Sask Polytech hosts Welsh hairstyling students for global exchange
Ten students from Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) reshaped their hairstyling education with an international exchange at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses. Blending hands-on learning with Saskatchewan culture, the visit allowed students to polish their skills while connecting with faculty and peers across programs.
The exchange builds on a long-standing relationship between the two institutions. Sask Polytech students have travelled to CAVC three times, most recently when a cohort from hairstyling visited Wales in 2023. Facilitated by Sask Polytech’s Transnational Education and Partnerships office, this year’s return visit strengthened those ties as CAVC students explored Sask Polytech learning environments.
“Hosting the CAVC students was an incredible experience for our learners. Any time students can compare techniques and expand their skill sets, everyone grows,” said Louise Benson, Hairstyling program head. “Exchanges like this strengthen our program and build confidence in emerging professionals.”
The visiting students joined Sask Polytech Hairstyling learners for classes, demonstrations and skill‑building activities. One highlight was a specialized Advanced Barbering session taught by guest instructor and journeyperson Michelle Karkut from The Hare Den. The workshop focused on barbering skills, including advanced clipper use, precision cutting for shorter styles and achieving clean fades. First‑ and second‑year students trained alongside the CAVC group, creating a dynamic environment for learning and technique sharing. In the Sask Polytech Hairstyling program, advanced barbering techniques are included in year one.
“Seeing how they teach consultations here was really helpful,” says Lilia Llewellyn. “It’s something I’ll take back with me for sure.”
The exchange students also stepped into classrooms to learn alongside students in Culinary Arts, Educational Assistant and Therapeutic Recreation programs. They also toured the Simulation Centre and received a presentation with a hands-on welding activity from Women in Trades and Technology.
“In one exercise, we were connected with Canadian students and had to find things in common,” says Niamh Clark, CAVC student. “It was nice getting to know each other while learning about different cultures.”
In addition to technical learning, the exchange also provided opportunities for deeper cultural understanding. Guided by the Indigenous Student Success team, students participated in a blanket exercise, an interactive learning experience that supports understanding of the historical and ongoing experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Through guided storytelling and movement, the exercise shows how land, relationships and communities were affected over time, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples. This provided an important learning opportunity for the visiting students, helping shape their understanding of Canada’s history and the need for respectful, informed relationships moving forward.
“It’s great to see how confident the students from Wales are and how open they are to learning new things,” says Tenleah Opoonechaw, Sask Polytech student. “Having them here gives us a new perspective.”
“I was surprised to see how independent the students from Wales are at such a young age,” says Amanda Marion, Sask Polytech student who was in Wales last year on a study abroad trip. “Travelling to Canada for their education is a big step.”
By the time the CAVC group headed home, they carried with them strengthened skills and new relationships that have broadened their global perspectives. The visit demonstrated the value of global mobility and the important role Sask Polytech Transnational Education and Partnerships plays in creating meaningful opportunities that connect classrooms across borders.
“Different countries learn in different ways, so it’s really interesting to see new techniques and experience a different culture,” says Lilia Llewellyn, CAVC student. “It’s such a good opportunity. Plus, I can say I studied abroad in Canada!”
Sask Polytech students also have opportunities to gain international experience as part of their education. Learn more about Global Learning Opportunities at Sask Polytech.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
