Monday 10 June 2019

‘Global Wales Discover’, a programme funded by Welsh Government and developed with the British Council Wales, offers funding to Welsh undergraduate students in Welsh Universities to undertake short-duration study, work or volunteering opportunities in a range of target countries across the globe.  

The programme has been developed in response to figures which show that there are low numbers of Welsh students at university studying, volunteering or undertaking work experience abroad as part of their studies. 

The Global Wales Discover programme is being formally launched at the Wales Millennium Centre on 10 June 2019. The launch event is being supported by Universities UK International.

British Council Wales Country Director, Jenny Scott said: “International experience creates a generation of globally connected young people in Wales. Studies have also shown that undergraduates who undertake an international opportunity are more likely to get a top degree , be more employable  and have higher earning power".

“This programme will help build Wales’ presence around the world, supporting Welsh students to spend time in countries of particular interest for Welsh Government, including: USA, Canada, Japan, UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, India, China and the whole of the EU. Placements will help Wales form new relationships with individuals, organisations and institutions in these countries”.

The £1.6m pilot has been developed by British Council Wales through support from the Welsh Government and Global Wales as part of the Welsh Government response to the Diamond Review’s recommendations on support for students who choose to study overseas.

The programme seeks to address shortfalls in the number of students having an international experience whilst at University by offering shorter-term, funded opportunities that can fit around students’ courses and their family and work commitments.

Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, said: “As someone who benefited greatly from my time studying abroad as an undergraduate, I know first hand how such an experience broadens your horizons". 

“We are taking direct action to open up opportunities, provide targeted support and improve the life chances of all learners in Wales. International study is a great vehicle to increase social mobility and I want to ensure these opportunities are open up to everyone, from every background and across the whole of Wales”. 

Notes to Editor

About Global Wales Discover 

Global Wales Discover is a pilot programme funded through the Welsh Government EU Transition Fund. The programme is managed by the British Council Wales and runs for three years from 2019 – 2022.  Applications for funding are welcome from any university in Wales. Applications from Universities outside Wales, or from other organisations or individuals in Wales, will not be considered. To be eligible for funding Welsh undergraduates must be a UK national or have settled status and be Welsh domiciled for three years or more. 

About Welsh Government Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams https://gov.wales/kirsty-williams-am

About Global Wales 

Global Wales is a partnership between Welsh Government, Universities Wales, British Ccouncil Wales and the Higher Education funding Council for Wales which aims to promote the Welsh higher education sector internationally.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. www.britishcouncil.org