£725k funding success to support international opportunities at University of Salford

The Turing Scheme was launched earlier this year and the 2021-22 academic year will be the first year that the new Turing Scheme will be in place, bringing new opportunities for University of Salford students. This award provides funding primarily for students who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to study or work overseas due to financial reasons. Combined with the Erasmus+ funding, the University's International Opportunities team now has more than £1m to spend to support students spending time overseas, providing invaluable experience towards their future career success.

All opportunities are subject to Covid-19 developments and UK and host country government guidelines, but opportunities will include: International Exchange for studies with existing partners; and work or research placements with partners in Europe and worldwide including the USA, Canada, South Korea, Bahrain, Uganda, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Vietnam. 

The aim of the University of Salford International Opportunities–Turing Project is to increase the number of Salford students participating in an international study or work activity as part of their degree, thereby contributing to a positive impact in skills development, social mobility and future employability outcomes, and to provide high quality placement provision, excellence in supporting students, and effective promotion of the short and long-term benefits of participation.  

Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development and Chair of the Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement Committee (IDEC), said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been successful in our bid for Turing Scheme funding. Evidence has repeatedly shown that students who benefit most from outward student mobility are often the least likely to participate. These include students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME), students from lower higher education participation neighbourhoods, and students from lower socio-economic groups. We are particularly keen to support these students however the benefits of internationalisation are for all students and staff at Salford.”  

There are social, economic, geographical, institutional and cultural obstacles to mobility. Students’ backgrounds and prior experiences influence their decision to go abroad. Social structures can also disadvantage people based on their backgrounds, identities and abilities, with some students face overlapping disadvantages. 

Inez Janna Summers, International Opportunities Officer adds: “These new opportunities for Salford students provided by this funding are excellent and means we’ll be able to better support students across our community to achieve their goals after graduation. This is fantastic news!” 

To find out more about how University of Salford students have benefited from international opportunities, or to get in touch with the team at salford-iot@salford.ac.uk.