ColegauCymru was delighted to host an engaging online event on Wednesday 9 July 2025, showcasing some of the exciting overseas opportunities taken up by FE learners in 2024/25 through Taith and Turing Scheme funding.
The one-hour session brought together staff and learners from five colleges to share their international stories, including work placements and study visits across Europe, Asia and the UAE. These opportunities were supported through the successful ColegauCymru consortium projects, which continue to deliver meaningful global learning experiences for both learners and staff alike.
You can watch the online event here:
Taith
At St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College, a group of female learners studying STEM and E-Sports travelled to Barcelona with the support of Nexgen Careers to explore future work opportunities in these fields. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” said one learner. “I feel more confident about working abroad in the future.”
Other learners commented on the value of the visit in empowering young female learners interested in pursuing STEM to broaden their horizons and consider job opportunities overseas. The visit also provided opportunities to develop soft skills such as confidence, networking and building relationships outside the classroom. 
“The trip gave me skills I can carry forward - like improving my Linkedin, personal skills and communication.”
“What stood out most was the bond I formed with the other girls… it was more than I expected as a trip - it was the start of real friendships.”
A learner’s parent also spoke about the transformational impact of the visit:
“Thank you, a million thank yous!!! This trip has been a life-changing experience for my daughter. She’s returned with a whole new view on women and work, and how she can pursue a career in this space.”
Coleg y Cymoedd supported Hospitality and Catering learners to undertake two-week work placements in Conegliano, Italy, providing valuable insights into catering within a different cultural context. Through their lecturer, Max, we heard from learner Abby, who was offered a job during her time in Italy - a fantastic example of Welsh skills being recognised on an international stage.
Abby said,
“After the short excursion my career goals have advanced, and I aim to travel and experience different cultures of food and cooking like I learned in Conegliano.” She added, “Overall, the trip was an unforgettable adventure that I’d recommend anyone to do if they get the opportunity.”
Turing Scheme
Learners from Coleg Cambria, including neurodivergent students, took part in ICT work placements in Italy, supported by Turing Scheme funding which aims to widen access for underrepresented groups.
Learner Ian shared,
“Before the visit, I was quite nervous… it was my first time flying without my parents. But it helped me realise there’s more to what
I’m studying - it opened my eyes.”
His classmate Tricia added,
“I was nervous too - it was my first time on a plane. But the trip made me want to travel more.”
The College Merthyr Tydfil took A Level Built Environment learners to Dubai for inspirational industry visits. Nika said,
“The visit helped me see the wide variety of jobs and routes into construction. It’s made me more motivated and focused.”
Nika now plans to progress to university to study a Built Environment qualification, with the experience having opened her eyes and cemented her ambition to pursue a career in sustainable design and construction.
Cardiff and Vale College has developed a strong reciprocal partnership with Kisarazu College in Japan providing Engineering learners with a unique 18-day cultural and educational experience in a city just outside Tokyo. Highlights included a visit to the Japanese Space Agency, the Cyberdyne robotics centre, the Engineering Science Museum, and a traditional trip to Kamakura. Learners also engaged in academic and sports classes with their Japanese peers, lived in international dormitories, and developed and delivered presentations to their hosts.
Reflecting on the experience, Mo said,
“It was different to what I’m used to, but living in the dormitories and mixing with Japanese, Mongolian and Malaysian students was a really good experience. The thing I got most from the trip was just the culture in general. The way people are - so clean, so kind. It changed my perspective.”
With strong engagement from curriculum, quality, and international staff across the sector, the session also included an opportunity for questions, encouraging discussion on how international experiences can enrich learner outcomes and broaden horizons.
Siân Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager, said,
“It was fantastic to hear first-hand how these life-changing international visits are transforming learners’ confidence, aspirations, and career pathways. The impact of global mobility in further education is clear, and we’re proud to ensure that underrepresented groups - including those with additional learning needs, from disadvantaged backgrounds, and ethnic minority communities - have access to these valuable opportunities.”
The event highlighted the wider impact of international mobility, from increased confidence and independence to greater clarity on career goals. ColegauCymru extends sincere thanks to all learners and staff who took part - and to those who continue to make these opportunities possible across the sector.
Further Information
Find out more about the UK Government’s Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is the UK government's global programme for studying and working abroad. Launched in 2021 as a replacement for Erasmus+, it provides funding for students, learners, and pupils in UK institutions to take part in international education and training opportunities.
Taith - Welsh Government International Learning Exchange Programme
Creating life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.
Siân Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
