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Coleg y Cymoedd have been showcasing vocational expertise and providing cultural experiences to a group of visitors. The college recently welcomed a group of sixteen international visitors from Chongqing in central China.

In partnership with a number of other colleges across Wales, Coleg y Cymoedd provided the group made up of staff and students with both memorable educational experiences and cultural opportunities. The visit from learners and staff from six vocational colleges in Chongqing was organised by Colleges Wales (UK) International on behalf of the Wales-Chongqing FE Consortium.

The group were welcomed by Principal Judith Evans who gave a detailed presentation on the college and the further education sector in Wales before having a tour of the Ystrad Mynach campus and state of the art Nantgarw campus. The visitors met with key staff who gave an insight into the campuses, how the college is run, and student experiences.

The visitors took part in interactive classroom observations in a number of vocational areas from Aerospace to Catering, to display the range of vocational routes available at the college. The group were encouraged to get involved in the teaching sessions and particularly enjoyed trying on the costumes that had been produced by learners on Creative Industries courses. Coleg y Cymoedd learners on Business courses also gave an insightful presentation on Welsh Culture.

The students and staff from Chongqing were treated to local cuisines at the fantastic ‘Nant’ commercial restaurant in Nantgarw and Scholars Restaurant at the Ystrad Mynach campus. The group also had the opportunity to explore the city of Cardiff and be taken to cultural landmarks in the South Wales valleys including museums and Caerphilly Castle.

The varied programme for the visit was devised so staff and learners from the six different vocational area colleges could gain relevant experiences to take back to China. The visit is part of wider international plans and along with previous cultural exchanges, is helping to create stronger relationships with colleges overseas.

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