11 January 2018
British Council Scotland Director Jackie Killeen, presented evidence on Erasmus+, the EU mobility programme which has enabled 600,000 people from the UK to go abroad to study, train, or volunteer over the last 30 years, to the Scottish Parliament Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee this morning.
A written submission was sent in advance of the session, a copy of which can be downloaded below.
Jackie Killeen appeared alongside Senior Development Officer at YouthLink Scotland, Emily Beever; President of NUS Scotland, Luke Humberstone; Senior Lecturer at the University of Dundee, Marion Spöring; and Centre Head – Commercial and Marketing at West Lothian College Daniel Evans.
Jackie Killeen’s contribution covered a number of issues, including the wider benefits of Erasmus+. She noted that not only language skills, but soft skills acquired on Erasmus+ exchanges were a factor in the increased employability of those who take part, as well as their accelerated progression in the workplace.
She also highlighted how the diversity of the programme in terms of reaching participants from disadvantaged background was one of its key strengths.
A full transcript of the Committee meeting and video can be accessed via The Scottish Parliament Website.