A group of Electronic Engineering learners from Cardiff and Vale College have been on a once in a lifetime trip to Japan.
While there they gained experience of life studying abroad and took part in cultural and sporting activities.
The visit was funded by Taith, a Welsh Government funded initiative run by Cardiff University. Taith is designed to give students the chance to study, learn and explore as global citizens with the support of international educational and industrial partners.
During the two-week visit the learners fully integrated themselves into college life at the Kisarazu Institute of Technology. They joined in academic classes and took part in cultural and sporting activities such as Judo and calligraphy.
On weekends the students went on visits to Tokyo, including trips to the Sky Tree, Cyberdine Robotics and the Jaxa Space Centre.
One of the learners, Joe, said: “The Taith trip to Japan was an all-round amazing experience from meeting Japanese students to the cultural and technological visits.
“I personally have used the certificate I received from the National Institute of Technology Kisarazu in two interviews and both were very excited to hear about my experience in Japan. I have even received a job offer for an electrical engineering apprenticeship degree so I’m sure this experience helped me get that.”
Another of the learners on the trip, Luke, said: “I will be going to Mongolia in September with one of the international students I met in Japan. I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have been given as it has helped broaden my horizons and allowed me to experience different cultures.”
Learner Amy said: “Japan was such an amazing experience – it showed me how similar we are even though we are from different sides of the world. It showed me that I can be independent and can achieve what I was to achieve.”
Learner Ffion said: “The trip has taught me to be independent and self-sufficient, which will prepare me for future years to come at university, as well as experiencing a new culture which is something I’ve brought back with me and shared with others.”
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “At CAVC we like to offer an experience that is more than just a classroom and this amazing trip has done just that. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to fly to Japan and experience Tokyo – so we’d like to say a huge thank you to the Welsh Government and Cardiff University for funding this trip through Taith.
“To hear that the learners have benefited so much from the visit is amazing. I’m so pleased the learners enjoyed themselves while gaining a first-hand insight into the world of learning and work abroad.”