The Welsh government has launched its own Erasmus replacement programme, known as the New International Learning Exchange. Unlike the UK-wide Turing scheme (see opposite page), it is designed to be reciprocal with students, teachers or young workers from partner organisations eligible to apply for funding from the scheme where necessary.
Education is a devolved matter in the United Kingdom, and the governments of both Scotland and Wales applied to stay in the Erasmus programme, but were turned down by the EU. Northern Irish students, however, will be eligible to take it under an agreement reached by the Republic of Ireland.
Julie Lydon, vice-chancellor of the University of South Wales and chair of Universities Wales, says:. “The reciprocal nature of the new
scheme will provide key benefits for Wales. International students, staff and researchers play an invaluable role in diversifying and internationalising our campuses and communities at a time when retaining an international outlook is more important than ever.”
“Scotland and Wales applied to stay in the Erasmus programme, but were turned down by the EU”
Funding for Turing, which is guaranteed at a £110 million for the first year, is only available to students from educational institutions in the UK, including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as British
Overseas Territories. It covers higher and further education, vocational training and school trips, but work programmes are excluded.
The scheme in Wales, a nation which makes up just 3% of the total population of the UK, has guaranteed funding of £16.5 million to cover the scheme until 2026. During this period the programme aims to help 15,000 Welsh people travel to work and study abroad, and to welcome 10,000 overseas participants to the principality.
Speaking on behalf of Cardiff University, which is tasked with taking the lead in developing and delivering the programmes, its president and vice-chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, says: “We are delighted to be entrusted with hosting and co-developing the new International Learning Exchange programme, which secures the opportunity for global experiences for the next generation of students across a wide range of learning settings.
“We are sure that the scheme will be of huge benefit both for the learners and for raising the global profile of Wales as a connected, open and inviting country.”
