College enhances global learning through Exchange2Change initiative

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has been embracing global learning through the Exchange2Change programme with students from Kempten, Germany.

The international exchange initiative began with selected BSDC learners from Childcare, Media and Design, and Business travelling to Kempten, where they met their German counterparts and took part in cultural activities before travelling back to Burton together to begin their collaborative project work.

During the two-day exchange at BSDC, students took part in employer-led practical projects themed around sustainability, making full use of the College’s cutting-edge facilities, including VR, immersive suites, motion capture and 3D scanning.

After a welcome session and campus tour, learners worked within their subject areas on real-world briefs while also exploring the differences and similarities between their fields in German education compared with their studies in the UK.

On the second day, students presented their projects to the group, further developing their confidence and public speaking skills.

The exchange offered a valuable opportunity for both staff and students to broaden their cultural understanding and professional skills whilst building meaningful partnerships with German education providers and learning from their approaches as well as sharing BSDC’s own strengths in industry-led and sustainability-focused teaching.

Aligned with the College’s commitment to global awareness, the programme also strengthened learners’ soft skills, inclusivity and real-world problem-solving through shared projects and applied learning.

Speaking about why she wanted to get involved, T Level Health learner Ellie Wraith said: “I wanted to take part because I knew it would push me outside my comfort zone and I wanted to challenge myself and try something new.

“I want to become a paramedic, so developing strong human connections is really important.

“This exchange has helped me build confidence in talking to new people and connecting with others from different cultural backgrounds, which I think will really help me in my future career.”

The Exchange2Change programme has been partly funded by the Bavarian Youth Exchange Foundation (Stiftung Jugendaustausch Bayern) and partly by the Goethe Institut (with kind support of the Friends of the Goethe-Institut UK).

Goethe-Institut, Germany’s globally recognised cultural institute, offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in German culture, gain an introduction to the German language, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on future-facing topics with peers from around the world.

Jenni Rall, lead manager for Educational Services at Goethe-Institut UK, said: “Exchange2Change is designed for those with minimal or no prior contact with Germany or the German language.

“It’s a chance to connect young people internationally and encourage mutual understanding through cultural and educational collaboration.”