A delegation of Norwegian academics visited Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus on Wednesday 1 February, as part of a mutually beneficial exchange programme.
The delegation from Haram College in Møre & Romsdal County in the North of Norway consisted of Jan Magne Helland (Rector), Ivar Roald (Lecturer), Magnhild Fjørtoft (Head of Department Social Subjects) and Tor Justad the facilitator of the exchange visit. They were met and hosted by Sarah Higgins Director of Curriculum for FVC’s Department of Care, Sport and Construction and Jeannette McCulloch a Curriculum Manager in the same department.
FVC had previously hosted a group of Norwegian Health and Social Care and Early Education students in March 2019, who completed a programme of work based experiences and college classes over a two week placement. Plans have now been put in place to welcome another batch of Norwegian students to the College in September/October this year, with FVC students making a reciprocal visit to Haram College in 2023.
As part of their five day visit to Scotland from Monday 31 January to Friday 4 February, the delegation – who have been based in Edinburgh – also visited Inverness College UHI, Broxburn Academy and also took time to take in the Kelpies, Helix Park and the Falkirk Wheel after their tour and meetings at the FVC Falkirk Campus.
Sarah Higgins, said: “It was great to meet our academic colleagues from Norway and to show them round our new Falkirk Campus. We can’t wait to start organising a visit from more Norwegian students later this year and a reciprocal visit to their College for our students in 2023, who will benefit enormously from the experience. Another reason to delight in the visit this week was to welcome another example of normality returning to the College, with a beneficial visit and sharing of knowledge from our peers from Europe.”
Sarah is pictured here second from the left with the Norwegian delegation at the FVC Falkirk Campus.