Mobility document evidencing they have studied and worked in another country, thus enhancing their CV and employability prospects. .
With uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the project is protected by the HM Government Guarantee and will definitely proceed regardless of the final outcome of Brexit.
The project will give students the chance to visit and work in countries including: France, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Daniel Evans, Head of International at West Lothian College said: “As a college we are delighted to have been approved for another two year project with Erasmus+. 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 work experience as part of their course. The feedback from staff and students has been incredible and we look forward to providing students with these opportunities over the coming two academic years. For anyone looking to improve their employment prospects this is a great time to be at college. International work experience is just one of the many reasons to choose college to build skills and improve job and career prospects.”