As part of #CollegesWeek2025, ColegauCymru is proud to highlight the invaluable opportunities created through overseas visits for further education learners and staff in Wales, made possible by the Taith Programme and the Turing Scheme. These international experiences broaden horizons, enhance employability, and empower learners and staff to develop new skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
Taith is the Welsh Government International Learning Exchange Programme and has been instrumental in providing learners and staff with the chance to explore new regions of the world, from the bustling streets of Dubai to the scenic landscapes of New Zealand. By linking Welsh learners and staff with global opportunities, Taith fosters a greater understanding of diverse cultures, enables staff to learn from best practice overseas, and promotes collaboration between educational institutions across the globe.
The Turing Scheme is the UK Government mobility programme that offers education providers the opportunity to apply for funding to support their learners with study and work placements around the world.
ColegauCymru International Project Manager, Siân Holleran, said,
“Overseas mobilities offer FE learners the chance to gain invaluable global perspectives, fostering personal growth and enhancing their skills.
By stepping outside of their comfort zones and immersing themselves in different cultures, learners build a deeper understanding of the world, equipping them with the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy. We’re helping to open doors to life-changing opportunities that empower learners to not only achieve academic success but also to excel in the diverse, international workplace of tomorrow.
Through Taith, we’re also able to provide opportunities for FE tutors and managers to collaborate with their peers overseas, to learn from best practice, share ideas and enhance provision and delivery here in Wales."
Here are just a few inspiring case studies showcasing the positive impact of these overseas visits:
The College Merthyr Tydfil - Visit to Dubai Staff from The College Merthyr Tydfil travelled to Dubai, where they explored the latest innovations in building technologies and project management methodologies. The visit provided exciting learning opportunities for the staff which are now being shared with A level Built Environment learners. The learners also experienced a visit to Dubai in February 2025 through Turing Scheme funding hosted by the international partnerships that were developed during the staff visit. Read more about their visit to Dubai.
Coleg Ceredigion - Visit to Alberta, Canada Learners from Coleg Ceredigion were able to experience life in Alberta, Canada, where they worked alongside their peers in the Health and Social Care sector, learning about strategies and policies for rural healthcare in the Canadian province. The visit offered them the chance to understand the global context of their studies and has enabled some learners to undertake research projects that have contributed to them achieving their qualifications. Discover more about their visit to Alberta.
Further Education Colleagues from Across Wales - Mobility to Florida A delegation of further education staff from Wales travelled to Florida to explore new research and writing methodologies. The collaborative exchange was organised by Equal Education Partners and has helped educators bring back fresh ideas and strategies to Wales. Find out more about their mobility to Florida.
Gower College Swansea - Visit to New Zealand A member of staff from Gower College Swansea visited New Zealand to learn about dyslexia friendly quarter marks. Working with the neurodiversity team, some changes and training has been implemented in the college which will improve provision for learners. Learn more about the visit to New Zealand.
These case studies demonstrate how Taith-funded overseas visits provide life-changing experiences for learners and educators. By embracing international learning, our FE colleges are not only enhancing the skills and knowledge of their learners and staff but are also enabling them to thrive in a global workforce.
As we to celebrate #CollegesWeek2025, we continue to champion the transformative power of these global opportunities, ensuring that learners and staff in Wales have access to the world beyond their classrooms. Taith provides the support and resources needed for these unforgettable educational experiences, helping to shape the future of our learners and educators.
Further Information
For more information about Taith and the Turing Scheme and how they support international mobility, visit the Taith and Turing Scheme websites.
Siân Holleran, International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
