Post-Brexit implications for HE languages David Hibler Sector Lead HE, UK Erasmus+ National Agency UCML, 6 January, 2017

Introduction Context – Erasmus languages mobility since 2007 The wider context Public opinion What Erasmus+ offers The year 2017

UK student mobilities by subject 2007-2014

UK Erasmus outgoing student mobility 2007/08 to 2013/14 by subject-area as proportion of total UK Erasmus cohort Areas of proportional growth (2007/08-2013/14): Humanities: 2.52% -> 5.65% (258 -> 880) Natural Sciences: 2.36% -> 4.37% (242 -> 680) Engineering/Technology: 2.87% -> 3.59% (294 -> 559) Areas of proportional decline: Law: 7.82% -> 5.70% (802 -> 888) Languages: 48.00% -> 46.13% (4,920 -> 7,181) Geography/Geology: 1.09% -> 0.35% (112 -> 55)

Staff mobilities by subject area

The wider context UK shortfall in people who can speak foreign languages. Exam entries for languages at GCSE and A-level fell again in 2015 100,000 fewer GCSE language exams taken in 2015 compared to a decade ago Entries to modern foreign language degree courses dropped by 16% between 2007/08 and 2015/16 (HESA) Decline despite clear messages from employers about the need for trained linguists and the costs for business of the shortfall

British Council’s Populus survey Survey of over 2000 UK adults (October 2016) Language skills ‘more vital than ever’ if the UK is to remain ‘outward looking’ (63%) and ‘open for business’ (61%) More than two thirds (67%) believe that UK does not encourage enough young people to learn languages – 63% believe schools need to allocate more time in the curriculum High level of support for opportunities which allow young people to experience other languages and cultures – 69% believe in continuation of school exchanges and student mobility programmes (74% of 18-24 year olds)

What Erasmus+ offers (I) A policy context with a focus on multilingualism – reflected in various priorities in the Erasmus+ programme The promotion of language learning and linguistic diversity are two of the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ programme – for linguists and non-linguists Large scale, well-established programme to support the mobility of HE students for purposes of study and work New opportunities developed in the current phase, include International Credit Mobility, Online Linguistic Support

What Erasmus+ offers (II) Strategic Partnerships Languages/language teaching are among EC-defined priorities for Strategic Partnerships Innovation and good practice aiming to promote language skills can include teaching and assessment methods, development of pedagogical material, research, computer assisted language learning and entrepreneurial ventures using foreign languages Projects are expected to have a positive impact on the persons directly or indirectly involved in the activities, such as an increased competence in foreign languages Centralised actions – Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Capacity Building, Jean Monnet: all provide opportunities for language learning

Abbie Williams, French With Spanish, Bangor University My year abroad experience has made me so much more confident with my language skills. Going abroad is invaluable to your experience of learning a language, as when abroad you have to use your language skills every day even if just for the smallest things. I wouldn’t say that I am fluent in French but I definitely feel so much more comfortable and confident in conversation, general day to day tasks and I found my love for the language again. Intercultural skills gained through a year abroad are invaluable and demonstrates to employers that you can go out there, be completely out of your comfort zone and succeed in a wide range of tasks.

2017: Erasmus+ and the EU referendum No change for UK organisations applying for Erasmus+ funding in 2017, or taking part as a partner or consortium member. Applications that are successful under the 2017 Call will be awarded funding for the duration of the project.

www.erasmusplus.org.uk @erasmusplusuk www.facebook.co.uk/ukerasmusplus David Hibler Sector Lead, HE UK Erasmus+ National Agency david.hibler@britishcouncil.org www.erasmusplus.org.uk @erasmusplusuk www.facebook.co.uk/ukerasmusplus