More than 100 students at Crawley College have participated in the Erasmus+ programme, a unique opportunity to study and work abroad in Europe.
The Erasmus+ programme, funded by the European Union, brings together students from different backgrounds to develop an international perspective, learn a foreign language and build networks.
Crawley College, formerly known as Central Sussex College, joined the Erasmus+ programme in 2014 and since the merger in 2017 a total of 8 trips have taken place to various places in Germany including Berlin, Arnsberg and Chemnitz. The programme encourages students from a range of courses such as Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Business and Motor Vehicle to build on their personal and professional development.
Dean Wynter, Vice-Principal of Crawley College, said “For many of our students this is the first time they have travelled outside of Crawley. This opportunity is about giving students a different learning experience and allowing them to grow independently.”
Students travel for two weeks with various opportunities to study in an international college and work for a prestigious company in their chosen industry to improve their employability and develop their confidence. During free time students explore famous landmarks and embrace the European culture.
Ranjan Singh, named Student of the Year at the Construction and Engineering Awards 2018, travelled to Arnsberg last year. He said, “I am thankful for this opportunity to study and work abroad, it has provided me with a great insight into the engineering industry, and working with Skoda and DAF Trucks in Arnsberg taught me a number of valuable skills”. Ranjan has completed a Level 3 Motor Vehicle course and now works as a Technician at Lexus Gatwick.
Earlier this year Business and Motor Vehicle students visited Chemnitz – the hub for mechanical engineering, automotive sciences and microsystems technology – and last year Hospitality students practiced their culinary and customer service skills at the 4 star stylish Wyndham Garden Hotel in Berlin.
The European Commission has proposed to double funding for Erasmus+ by 2021 and increase mobility with third-party countries not within the EU, meaning the UK will be allowed to join Erasmus+ after Brexit.
The Vice-Principal of Crawley College said, “We hope to continue the Erasmus+ programme, allowing more students at the College to study and work abroad, and also host students from colleges across Europe.”
Crawley College offers technical and professional courses for young people and adults in a wide variety of subject areas. It’s not too late to apply to study in September 2018, you can visit www.crawley.ac.uk for further information.