.png)
What are the benefits of studying through the medium of Welsh?
Hear from a teacher:
Download this video clip.Video player: Teacher
Transcript: Teacher
TEACHER:
Studying the natural sciences through the medium of Welsh is a really important thing for you as a scientist because, very often, natural sciences involve working on the management of the environment and natural resources – and so developing the ability to communicate with people who are involved in managing the natural environment is a really important thing to ensure that environmental policies are developed and supported by the general public, land managers and politicians.
Studying the natural sciences in Welsh means that you have better opportunities of employment because if you can demonstrate that you have experience and the ability to communicate science, which is often quite a technical and complicated subject, at a professional level, and that in two languages, then you’re potentially more desirable and you stand out.
The thing that I enjoy the most about teaching science in Welsh is the fact that quite often I’m teaching quite small groups of individuals and so it means that I can give my best attention and support to each and every individual. And so, if you choose to study science in Welsh, you’re potentially getting more support from your teachers and your peers.
Teacher
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Hear from a student:
Download this video clip.Video player: Student
Transcript: Student
STUDENT:
So why would I recommend that Welsh students take up these modules? Well, personally, I feel there’s a responsibility on the Welsh speakers to take up these modules as they are there and offered for the Welsh speakers. So, I also feel that taking up these modules strengthens your writing and speaking skills and I do feel that being able to speak Welsh and write in Welsh offers an additional benefit further on in life. For example, when applying for a job in Wales, it’s become an increased advantage that you are able to speak and write through the medium of Welsh so I do feel, writing formally in the university in different forms, for example, an essay or an exam, does offer you the ability to increase your Welsh understanding as well as your writing standard.
Also, I feel, having spoken to some of my friends who have gone away to other universities, for example, in England, to study and having come back to Wales to live afterwards, they do feel that they have lost some of their Welsh skills. So, I feel this is something important to benefit from – that Welsh universities do offer these modules because being able to speak Welsh and write in Welsh is an additional benefit and I think it’s important to keep these skills going in the universities.
Student
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Why study through the medium of Welsh? Everyone has different reasons and experiences, but here are the main benefits [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] of studying through the medium of Welsh according to the students themselves:
- financial support via Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol scholarships
- smaller class sizes, enabling a more personal and supportive learning experience
- you get to know the lecturers and fellow students better
- better career options and employment opportunities due to additional skills on CV
- improved confidence and Welsh language skills
- better understanding of the subject by working in two languages
Want to hear more from the students about the benefits of studying courses through the medium of Welsh? Take a look at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Ambassador blogs or follow #llaisllysgennad on Twitter.