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: International Links Global | Evidence from: International Links Global
1. What is your relationship, if any, to the International Strategy?
I have been working for years as educational expert and coordinator for international projects for schools in Wales, including Erasmus+, Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning, Taith and Turing. I have been completing applications and managing projects for schools, both primary and secondary. Additionally, I am departmental lead of hispanic studies exchanges for Bangor University students, using Erasmus+ (in the past), Taith and Turing funding.
2. What are your views on the Welsh Government’s International Strategy – what’s worked well and any areas for improvement?
I usually praise the WGIS for schools, specially when comparing it with the fewer opportunities available in England. I also think that the new curriculum for Wales is much more outward looking, strengthening the believe of a Welsh identity with power to make a difference not only in Wales. I believe programmes such as Taith have offered a great opportunity for our schools and university students. However, we have been also faced with the limitations of the amount of funding available and the limited reciprocity. Summing up: we feel we are in a much better place than England and Scotland, but it is still not as good a situation as when we were in Erasmus.
3. What are your views on the Welsh Government’s priority international relationships for 2022-25?
I believe it goes in the right direction. Once more, I am aware of the more limited landscape (and resources) that we are able to use following Brexit and the end of Erasmus. But still, we are in a better place than England or Scotland.
4. What are your views on the availability of information on the Welsh Government’s international activities and delivery of the strategy?
I think everything is crystal clear, readily available online. There are also good teams of people behind programmes such as Taith, easy to reach and always willing to clear out any doubts. They've been also learning, as we all do when starting new projects/scheme, but they are always listening to suggestions and trying to improve.
5. In your view, what information on the Welsh Government’s international activities should be in the public domain?
I don't think there should be anything not public. It's important that Wales continues leading on this in UK as it's been doing so far - and it is also very important that all citizens in UK, and outside of UK, find out and hear about this strategy.
6. What are your views on how the Welsh Government’s international activity is resourced?
I wish it could be better resourced. Repeating previous reflections: we are in a better position than England, but still not as good as before Brexit/Erasmus. An increase on funds and resources would be really welcomed amongst all educational practitioners and institutions.
7. What priorities and priority relationships would you like to see included in the Welsh Government’s approach to international relations beyond 2025?
Schools, both primary and secondary. Universities. And international languages, with programmes such as Global Futures, as they are as important a skill to educate citizens of Wales and the world as the possibility to participate in international experiences.
8. Are there any other matters you would like to draw to the Committee’s attention regarding the Welsh Government’s international relations?
My suggestions would be summed up as: great benefits and vital importance of funding international language strategies and exchange programmes for schools and universities.