At the beginning of March, six students from Bridgwater & Taunton College went abroad to the Netherlands for a planned three week Erasmus+ mobility placement with one of our partner institutions, Horizon College. Four students on the Active IQ Personal Training course travelled to one of the college’s northern campuses in Alkmaar, and two Level 3 Business students went to another of the college’s northern campuses in Hoorn.
Staying in accommodation near the centre of each of the cities, the students were able to get a real taste of authentic Dutch life, and our Business students enjoyed getting around by bike like the locals. On their first days at college, the students on both campuses were introduced to staff members and their student guides and given a tour. This allowed them to enhance their interpersonal communication skills and improve their ability to build new relationships, putting them in good stead for all the new experiences they would have over the coming week(s).
The Personal Training students were able to try ice-skating, wheelchair basketball and a whole variety of other sporting activities. A particular highlight was visiting ‘Only Friends’, a sports facility near Amsterdam designed for any adolescents with mental or physical disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses. The organisation offers over 25 different sports, including tennis, football, climbing, swimming, cycling, and more.
The Business students enjoyed similar excursions, including a trip to Roermond ShoppingOutlet, a three-hour journey from Hoorn. They also completed several days of work experience at their placement in HEMA, a large variety store chain similar to Wilkinson’s. Although they were not able to finish their placement, the time that they spent in-store was still valuable as they were able to practice creating visual merchandising displays and refine their creative eye.
Erasmus was a great experience to help with my confidence and independence, an insight into adult life!
Charlotte, Level 3 Business Student
All of the students agree that, despite having to return home early, their personal development came on leaps and bounds. Money management skills, enhanced confidence, and a greater awareness of other cultures and languages are often the main takeaways from Erasmus+ mobilities. Trying new things, having the chance to explore alternative forms of learning and teaching, and being part of a completely different environment are also beneficial experiences for anyone who takes part in an international exchange.
Erasmus was a really good way to increase my confidence, I met so many new people and the opportunities involved were amazing, one of the best weeks!
Ella, Level 3 Business Student
While the BTC students were away, Bridgwater Campus was also hosting four Dutch sports students from Horizon College, and on Taunton Campus, two students from Norway joined the creative arts department. Both groups enjoyed their stays despite their short duration. The Dutch students managed to squeeze in a trip to Stone Henge and travelled to Ashton Gate Stadium to watch a Bristol Bears rugby match, and the Norwegian students undertook a work placement at Sassi Holford, a bridal shop in Taunton.
Spring is usually one of the busiest times of the year for the Erasmus department at BTC and, unsurprisingly, the disruptions to both student and staff mobilities recently have been immense. Worldwide travel bans have put a stop to any trips in the coming months and most, if not all, current Erasmus+ mobilities across Europe have been forced to end early. However, this has not diminished the relationships we have with our European partners, and as everyone struggles through this collective emergency, we are more committed to international cooperation than ever. It has also not prevented the Erasmus team from looking forward to future projects and mobilities so that BTC students and staff can continue to have life-changing experiences overseas.
Studying abroad is a central part of Erasmus+ and has been shown to have a positive effect on later job prospects. It provides an opportunity for the students to improve their language skills, develops themselves personally, gain independence and immerse themselves in a new culture.
If you would like more information about the Erasmus+ programme, click here.
