Staff, students and host families were all invited to an awards evening at the college in Leamington with around 130 people joining the celebrations.
The programme was run in partnership with Education Together UK through WCG’s higher education arm Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC).
The Connect the World programme is funded by the government of Paraiba and aims to encourage the internationalisation of the states and the growth of its prosperity through international exchange initiatives for students and staff from state schools.
It saw students undertake English language lessons and then a tailored learning programme to each student. The students were also given work experience opportunities at the college and with organisations around the region.
They were treated to a range of day trips to London, Oxford, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and more to learn about UK culture.
Anna Beatriz Silva Costa, 17, was one of the students involved in the programme. She said: “I’m in love with England. The teachers and everyone have been so amazing, they made our experience really special. I’ve made some amazing friends and the whole experience has been magical.
“I stayed with a family in Cubbington while I was here and they were so welcoming. In Brazil I’m studying to be a nurse, but I’m hoping to get into medical school as I want to be a doctor and learning English helps me a lot with that.”
Rafael Da Silva Santos, 17, who lived with a host family in Coventry, added: “The experience has been brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed everything we have done here. It’s a new world for me, with the food, people, culture and weather but I’ve been really glad to experience different things.
“The technology here is very advanced here too. I’ve learned so much in such little time. I want to work in the education system, maybe even as an English teacher, but I want to be as creative as I can in that role.”
Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, was joined by Cllr Nick Wilkins, Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, to present students with trophies in recognition of their time studying in Warwickshire.
The programme signals the next step in the continued expansion of WCG and WCUC’s international portfolio.
Angela said: “If all the young people in Brazil are like these students then the future is very bright for the country. The students brought incredible energy to our colleges, embraced every opportunity, and leave us with a range of new skills which will help them to thrive in the next step in their education or careers.
“We would like to thank every host family for their support and helping to create a wonderful cultural experience for the students during their time with us.
“As a college group and university centre, we have a growing international reputation and programmes like this help us to continue to develop that reputation. It is fantastic that Paraiba State is committed to providing opportunities like this for their young people and it was a pleasure to support them with the programme.”
The students and host families took the opportunity to spend one final evening together and share memories from the eight-week long programme, before the students flew back to Brazil.
Adam Higginson, from Leamington, was one of the local people to host a student. He said: “It was an interesting experience for us, getting to know her and getting to know us too. I have a 11-year-old son and he got to meet someone from a different country, so it was lovely for him to have someone else in the house too.
“A friend of ours works at the college and when we heard about the initiative we thought we’d give it a go. We would definitely consider doing it again and it was a good experience for all of us.”
Anne Marie Lambert, from Warwick Gates, also hosted a student. She said: “She was very shy and we have been trying to build her confidence. I’d like to think we have helped with that and in the last couple of weeks she has really come out of her shell.”
The Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Cllr Nick Wilkins, said: “I was delighted to represent the people and culture of Royal Leamington Spa as I donned my Mayoral chain of office and robe to greet our Brazilian guests and students at Leamington College. It was an honour to help present the students with their trophies. I was delighted to hear how much they enjoyed both being students but also living in Leamington Spa. We wish them well on their onward journey in life.”
Pictured: Students, staff and host families celebrating at Royal Leamington Spa College.
