Strengthening International Bonds: University of Rio Grande Students Visit UWTSD Carmarthen Campus

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is delighted to host a group of students from the University of Rio Grande’s (URG) Education Department. This visit was organised by Dan Rowbotham, Director of the Madog Center for Welsh Studies, who’s also a former staff member and alumnus of UWTSD.

 The Madog Center for Welsh Studies, located at the University of Rio Grande in Ohio, USA, is dedicated to promoting and preserving Welsh culture, language, and heritage in the United States. It offers resources for students, faculty, and the community by offering courses, cultural events, and academic programmes related to Welsh studies. The centre also facilitates connections and exchanges between Wales and the United States, supporting initiatives that enhance the understanding and appreciation of Welsh history, culture, and contemporary issues.

Kath Griffiths UWTSD’s International Regional manager (North America and Outward Mobility), Wales Global Academy said:

“UWTSD has been linked to URG since 2002, facilitating student exchanges between Wales and the USA. The Welsh Center’s role in promoting Welsh culture in the USA is significant. We are excited to host six semester-abroad students this September.”

Dan Rowbotham, Director of the Madog Center for Welsh Studies mentioned:

“We had a fantastic day at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Carmarthen Campus on Monday with the Welsh Language Centre team! Activities included a Welsh language class, a discussion about Canolfan S4C Yr Egin with Llinos Jones, learning about educational resources produced by Peniarth with Catrin Evans-Thomas, and hearing about the work of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. We also visited two schools, Ysgol y Dderwen and Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth, to observe their operations and learn about policy and curriculum. We had a wonderful time thanks to their warm welcome! Additionally, we spent time with UWTSD and University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College alumna Lisa Jones, who is now head of the drama department at Maes y Gwendraeth. We concluded the day with a visit to Tenby. Their final day at UWTSD will be with the Education staff.”

Kara Lewis, Lecturer and Project Manager at UWTSD’s Welsh Language Services Centre said: 

“It is a pleasure to see the continuation of the programme we established during my tenure as Director of the Madog Center and to host our visitors this week. The University of Rio Grande and its surrounding area hold great historical significance. The Madog Center is crucial in preserving Welsh-American cultural heritage and fostering contemporary links between our two institutions. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to compare the timelines of the Welsh language in Ohio and Wales, which led to an engaging discussion on current educational legislation and initiatives in our schools in Wales as well as our work at Rhagoriaith and Peniarth providing training and resources across Wales. Our visit to the Immersive Room was an opportunity to showcase our bespoke resources bringing together technology and language learning for our students.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476