Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament
Pwyllgor Diwylliant, Cyfathrebu, y Gymraeg, Chwaraeon, a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol| Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee
Strategaeth Ryngwladol Llywodraeth Cymru | Welsh Government's International Strategy
Ymateb gan: Coleg Sir Gar a Coleg Ceredigion | Evidence from: Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion
1. What is your relationship, if any, to the International Strategy?
Further education provider in Wales. Active recipient of Taith funding to support international mobility for learners and staff and sharing of best practice and innovation. The Principal is the Chair of the Colegau Cymru International Group. The college has established MoU's with Canada and Vietnam and has forged relationships with other countries through it's international programme.
2. What are your views on the Welsh Government’s International Strategy – what’s worked well and any areas for improvement?
There needs to be an International Education Strategy for Wales, which identifies a clear direction of travel aligned to Welsh Government's International Strategy.
3. What are your views on the Welsh Government’s priority international relationships for 2022-25?
We are aligned with them.
4. What are your views on the availability of information on the Welsh Government’s international activities and delivery of the strategy?
There needs to be a more cohesive approach and better communication. The International Group would like more regular contact with Welsh Government representatives to provide updates.
5. In your view, what information on the Welsh Government’s international activities should be in the public domain?
6. What are your views on how the Welsh Government’s international activity is resourced?
Taith is significantly underfunded. What seemed to be a very promising offer for Wales has been diminished lack of funding. Grant rates are not realistic and have not increase in line with inflation to cover actual costs. At the start of the programme capacity building was promised, but this was not realised.
7. What priorities and priority relationships would you like to see included in the Welsh Government’s approach to international relations beyond 2025?
See point 11, and other above.
8. Are there any other matters you would like to draw to the Committee’s attention regarding the Welsh Government’s international relations?
We need to consider a return to Erasmus+ in addition to Taith, to broaden opportunities for learners and staff.