International Exchanges
South Devon College’s learning culture promotes five core values, Aspiration, Inclusion, Support, Innovation and Progress. We are committed to providing high quality teaching and learning with comprehensive progression routes. The College has therefore highlighted an important need to develop more internationally relevant curriculum and raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals in the form of student exchange.
The Erasmus+ Skills in Europe (SkiE) project is funded by the EU and enable the college to send vocational students, apprentices and staff from South Devon College to another European Country for a two-week mobility learning experience (work placement).
To see more about Erasmus+:
The Turing International Development and Experience (TIDE) project includes three key elements of student exchanges to new partners in Sweden, Finland and Tanzania for learners studying A-levels and Adventure Sports. Representing a modest expansion of our international activity as we have a final year of Erasmus activity to deliver before hopefully migrating to the Turing Scheme in the 22/23 academic year.
The exchange will include study visits, cultural activities and undertaking studies at the partner organisations. Through this project we aim to ensure an international context and dimension is present throughout the learner journey. The overall aim and objective for this project is to develop our students’ knowledge and to grow aspirations within an international context.
This will give students broader employment opportunities, whilst having a memorable experience which this project will ensure. Participating students will get the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge including cultural awareness. Horizons will be broadened by breaking down perceived barriers that may limit learners’ aspiration and bring new knowledge back to the UK improving employability on the UK and global job market. Also optimising social value by encouraging the students’ aspiration regarding employment and further studies.
If you would like to find out more about the Turing scheme:
Global Partnerships
Previous international destinations and what students studied there:
- Bromangymansiet, Hudiksvall, Sweden – Engineering, Sports, Automotive, Carpentry
- St Gabriel, Brittany, France – Automotive, Marine
- Rijn Ijssel, Arnhem, Netherlands – Hair & Beauty, Business
- GRETB, Galway, Ireland – Business
- Ecole Hôtelière de Cannes, France – Hospitality & Catering
- RBZ Wirtschaft Kiel, Germany – Business
Want to find out a bit more about what students have done whilst being abroad?
Why Go Abroad
An international exchange can benefit you in many ways. It can:
- Improve your employment
- Boost your confidence
- Make you more independent
- Provide you with a memory of a lifetime
If you are able to participant in an exchange then tutors will be speaking to you about it when you start at college. Regrettably, we don’t yet have funding to offer the experience to all students, but we will continue to look for new opportunities that will benefit a greater number of our students.
Students’ Stories
Find out about study, work or travel abroad from students who’ve been there, done it, and want to share their experiences with you.
“After returning from the trip I have had a chance to reflect on the two weeks that I spent in France. There is no doubt in my mind that it was an enjoyable experience and thoroughly worthwhile.”
“Along with both the work experience and the culture experience, these two weeks away developed my independence…”
“This trip allowed me to make new friends and bonds with people as we all shared this experience, which I feel helped my people skills and my ability to work as team. In conclusion I can say that this trip was one of the best things I have ever done as it has really boosted my confidence in a load areas and I would happily do it all over again.”
“My first few days on the mobility, I was very nervous because I’ve never been abroad, so being away from my family was something new to me. I met some fantastic people as well as the other students I already knew from college supported me through the entire trip. This in itself has given me a confidence boost.”
“Once in a life time opportunity.”
“I would recommend it because it helps to grow your confidence meet new people and have an amazing experience whilst still learning.”
“I would recommend this Trip to another student because it’s the best opportunity and you learn so much from the experience and it’s something you will never forget.”
“It was one of the best experiences of my life so far.”
“Really enjoyed my experience will defiantly recommend it to other students. Can’t thank the tutors, organises, funders and people involved enough for making sure we had an amazing experience in Arnhem. I have learnt so much for my chosen job career and will help me be more confident in. I actually had the confidence when getting back from Arnhem to apply for a job in hairdressing.”
“Very enjoyable experience, I would recommend it to anyone wanting to try something a little out of the their comfort zone.”
“I was extremely lucky to go on this trip, and have been provided with many memories that will stay with me for a very long time.”
