This month, British universities will start receiving an additional £3.1 million ($4.8 million) to support a new program designed to encourage more young people of all backgrounds to study languages at university.
The program builds upon the achievements of the Routes into Languages activities by stimulating new ideas and partnerships to address the challenges arising from reforms in schools and higher education.
The idea is to encourage greater collaboration between universities, schools, and employers, with the aim of raising the aspirations and attainment of students in high schools and higher education. Activities will include events, the appointing of student ambassadors, and sustained interventions such as programs of languages in context and a national language-related spelling bee. There will also be a focus on increasing participation in work and study abroad and on promoting career opportunities and employability for language students.
“Modern language skills are highly prized by employers. This additional funding will help thousands of prospective students learn more about the opportunities available, to gain a competitive edge in a global economy,” commented Britain’s universities and science minister, David Willetts.
