The programme – which enabled over 150 second-year students to explore a European study trip with travel and accommodation paid for by Leeds Trinity – was piloted over the summer of 2023 with trips to Berlin and Amsterdam. The programme will continue across 2024 and 2025.

Each trip had a bespoke itinerary designed to challenge and stretch students in advance of their final year of study, enabling them to apply international perspectives and experiences to their learning, broaden their skills, and consider their role as ‘global citizens’ and graduates.  

Professor Malcolm Todd, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The power of education can be life changing, and as a widening participation University, we aim to empower every individual to learn and reach their full potential. 

“As part of our Strategic Plan, we believe it is important to provide learners with the opportunity to take a global view on the subject they are studying. This approach includes having a curriculum that reflects international perspectives, and meeting and discussing issues with international students. We also want to provide students with study trips overseas where they can see and experience different cultures.

“I benefitted from student mobility myself as a student and will always remember the valuable learning I enjoyed in Italy. I’m very pleased to hear the positive impact this has also made for our students.”

The aim of the international study trips programme is to foster a wide and holistic educational experience to prepare Leeds Trinity students for the global workplace. It has been shown that students who go abroad are more likely to do better at every key indicator in higher education, from attainment to employment (International Higher Education Forum 2019, Universities UK).

One student who took part in the trip commented: “Not only have I learned a lot of new information about Berlin, I've overcome a lot of anxieties surrounding flying, travelling and being in a new place with language barriers. I learned how to navigate a new public transport system with friends to rely on for help, so in future I'll feel more confident getting around new places by myself. I've also strengthened relationships with my peers, which has been really wonderful.

“An additional thing to note was how a trip like this really supported what was learned in Level 5 Contemporary Psychology, as I was really observant of the differences in culture and could relate my placement work (research on cultural intelligence) to the experience.”

Leeds Trinity University regularly provides study, work and volunteering opportunities across the UK and abroad. However, this new scheme enables all students to take part and supports the institution’s established approach to widening participation, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Amy Lund, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences at Leeds Trinity University, travelled with students to Berlin. Read Amy's blog.

For more information about international study and support at Leeds Trinity, visit the website.