Bradford delighted by Turing Scheme commitment
From Bradford to South Korea via the Netherlands and taking in Sacramento - how the Turing Scheme is giving chances to our students.
The University of Bradford has been celebrating the Government’s continued funding of the Turing Scheme, enabling more of its students to take up study, work, and short-term placements around the world.
The Turing scheme - named after mathematician Alan Turing - replaced the previous Erasmus+ programme, which ended when the UK left the EU. The scheme is especially focused on levelling up opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds – with 48% of placements funded this year for students coming from less privileged backgrounds.
The University was awarded £363,000 by the Scheme, enable our students to take up study, work, and short-term placements around the world.
The University is providing additional support for travel and expenses like visas and passports, so the lifechanging opportunities of international work and study are open to all students, no matter their background.
That means more opportunities for students like Hayqa Saeed, born and bred in Bradford, currently studying the Netherlands and next year travelling to South Korea, to further her ambition of working in international law, or Mustafa Al-Rubaiai – a Bradford student who right now is studying chemical engineering at California State University Sacramento.
Hayqa said: “I am studying abroad because I wanted a first-hand insight of new cultures. Since being here I have got to interact with so many students from different backgrounds due to the international student population and been able to learn about their cultures in addition to Dutch life.
“It has given me the opportunity to get involved in Dutch activities and make the most of my exchange. I have been able to visit many cities around the Netherlands. It has allowed me to create links across the continents with so many international people that could provide opportunities in the future.
“Not many people I know are aware of how to access the opportunities that are available to them. By studying abroad, I have become much more socially aware, and it has encouraged me to study and work abroad again in the future and pursue more options available.”
Mustafa echoed that, saying: “I am studying engineering, chemistry and French classes here in California State University Sacramento. The engineering and chemistry classes will directly help with my career prospects. In regard to the French classes, it’s simply a process to learn how to communicate with more people. My studies here will benefit me for years to come.
“As an Arab, going to a country like America wasn’t an easy decision. The Middle East and Arabs in general are heavily misrepresented in America. However, upon arrival I realised how diverse and open-minded Californians are. This allowed me to become the only representative of the middle eastern community to some of the friends I have here.
“The grant has given me the opportunity to do many activities and experiences I’ve never had the chance to do in the UK. It just takes pressure off me in terms of financing, especially as a student who has moved away from his whole ordinary life. The Turing grant gave me freedom to explore and experience.”
The University already has five students studying abroad, with a further five travelling in January and 33 between February and June. Recruitment is ongoing for a further 127 students.