An international learning exchange programme in Wales is helping make overseas opportunities more accessible to learners who may previously have faced barriers to participation.

Taith, Wales’ international learning exchange programme, has introduced a range of changes to make international opportunities more accessible, particularly for learners and organisations who may not traditionally have engaged with mobility.

This includes simplifying processes, offering more flexible options and providing tailored support.

Matt Parry, Involvement and Engagement Manager at Llamau, a charity working with individuals at risk of homelessness, said: “This was a first for us as an organisation. Our focus has always been on supporting young people, women and children at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, so international exchange was never something we felt was meant for organisations like ours.

“Without the support, patience and flexibility we received, we simply wouldn’t have got there. Because of that approach, we have been able to give some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people an experience they will never forget, helping to build confidence and open up new possibilities for their future which had previously felt out of reach,” he added.

One young person supported by Llamau took part in a Taith-funded international exchange, helping them build confidence and broaden their understanding of the world.

Reflecting on the experience, they said: “The support throughout the exchange made every moment feel special, and it’s an experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We learned so much – not just about the country we visited, but about kindness, strength and compassion.”

Taith is an international learning exchange programme established to create life-changing opportunities for people in Wales to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.

Taith embeds an international approach into every level of our education system. Taith is for people in every part of Wales, and in every type of education setting.

The sectors eligible for funding are:

Taith is committed to reaching individuals and organisations who may face additional barriers to international learning exchange opportunities.

The programme aims to improve access for people from underrepresented groups including:

Additional funding is available to support participants facing financial barriers to participation. There are two types of inclusion support available – for Disabled people and those with additional learning needs (ALN), and for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Taith is pleased to share the stories from some participants of the programme across all sectors, who have visited countries all over the world.

In February 2026, a group of Pembrokeshire school-based youth workers recently took young people from four secondary schools on an unforgettable six-day visit to Iceland – a journey focused not just on education, but on well-being, confidence and personal growth.

Senior Youth Worker Tristy McDermott said of the experience: “The aim of the project was to create a transformative wellbeing focused international experience for young people from Pembrokeshire.

“The visit was designed to help them step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, strengthen peer relationships and develop personal resilience.

“By taking young people abroad, many for the first time, our project sought to give them time away from everyday pressures, provide positive adult support, and create space for reflection, self discovery and emotional growth.

“Iceland was chosen because its natural environment, cultural events and community spaces offered rich opportunities to support the project’s wellbeing goals. The country’s dramatic landscapes, geothermal pools and emphasis on outdoor living provided ideal conditions for mindfulness and confidence building.

“In addition, Iceland’s vibrant cultural scene, including events such as the Festival of Lights, allowed the group to explore themes of creativity, belonging and community spirit. The setting offered the perfect balance of challenge, inspiration and calm.

“One of the most powerful highlights came when the group stood together in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour at night, watching the Northern Lights shimmer above them. This shared moment of awe and calm allowed young people to pause, breathe and connect deeply with themselves and each other.

“Many described it as a rare moment free from pressure, an experience that will stay with them for life,” she continued.

“Throughout the six-day visit, young people learned valuable lessons about independence, teamwork and trust. They navigated travel logistics, managed shared responsibilities and supported one another through unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, which helped them recognise their own capabilities.

“Interactions with Icelandic peers at a local youth club taught them that young people everywhere share similar dreams and challenges, fostering empathy and global awareness.

“Youth workers also observed significant personal development, including quieter young people finding their voice, new friendships forming across schools, and individuals showing resilience and adaptability.

“The wider impact has been profound. The experience strengthened social connections across schools and boosted young people’s confidence and emotional wellbeing. The trip broadened horizons, inspired ambition and encouraged the young people to see themselves as global citizens.

“The growth observed during the trip is already shaping their confidence, resilience and future aspirations – impacts that will continue long after the visit.

“We want to send a heartfelt thanks to Taith for making such a life-changing experience possible. The programme enabled young people to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and form lasting memories that will influence their lives for years to come,” she added.

Since its launch, Taith has supported a growing number of organisations to take part in international activity for the first time, particularly those working with learners who may face financial, practical or personal barriers.

To support this work, Taith has provided more than £100,000 in additional funding to help remove barriers to participation, including support for travel documentation, transport, specialist assistance and equipment.

This funding helps ensure that learners who may otherwise be unable to take part can access international opportunities alongside their peers. The programme’s inclusive approach has also helped extend international opportunities to organisations across Wales, including those in areas that have not traditionally engaged with global exchange activity.

This is reflected in Taith’s most recent funding call, which received applications from organisations in 21 of Wales’ 22 local authority areas, highlighting engagement from communities across urban, rural and coastal parts of Wales.

Kath Griffiths, International mobility, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: “For UWTSD, Taith has opened up international opportunities that genuinely work for our students - particularly those who cannot commit to long periods away from home.

“The flexibility of the programme has enabled us to create experiences that feel accessible and achievable, opening doors for learners and partnerships that previously felt out of reach.”

Susana Galván, Executive Director of Taith, said: “Accessibility is fundamental to everything we do – it’s what makes us different. Our focus has been on making sure international opportunities are open to learners who may not have previously seen them as an option.

“By removing barriers and providing the right support, we’re helping to open up new opportunities for learners across Wales, enabling them to build confidence, develop skills and broaden their aspirations.”

Further information about the Taith programme is available at the following link: https://www.taith.wales/