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City College awarded funding to help students study abroad

City College Plymouth has made a successful bid to be part of a scheme that can offer students the chance to study abroad for free. 

City College is to receive a share of £110million through the Government’s Turing Scheme, which could enable students to travel to places such as Taiwan, China and the USA to take up work and study placements. The Turing Scheme, which will support some 40,000 students, has been set up to replace Erasmus and seeks to boost social mobility. 

To be awarded funding, which for City College amounts to £45,218, educational institutions had to put together a proposal clearly setting out the aims, objectives and impact of their project and the possible international partnerships that will be formed as a result. 

The College’s Turing International Mobility programme will build on 30 years’ experience of delivering European and global learning and work placements, benefiting hundreds of students and staff whilst sharing knowledge and experience with the carefully selected host organisations. 

In this first phase of City College’s Turing programme, BTEC students will engage with vocationally specific project activities, contributing to the achievement of their qualifications, gaining valuable experience and broadening their horizons and knowledge in a new cultural setting. 

During the 2021/22 academic year, BTEC level 3 sport students will undertake a 15-day mobility trip to Bangkok, Thailand. They will carry out coaching activities involving various sports specialisations from the UK and Thailand, and take fitness sessions with young people in the host organisation, directly supporting their learning and gaining unique practical experience and skills. 

A further six BTEC level 3 business students will visit a partner institution in Taipei, Taiwan. They will work with their partner Taiwanese students on a variety of business challenges, engaging in team-building, market research and new work experiences, culminating in presenting a business pitch. They will gain new perspectives and experience to boost their vocational studies, and also enhance their CVs and future employment prospects. The two partner host colleges have a reputation for the excellence of their training provision and have been selected to enhance and strengthen the College’s relationships and international network.  

Jackie Grubb, City College Plymouth Chief Executive and Principal, said: “I am delighted our students will be able to benefit from the experience of studying abroad at no cost to themselves as this will have a positive impact on the city and wider region. 

“Student mobility will be crucial post pandemic, and students from all backgrounds should be offered the chance to develop technical and personal skills, build their confidence and experience other cultures.”