Welcome to World Scots – your gateway to adventure!

Whether you want to study, work or teach abroad, British Council Scotland can help you get the most out of your international experience.

We want to help young people in Scotland adopt a global outlook, because in an increasingly globalised world, the experience of living, working or studying abroad can give you the edge.

The Global Skills Gap survey of 500 senior business leaders found that 79% of employers thought knowledge and awareness of the wider world was an important quality in employees.

So as well as giving you an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish for life, taking part in a British Council programme can help you to stand out from the crowd.

Find the right programme for you from the links below or contact us (citing 'World Scots') if you need assistance.

Finally, don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (see right) to keep in touch with our news and updates.

Scotland has a global reputation as a place of innovation and imagination, with a world-class higher and further education system and a highly-talented workforce.

British Council Scotland’s ‘World Scots’ programme will increase the international experience of even more of our young people, strengthening their skills and knowledge to ensure they are ready for the global jobs market, and further enhancing Scotland’s competitive economic edge on the international stage.

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister, Scottish Government

Scotland needs to be outward looking in an increasingly globalised economy in which companies can regard the whole world as their talent pool.

However, it is clear that many business leaders worry that our young people are unprepared for the level of competition they will face from more globally-aware peers in other countries.

Growing Scotland’s exports and capitalising on growth markets will require a strong focus on giving our future business leaders the confidence to operate internationally.

That is why CBI Scotland welcomes British Council Scotland’s World Scots initiative to give even more young Scots the experience of living, studying and working abroad.

Iain McMillan, Director of CBI Scotland

In a world where social media is international, where news is 24 hours, and where information from across the planet is instantly accessible, it is essential young people from Scotland learn more about the world around them. Only by developing this understanding can the young people of Scotland develop the key skills required to function in our internationally interconnected society.

Youth unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing young people in Scotland today. The Scottish Youth Parliament is delighted to support The World Scots campaign, run by the British Council Scotland. It is a great project aimed at tackling this key issue by developing the skills and connections young Scots need to compete for jobs in a global economy.

Grant Costello, Scottish Youth Parliament Chair

The financial services industry is a highly globalised sector with talented professionals moving around the globe. There are excellent opportunities and a high demand for young people with the right skills and global outlook to work in the industry.

Working across cultural and linguistic boundaries is a daily requirement and experience of living and working in other countries is a prized asset.

Scottish Financial Enterprise wholeheartedly welcomes British Council Scotland’s World Scots campaign and encourages all those involved in education to ensure young people have the opportunities to learn the skills required to work internationally.

Owen Kelly, Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise

SCDI welcomes the creation of the World Scots campaign by the British Council. For Scotland to succeed our businesses must be outward looking and it is vital for businesses to adopt a 'global outlook' on employment.

To achieve Scotland's international ambitions it is essential that we equip young people with the skills required to compete in a fast changing and competitive global marketplace. Skills development is a strategic priority for SCDI members and one of Scotland's key economic priorities.

SCDI recognises the importance of a campaign designed to target the growing global skills gap. This will support efforts to increase the number of young Scots in employment and to support our overall objective of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Dr. Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive of SCDI

Scottish Chambers of Commerce are delighted to support the World Scots campaign.  The campaign provides new impetus to an excellent combination of highly successful initiatives.  As the economy becomes increasingly globalised, success depends more and more on the vision and ability to operate internationally.

Scotland’s success has always been fuelled by an outward looking, ambitious people.  The World Scots campaign will promote this outward vision, broadening the ambitions and horizons of young Scots, giving them the international perspective crucial to driving Scottish growth.

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce

The Institute of Directors in Scotland warmly welcomes the World Scots Campaign. In these challenging economic times it is all the more important for Scots to look at the Global stage for business opportunities.

The earlier this thinking starts the better.

Scots have traditionally contributed to all aspects of life around the world - commercial and civic. Never has there been a time when this is more required.

Let's all be World Scots.

David Watt, Executive Director of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland

Opening doors for young people to access opportunities overseas and encouraging youth mobility are key dimensions of Young Scot’s work. Young people can already use our services to find out information on European programmes and use their Young Scot NEC card to access over 100,000 discounts in 38 countries.

“also know that youth mobility broadens horizons and gives young people new skills and competencies which make them more confident, more active and, crucially at this time, more employable global citizens.

Any programme which recognises the value of supporting young people to experience cultures and communities across the world is something that Young Scot would support.

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive, Young Scot

NUS Scotland starts from the premise that international mobility is a huge advantage for students, for our society and for Scotland’s economy. NUS Scotland has had the privilege of working with the British Council for a number of years now in this field and continue to do so with the Developing Scotland's Global Citizens project.

Through our work, we are acutely aware that that the skills and confidence that international study can bring are hugely beneficial in themselves. We also know from recent surveys that UK employers are increasingly looking for global graduates when it comes to recruiting. With Scottish graduate unemployment and underemployment at incredibly worrying levels it has never been more pressing for students to enhance their employability.

We at NUS Scotland firmly believe that these measures, if delivered in partnership with Scottish business, will enhance employability for our students in the 21st century, by helping to create culturally competent ‘global graduates’.

Robin Parker, President, NUS Scotland