The Erasmus Exchange, an annual student exchange programme took place at Southwark College last week.

Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is an initiative that enables students to explore different cultures while gaining invaluable skills and experience.

The programme brought students from Italy and Spain to the College for a week to get stuck into fun and educational activities. On their first day, students sprung into their first activity which was to create their own posters using the College’s Digital Media space surrounding the theme of unity and diversity. The task was a showcase for their creative skills and to develop their understanding of what unity and diversity represent.

Students participated in a range of employability sessions, including mock interviews, vocational activities in creative arts and enrichment activities around London and in the break out spaces within the College, such as table tennis, e-games marathons and pool and air hockey.

The students also got to find out more about what it’s like to study a course in Music at Southwark College after talking to current Music students. After which, the Music students put on a performance of live music for their guests in the College's own performance space.

In addition to the activities at the College, they were treated to cultural trips around London, visiting Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace and The National Portrait Gallery.

Janet Lunam, Head of Faculty at Southwark College, said “ It was fantastic to have students from Italy and Spain working together with Southwark College students and to see the ethos behind ‘Unity in Diversity’ in action.  Everyone really valued the experience and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”