Scholarships available for a Patagonian adventure

Cardiff University's School of Welsh, with funding provided by Banco Santander, is offering two scholarships worth £3,000 for two undergraduate students to travel to Patagonia for a month of work experience this summer.

This is the second year that the School has offered this opportunity.

The successful students will support the work of 'Cynllun yr Iaith Gymraeg' in Chubut, Patagonia during this special centenary year as the Welsh colony celebrates the 150th anniversary since its settlement in 1865.

The scholarships are open to all undergraduate students in the School of Welsh who will continue as undergraduate students through summer 2015. The closing date for applications is 28 March 2015.

Last year, the scholarships were awarded to two students now in their final year, Siwan Gwyn Jones from Carmarthen and Angharad Lewis from Llanfair Caereinion. They travelled to Patagonia in August 2014 for one month work experience supporting various activities for Cynllun yr Iaith Gymraeg. The Cynllun is a partnership between Welsh Government, the British Council, Cardiff University, The Wales-Argentina Society and Menter Iaith Patagonia.

The work experience is varied and includes activities such as support work in nurseries and primary schools as well as classes teaching Welsh to adults.

Siwan said of her experience: "I have a keen interest in the history of the Welsh expatriates who made their way to Patagonia. As such I was eager to visit and experience the heritage and the atmosphere for myself.

"I had a truly memorable time in Patagonia and the opportunity to meet many different people coming to better understand their culture and history. It was a pleasure to promote the Welsh language when teaching Welsh to some of the adult population of Chubut and also a wonderful opportunity to improve my Spanish!"

Angharad added: "The chance to teach but also to learn was fantastic and the people of Chubut could not have been more generous or welcoming. I would encourage all of the undergraduates in the School to try for one of the scholarships available. I firmly believe that they will not be disappointed."

If you are interested in the scholarships, please come to a special session with Professor Wyn James, Siwan and Angharad in Room 1.69, Thursday, March 19th 2015.

For an application form please contact the School office. 

Read more about Siwan and Angharad's experiences