Language Explorers Scotland

The aim of this programme is to support and encourage language uptake in the senior phase. Language Explorers Scotland consists of a short series of mentoring sessions led by university students with lived experiences of language learning and multiculturalism. It aims to win hearts and minds of young people by giving them time to explore the bigger picture of language learning with a trained, supportive student mentor. Similar schemes running in other parts of the UK have led to an increase in the number of learners continuing with languages into higher levels of study.

What it involves:

Weekly online mentoring sessions with groups of up to 10 mentees for 6 weeks
Sessions run at a time agreed between schools and their student mentors
Free of charge to participating state schools in Scotland
Schools must have access to Glow and a solid internet connection
A supervising member of school staff will oversee each mentoring session

Hear from the mentors

Scroll through the videos to hear different mentor experiences.

video

Louise Wilson

Mentor

Hear from a mentor about their experiences of the programme.

Louise Wilson is a mentor and student of French and Spanish at the University of Strathclyde
video

Rosa Glackin

Mentor

Hear from a mentor on the pilot year of our programme 2022-23.

Rosa Glackin was a languages student at the University of Aberdeen at the time when she was a mentor on the programme.
video

Emma Porterfield

Mentor

Hear the experiences of a student mentor on 2024-25 programme.

Emma was a languages student at the University of Glasgow studying French and Spanish when she was a mentor on the programme.
video

Millie Low

Mentor

Hear the experiences of a student mentor on 2024-25 programme.

Millie was a languages student at the University of Stirliing studying Spanish and South American Studies when she was a mentor on the programme.
video

Jack

Hear the experiences of a student mentor on 2024-25 programme.

Jack was a languages student at the University of Strathclyde studying Spanish and Education when he was a mentor on the programme.

Testimonials

Text in image reads: Building relationships with mentors and attending sessions tailored to their interests have both been highlights for our pupils. Pupils have expanded their thinking about languages and the process of language learning. We will definitely continue with this programme! Text in image reads: I like being able to share what I'm passionate about with young students and inspire and encourage them to continue their language learning journey. Text in image reads: Our link has made [language] learning more relevant for students by relating both the language and cultural elements to real-life situations. Our link has fostered a greater appreciation of language learning in our pupils, stressing its importance in the hugely interconnected nature of today's world.

More information

More information for schools (PDF)

More information for mentors (PDF)

Timeline for schools 2025-26

Tuesday 23 September 2025 – information session for schools (school application forms will be shared after this event)

Friday 10 October 2025 – deadline for applications from schools

Week beginning 17 November 2025 – successful schools notified and introduced to language mentors. Liaison about timing of mentoring sessions to take place between the school and your mentor.

Week beginning 24 November 2025 – mentor sessions can begin!

Week beginning 23 February 2026 – final week to complete mentoring sessions, if these have not already concluded

March 2026 – SCILT will request submission of mentee reflections and feedback from you and your mentees via a short evaluation survey

Timeline for mentors 2025-26

Wednesday 1 October 2025 (3-4pm) – online information session with SCILT to provide more information about the programme and answer any questions you may have prior to submitting your application

Wednesday 8 October 2025 – deadline for submission of your application and short introduction video

By Friday 17 October 2025 – successful mentors notified

*Saturday 25 October 2025 (10.30am – 4pm) – In-person training day in Glasgow (travel costs can be reimbursed)

*Wednesday 29 October 2025 – online training session 1 (2.30-4.30pm)

*Wednesday 5 November 2025 – online training session 2 (2.30-4.30pm)

Friday 7 November 2025 – mentors confirm their commitment to delivering mentoring sessions prior to being paired with schools

Wednesday 12 November 2025 - optional online training for further practice in delivering mentoring sessions

Week beginning 17 November 2025 – mentors will be introduced to schools by email. Liaison about timing of mentoring sessions to take place between you and your school.

Week beginning 24 November 2025 – mentor sessions can begin!

Week beginning 23 February 2026 – final week to complete mentoring sessions, if these have not already concluded

March 2026 – SCILT will request feedback from you about your mentoring experiences via a short evaluation survey

* attendance at all three training sessions is mandatory so that you are fully prepared to engage in a confident, meaningful and professional way with your mentees. Please check that you can attend all three sessions before you submit your application as absence at any one of the sessions will disqualify you from participating as a mentor for this session.

Beyond School