This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New funding for Fresh Talent
04/04/2006
Another £300,000 has been invested in the International Students Challenge Fund with the aim of ensuring that Scotland is a leading choice of country to study for international students.
Finance and Public Service Reform Minister Tom McCabe made the announcement of the second round of Fresh Talent initiative funding today following a meeting with Mayor Richard M Daley in Chicago.
The Challenge Fund, first launched in April 2005, funds projects to support international students during their studies in Scotland and to encourage them to stay on in the country following graduation.
Mr McCabe said:
"Our first-class education system is what attracts international students to come to Scotland. Every year, this provides Scotland with a great intake of fresh talent. It is our responsibility to help overseas students to integrate once they are here, to understand Scotland and our culture so we can retain that fresh talent for the benefit of Scotland, Scottish businesses and our economy.
"The International Challenge Fund goes hand in hand with other schemes under the Fresh Talent initiative, like the Working in Scotland scheme which allows overseas students to live and work in Scotland for two years, following graduation, without requiring a work permit. It provides practical help to ensure that international students are offered support and opportunities to fully experience the famous Scottish welcome, and to get to know Scotland a bit better.
"This scheme gives Scotland a leading edge - not only can we offer a first class education, we can offer the opportunity to gain work experience, to settle and enjoy life in Scotland. This is win-win situation for internationals students and Scotland's growing economy. By helping our businesses access the widest possible pool of talent, this will strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.
"We want to ensure that all international students feel welcome and enjoy their time in Scotland. Overseas students who can experience the quality of life our country has to offer will realise it's not only top choice for study, but top choice as a place to live and work."
The Challenge Fund supports events and activities which are organised for students during and towards the end of their studies, such as:
- events/activities which bring international students together with domestic students, and others in their local communities, and provide opportunities to learn about Scotland and Scottish life
- receptions/seminars or mentoring/work shadowing schemes which allow international students to meet local employers and agencies, and generally find out about the opportunities open them following completion of their studies
The Fresh Talent: Supporting International Students Challenge Fund is open to all higher and further education institutions in Scotland which are active in international student recruitment. Bids are required by June 16.