University welcomes largest number of international students to its summer school

Students from 12 Chinese universities swapped their summer in China for a four-week stay in Derby as part of an international summer school.

More than 140 students and group leaders took part in the University of Derby’s summer school designed to give students the experience of living and studying at a UK university while improving their English skills.   

This was the largest number of students to take part in the University’s international summer school, which has been running for five years.  

Richard Side, Head of International at the University of Derby, said: “This was an amazing opportunity for students to visit Derby – many for the very first time – to experience what the city and surrounding areas have to offer.

“The students were given the opportunity to experience a breadth of cultural activities as well as socialise with other students and improve their English language skills.

“At the University of Derby, we pride ourselves ON offering international students a high-quality enriched student experience.”

The four-week stay began with an opening ceremony at the University’s Derby Campus, attended by Mayor of Derby Frank Harwood, who made a welcoming speech as well as Professor Chen, Vice President of Jiangxi University of Technology, and the University’s Richard Side.

To tie in with the summer school’s theme of ‘British culture and language’, the students visited Derby County Football Club, the Mayor’s Chamber, Chatsworth House and other cities including London and Oxford.

The students also took part in English language classes, TV studio workshops, illustration and design workshops, found out about DNA extraction in the forensic labs and learned about fashion illustration.

Bowen Mao, a student from Beihai University of Arts and Design, said: “I love the city and the University; the summer school was an insightful experience for me, we tried a lot of new food, and visited a number of beautiful British cities. I would really love to come back for my postgraduate study.”

The students were from universities including Jiangxi University of Technology, Beihai University of Arts and Design, Shenyang University of Technology, Hubei University of Nationalities, North China University, Xi'an Architecture University, Wenzhou Business College, Pioneer College, Zhejiang Wanli College, Jiangxi Provincial Bureau of Education and Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Xi'an Jianda University.

Eric Cao, Organiser from Beihai University of Arts and Design, added: “The summer school has been an eye-opening experience for the students; they have all really enjoyed their time in Derby.”

The University of Derby has 1,700 international students from more than 100 countries. Its International Student Centre is ranked the best of all UK universities that participated in the International Student Barometer 2018, which measures international students’ experience of higher education.

Derby is also top in the International Student Barometer (ISB) rankings among the UK Modern Universities group for the formal welcome given to students arriving at the University from overseas, and first among the UK Modern Universities group for multi-cultural learning and faith support.