The University of Worcester has been awarded more than £140,000 to fund students who want to study abroad.
Sport Business Management student, Andrius Gopenas
The money has been allocated in the first round of the Turing Scheme, the UK government’s global mobility programme, providing funding for students to gain international experience and develop a wide range of skills and a better understanding of other cultures.
The grant will fund at least 70 University of Worcester students in going abroad, whether for a full academic year, a semester or a month during the summer, which is the first-time students will be able to participate in funded short-term mobility overseas, an important development that will allow students with caring responsibilities and other commitments, as well as those with limited resources, to also take part.
Dr Tim Jones, Acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor Students, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding, and while it is less per student than the previous Erasmus scheme, which so many of our students benefitted from over the years, and from which the UK has now withdrawn, we are glad that many our students will continue to have the opportunity to broaden their academic and life skills through study abroad.
“At the University of Worcester, we have a global community and welcome students from all over the world to study here in Worcester with us. It is fantastic that our students will have the same opportunity to study in another Country and gain new experiences and life skills.”
Andrius Gopenas, a Sport Business Management student, spent his year-long placement with Valencia Basketball, which has a partnership with the University of Worcester. “I believe that throughout the year I have grown as a person and a young professional, with an improved skillset and with much broader experience and knowledge in the basketball industry,” he said. “Entering the job market with this experience on my CV will definitely open huge possibilities.”
Shannon Coates, a Biomedical Science student, spent her third year abroad at Bishop’s University in Canada. “Choosing to study abroad was the best decision I have ever made,” she said. “This experience has made me more confident, open minded and independent, as well as giving me the opportunity to improve my French language skills.”
And Asher-Kate Fisher, a Graphic Design student, who also spent her third year in Canada, studying at Brock University, added: “Going on an exchange was one of my best decisions ever. I don’t know where to begin when explaining how much I enjoyed my time out there and the opportunities I was lucky to experience.”