International engagement

See the World While You Study at Bridgend College

At Bridgend College, you’ll have incredible opportunities to gain valuable work and life experience overseas. We provide students with chances to travel internationally, proving that the skills you learn with us are transferable anywhere in the world.

Depending on your course, you could take part in subject-specific trips that let you apply your learning in a global context, giving you a competitive edge.

Additionally, some students have the chance to embark on life-changing adventures to destinations like Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, India, and Peru. These unique experiences are a collaboration with Taith and the Turing Scheme where you’ll play an active role in delivering vital programs focused on education, health, and livelihoods. By doing so, you won’t just be a tourist; you’ll become a global citizen making a real difference in our partner communities.

Nepal 2024

In 2024, a group of 15 students and 3 staff members from Bridgend College embarked on a fully funded “Challenges Abroad” community project in Nepal. Partnering with the Future Sense Foundation, the team was based in Bhaktapur, where they quickly immersed themselves in the local culture. The students’ main focus was to work with Shree Aajad Secondary School, delivering engaging educational workshops for children aged 4 to 16. These workshops covered a variety of topics, from basic English vocabulary and grammar to creative writing and origami, with the goal of stimulating creative thinking and improving both spoken and written English.

Beyond their school work, the group also took part in a range of cultural activities, including henna painting, pottery workshops, and visiting local landmarks like the Monkey Temple and a monastery. Two students even used their artistic skills to create a beautiful mural in one of the school classrooms, leaving a lasting legacy. The entire team found the experience to be incredibly rewarding and felt they made a genuine difference in the lives of others, all while being welcomed warmly by their Nepalese hosts. The trip provided a unique opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone, gain valuable international experience, and contribute to a meaningful community project.

Cambodia 2024

In July 2024, 13 students and 3 staff from Bridgend College embarked on a two-week, fully funded “Challenges Abroad” community project in Cambodia. After a long journey, the group settled in Battambang, which served as their base. The main focus of their trip was to support a local school by delivering educational workshops and engaging in community volunteer work. Despite the monsoon season, the students thrived, delivering workshops daily and connecting with the local children.

Beyond their work in the schools, the team was also deeply immersed in Cambodian culture and history. They spent their first weekend sightseeing, tasting fresh coconut milk, and witnessing the spectacle of six million bats leaving a local cave at dusk. They also visited Phnor Sampov and the Killing Field sites to learn about the country’s difficult history under the Khmer Rouge. This trip offered an incredible opportunity for students to make a positive impact while gaining a profound understanding of a new culture.

Thailand 2024

In 2024, a group of nine students from Bridgend College, representing a range of fields including Public Services, Engineering, Sport, Creative Media, and Forensic Science, embarked on a two-week trip to Thailand. The trip was made possible through funding from the Taith program and organised in partnership with Challenges Abroad and FutureSense. The students were accompanied by their lecturers, Lowri and Jon, and had a key mission: to engage in community work and cultural experiences.

The team’s adventure began in Chiang Mai, where they spent their first few days planning and preparing for workshops they would deliver in local schools. They also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting incredible temples and taking in breathtaking sunsets. A major highlight of the trip was their time at the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary that rescues elephants, cats, and dogs. The students volunteered and worked hard at the sanctuary, which included the memorable task of shovelling elephant poop! The trip was a great success, with students demonstrating resilience and a commitment to service, all while creating lasting memories.

Ohio 2026

In January 2026, a group of eleven students from different departments travelled to the University of Rio Grande in Ohio. The trip was a unique opportunity to explore how the Welsh language is taught abroad and to understand the similarities and differences between Welsh and American cultures.

During the two weeks, they took part in educational activities, discussions with American students, and visits to local education institutions. This provided valuable insights into the different education systems of the two countries. One highlight was a special night of sharing traditions by attending a folk-dancing Twmpath and celebrating the Old New Year with the Mari Lwyd.

The students said they learned a great deal about the history of the Welsh in the United States, enjoyed speaking Welsh every day, and made new friends from different academic backgrounds. Sharing their culture with American students was a unique experience which gave them a new perspective on education and identity and helped them build confidence, communication skills and pride in the Welsh language.