International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP)
ISEP, which was conducted in 2007-2008, is on hold until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Introduction
The purpose of International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is to position wool clearly in the consumer's mind as a material, which is desirable for its technical, ethical and comfort values. To realise that, IWTO aimed at promoting and supporting education in the textile sector coupled with increasing awareness about the unique properties of wool and wool blend products globally. It was targetted at selected textiles/design/fashion universities and commercial companies. The project was sponsored by IWTO Members from all regions and all stages of the wool textile supply chain.
Project
The International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) was offered to students and employees from around the world. This project was aimed at strengthening links between wool industry and education institutions by enabling young talented people to undertake industrial and academic placements in companies or organisations active in the wool sector, across the wool pipeline from sheep to shop. Successful applicants were offered a minimum of 2 months of traineeship in one of the host companies or organisations. The location of the traineeship was relevant to the participants' educational profile and preference.
The following host companies / institutions were involved in the programme:
- AWTA, (Australia), http://www.awta.com.au/
- CSIRO, (Australia), http://www.csiro.au/
- Deakin University, (Australia), http://www.deakin.edu.au
- Oswal Woollen Mills Ltd, (India), http://www.owmnahar.in/
- Suedwolle GmbH & Co. KG, (Germany/China), http://www.suedwolle.de/
Many other companies and institutions were equally hosting students within the ISEP Programme.
Applicants
The programme was open to students from textile and fashion universities / schools and to employees working in the textile industry
Benefits
For the successful candidates IWTO provided the following benefits:
- Placement at a company/organisation within the wool processing pipeline
- Free accommodation during the traineeship
- Return flight reimbursement.
The winners were required to deliver a report detailing their experiences (approx 3 pages A4) to IWTO Head Office within 2 weeks of completing their placement.
Emerging from the U.N. Year of Natural Fibres 2009 the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative supported by IWTO is a worldwide campaign to promote the use of natural fibres through education about their benefits both to the wearer as well as the environment as a whole. 