UWTSD Lecturer visits Norway as part of Taith Mobility Programme

29 March 2023

A lecturer from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has recently had the opportunity to visit Norway as part of the Taith Mobility Programme.

Exterior of Volda University College building in Norway; through the glass façade a climbing wall is visible.

Taith is a new programme enabling people in Wales to study, train, volunteer, and work all over the world while allowing organisations in Wales to invite international partners and learners to do the same in Wales. Its purpose is to create opportunities to broaden horizons, experience new ways of life, and bring back lessons to share with people at home.

Dr Brett Aggersberg from the Adventure Filmmaking department was fortunate enough to spend International Week at Volda University College in Norway.

Students from UWTSD’s Adventure Filmmaking course have already had the opportunity to visit the university earlier in the year during an exchange in January through Taith. They chose Norway for its beautiful landscape, wildlife, and the cultural exchange opportunities. The modules taken whilst studying there were: Multicamera, Film History, and Media Production in The Outdoors.

He said:

“I met the students during Volda University College’s International week. We hosted a stand representing Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This was of benefit to all the visitors as it raised awareness of Wales, the Welsh language, and the University, for potential study abroad applicants.”

A group of students at the stand representing Wales and UWTSD at Volda University College’s International week; the stand is decorated with photos of Wales and a Welsh flag and a student is wearing a bucket hat.

During his week in Norway, Brett was able to spend time meeting staff from Volda and other universities around the world, and it was a fantastic opportunity to network and develop new connections for the curriculum, which included enhancing the promotion of the study abroad opportunity, specifically to Volda, in course marketing; and encouraging students from a range of course in Volda to study at UWTSD.

He adds:

“There is further potential to develop links within performing arts and sport. I will also be recommending Volda University College for graduating students to study their postgraduate there if interested in media production skills. I plan to include the option to study abroad in a new postgraduate programme at UWTSD Carmarthen.”

After returning to UWTSD, Brett is now working on developing a creative media project between both Universities to celebrate the rich cultural and environmental experience of Volda. This will be developed and applied for under the Taith funding again.

Brett is encouraging other members of staff and students to make the most of the opportunities provided through the Taith Mobility programme and to visit Volda.

“It is a small and beautiful town providing a peaceful environment in which to make friends and focus on your discipline. The hospitality from Volda University College International staff was extremely generous. We were treated to a variety of local dishes for lunch and evening meals. Whilst the visit was one of an official capacity, I was made to feel at ease with the calm and considerate approach of all the staff I met.

“Volda University College has a motto which is: a place you will never forget. I can believe that statement now as I am keen to return to visit newfound friends and colleagues.”

Kath Griffiths International regional manager, North America and Outward mobility noted:

“Volda has so many opportunities for UWTSD students, it is a fantastic location and an incredibly supportive environment. It’s great through Taith we can once again support academic staff through teacher mobility activities. The main benefits of teaching mobility include personal development, networking, and preparing for future collaboration.”