International Challenge
The USW International Challenge is a developmental programme designed to give students a rounded University experience, while also enhancing their softer skills.
Students will be expected to undertake four sections covering, physical activities, life skills development, work experience and 2 expeditions in the South Wales and West region.
Each student on the programme is allocated a mentor to work with them and their team throughout the challenge. USW Staff as well as graduates from the programme are available each year to help mentor and develop those who undertake the International Challenge.
Alongside the sections above, students are provided with a 16 week classroom and outdoor based teaching programme which teaches all the skills and components necessary to complete the challenge. Mentoring sessions for individuals and groups will be provided alongside the taught elements of the programme. The USW International Challenge has a designated logbook where students are encouraged to document their physical activities, new skills, and work experience as well as record and document their new experiences throughout their time on the International Challenge.
Students who complete the award are provided with a reflective mark sheet, certificate and pin badge.
The International Challenge Logbook
Students need to undertake a series of 1 hour activities over 15 weeks to improve their health and physical fitness.
Students will be encouraged to try a number of new activities and opportunities will be provided for students in the scheme, such as:
- Walks
- Yoga
- Aerobics
- Swimming
- Salsa
Students need to look for new skills, which can be either life skills or skills which may be useable in future careers or events. There are lots of activites to choose from in the approved skills list, and these could include:
- Cooking
- Stitching
- Dancing
- Photography
- Learning a new language
Students need to average a minimum of an hour a week over 15 weeks on an agreed skill and need to document their achievements.
Students need to provide a minimum of 30 hours experience in one of the 3 areas.
- Local Community Project / Volunteer Organisation
- Work Experience
- Engage with local civic projects
Students will need to provide written references from employers for their portfolio to evidence the work undertaken and their skills gained.
Students will take part in 2 qualifying expeditions. The first will be led by a mentor or assessor and help students practice the skills they have learned in the teaching session.
The second expedition will be an overnight expedition where students are assessed on 5 skills:
- Teamwork
- Map Reading
- Compass Use
- Packing / Preparation
- Leading the group and delegating tasks
Students will base a reflective assignment on their second expedition.