Languages students at Huddersfield University hit by funding blow

Nov 25 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

STUDENTS in Huddersfield look set to miss out on valuable foreign placements.

The massive cuts in public spending are expected to hit the studies of many studying languages.

Students at the University of Huddersfield have taken part in the British Council Assistantship scheme for many years, but now fear there will be no funding for placements abroad.

Students normally submit their applications at the start of December, but the British Council has said recruitment is not opening because of the review of public spending.

When students are successful, the University of Huddersfield waives the tuition fees for the year out and the respective Government will fund the individual students.

They can also often qualify for a grant from the European Union.

Dr Malcolm Pollard, head of languages at the University of Huddersfield, said: “The review is already affecting students on the second year of their language degrees.

“This is obviously a cause of anxiety for students and their families.

“I have seen at first hand the extent to which students return transformed after their year spent working abroad.

“They have benefited enormously from the experience, but had also given so many youngsters a real taste of our country and its traditions.

“It is unfortunate that one of the most popular routes for British students to broaden their own international horizons faces an uncertain future”.