Refugees at Warwickshire college gain tools for success
The college in Leamington is helping refugees with tailored English language courses.
A leading Warwickshire college is helping refugees gain essential skills, through tailored English Language courses.
Royal Leamington Spa College, which is part of WCG, began offering lessons for refugee students last summer.
They have welcomed learners from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
Carlos Rodriguez, the college’s International Academic Manager, has been with WCG for 19 years. He said: "My role is so rewarding – I really enjoy teaching learners in the classroom and through the program, helping to give everyone the opportunity to learn and succeed through improving their English language skills.
"By improving their English, we're able to facilitate their integration into UK society, making the transition as smooth as possible for them."
The college’s English as a Foreign Language (EFL) department offers courses for students of different abilities to improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing within a supportive setting.
Non-native English speakers can gain the qualifications needed to access universities, visa applications, citizenship, and job applications in the UK.
A Ukrainian refugee, who worked as a dermatologist before leaving her country, has recently begun studying for the IELTS test at the college, to enable her to resume her healthcare work in the UK.
Whilst an Afghan student is currently attending IELTS classes to resume her career as a GP doctor locally.
The college works in close partnership with the county council and Warwickshire Refugee Resettlement Scheme to widen access and ensure all learners, including refugee students feel supported in and outside of the classroom.