UK gov’t extends funding for int’l exchange

Published 21/01/2020

The UK’s education secretary Gavin Williamson announced a one-year extension to an international school exchange program during the Education World Forum in London, despite the government’s reluctance to guarantee any future funding for Erasmus+.

Launched last year, the £2.5 million program is geared towards secondary schools students from disadvantaged backgrounds, although it will now be expanded to include primary school children.

“While we welcome the announcement, it must be backed up with a commitment to continue participation in Erasmus+”

According to Williamson, 138 schools have organised international exchanges through the program to “countries as far-ranging as Austria to Zambia”.

“For decades now, children across the world have been making overseas trips to meet their fellow pupils, making lifelong friendships along the way and having a much deeper understanding of what that country is about than anything they could ever learn in a textbook” he added.

Absent from his speech made during the forum’s opening session on January 20, however, was any mention of Erasmus+, the EU exchange program that accounts for over half of all outward student exchanges in the UK.

Education Secretary @GavinWilliamson confirmed at @TheEWF that we are extending our school exchange programme for another year and widening the scope to include primary school children
Watch him talk about the importance of these exchange programmes at #EWF2020 pic.twitter.com/IYksxFQX4A

— DfE (@educationgovuk) January 21, 2020

Earlier this month, Williamson voted against requiring the government to negotiate full membership of the EU program.

“It makes no sense for the government to extend funding for exchange programs for school children while removing opportunities for them later in life by not committing to the continuation of Erasmus+ after we leave the European Union,” said Erica Ramos, vice president of the National Union of Students in a statement.

“All students should have access to programs that allow them to expand their cultural knowledge, exchange cultures and experience the world regardless of age.

“While we welcome [the] announcement it must be backed up with a commitment to continue participation in Erasmus+.”

Evidence shows that businesses are increasingly looking for employees with international experience and language skills – and, according to a British Council survey, almost two-thirds of university language students said that an international exchange helped inspire them to choose their degree course.

“With Erasmus+ students in the UK generating £390 million for the UK economy each year, its essential that the government confirms its commitment to the UK’s continuing involvement in Erasmus as soon as possible,” Ramos continued.

“Just over a week from now, the UK will leave the EU”

During his speech, Williamson also reiterated the government’s commitment to international collaboration and its education strategy, saying it aims to increase inbound international student numbers to 600,000 by 2030.

“The UK has always been an outward-looking and global nation, with a proud history and record when it comes to education and innovation,” he added.

“Just over a week from now, the UK will leave the EU. This is the perfect opportunity to march forward and be the global leader in educating children, young people and adults.”

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