Coleg Ceredigion recently welcomed 11 Engineering students from the Lycée Professionnel Julien de Balleure, Chalon-sur-Saône in Burgundy. The students, accompanied by two members of staff visited the Cardigan Campus to gain a taste of Welsh life and culture as well as to develop their linguistic skills.

The visit, arranged by Coleg Ceredigion’s Engineering Department and Mdme Nadine Perceau on behalf of the Lyceé, began with a “Taste of Wales” themed meal at Coleg Ceredigion’s Park Place Restaurant, prepared and served by the college’s catering students, in the company of the Mayor and Mayoress of Cardigan.

Other activities included a guided tour and history of Cardigan Castle which was presented in both French and English by the castle’s Education Officer, Rhian Medi. Other visits included Swallow Boats at Gwbert where the students were very interested in both the design and manufacture of the various boats; indoor activities at Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog; and Historic Rally Sport Ltd near Carmarthen. The students were also given a tour of the various departments of the Cardigan Campus and spent some time in the Motor Vehicle workshops working with their Welsh counterparts; while some of the female students were treated to a manicure at the college’s hair and beauty training salon, Academi Steil.

To conclude the visit, Mdme Perceau presented Coleg Ceredigion Principal, Mrs Jacqui Weatherburn, with a plaque in the shape of a rugby ball that included the logos of both colleges made by the students of the Lyceé.

“We were delighted to once again welcome students and staff from the Lycée,” noted Coleg Ceredigion Principal Jacqui Weatherburn. “This exchange experience is enormously beneficial for learners on both sides of the channel to experience different ways of work, languages and culture. We look forward to visiting Chalon-sur-Saône next year for a return visit.”