THE University of Exeter is looking at how schools can form partnerships with those in Africa, Asia and Latin America as part of a government initiative.

The university will investigate courses for teachers designed to develop their understanding of the potential of global educational partnerships.

The work will be focussed on the education of teaching professionals in the UK, Gambia and Southern India.

This three-year research project is being led by the university's Graduate School of Education.

It has received £323,000 funding from the Economic and Social Research Council to critically assess the global partnership courses which explore culture, education and policies.

It will look at ways in which the courses challenge stereotypes, develop understanding of relationships with the country, people and resources and the impact study visits have on the countries involved.