Norwegian Students Visit WLC on Erasmus+ Exchange Trip

Six students aged 17 and 18 from Lier Vocational College in Norway studying Childcare Education visited Hammersmith & Fulham College as part of an Erasmus+ funded exchange trip on 19 – 31 March 2023. Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The group joined West London College students in classes, worked as learning assistants with the college’s inclusive learners, and gained work experience with a nursery partner employer. 

Enjoying a great time in London, the students observed many differences between Norway and the UK, some positive and others less so. Hans, who plans to become a maths and science secondary school teacher, worked at a local nursery – and noticed the cost of childcare is about four times the cost in Norway. He also described London as “way more crowded” than his hometown.

Martha Sobottzik said: “People are very polite in London, if they bump into you they say ‘sorry’ and in the morning they greet you.”

Nora wasn’t used to the air pollution of the city and also said the tap water tastes different to home – but she liked West London College a lot. Nora said: “I feel very safe and secure at the college.”

A big positive was the transport network in London as the students travelled to visit the sights. “If you miss a bus or train another will be along in a few minutes,” Hans said.

Trips about town included Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Natural History Museum, Portobello Market, Camden Lock, Brick Lane and Putt Shack at Westfield.