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Multi-cultural colleges highlighted
30/05/2012
Education Secretary Michael Russell has welcomed the diversity of Scottish colleges as figures show over 180 nationalities of students entered our colleges last year.
The most represented nationalities include Polish, Spanish, Pakistani, Indian and Chinese students. These figures show people from a wide range of backgrounds benefit from studying at college and in turn help contribute to student life and the economy in Scotland.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
“Scottish colleges offer a wide selection of courses and help many people gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter into the job market. They also provide an opportunity for young people to expand their horizons once they leave school.
“I am pleased over 180 nationalities of students entered our colleges last year. This illustrates the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of our college campuses and means Scottish students and students from around the globe can benefit from working together.
“Many colleges offer English courses for speakers of other languages and we know this provides many people with an important first step into employment in Scotland, helping both themselves and Scotland’s economy.
“I believe these figures are good news for our students, our colleges and our economy. Importantly, Scottish students will also reap the benefits, in the global world of the future, of having learned in such a culturally diverse environment.”
John Henderson, Chief Executive of Scotland’s Colleges, said:
“The figures released today show again that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ college learner. Our colleges are truly open to all students from all ages and backgrounds to improve their skills and opportunities throughout life, no matter where they start from. It’s reflective of that diversity to see well over a hundred nationalities being represented among our students.
“What is also often not well known is our excellent international reputation, in addition to the diverse nationalities of those currently living in Scotland who attend college, thousands of students also travel to Scotland every year from all over the world to study in a college.”