“Trip of a lifetime” 计划将扩大

 

The University is increasing opportunities for students to visit other countries with the aim of broadening their horizons, whatever subject they are studying.

 

Its International Office has recently launched a new ‘internationalisation strategy’ to tie in with Government plans to address global education challenges.

 

Fifteen students took part in the two-week visit earlier this month, staying at Shenzhen Polytechnic, which the University has strong links with, and spending a weekend with a family.

 

They received Chinese language lessons, martial arts classes and a host of activities, including a weekend in Hong Kong with a visit to Disneyland, a meal at a floating restaurant, and a trip to Victoria Peak.

 

It was the first time the University had offered this kind of trip and its success means more international visits are now set to be organised.

 

University Director of International, Jo Gittens, said: “We have recently launched a strategy to raise international awareness among staff, students and the wider Wolverhampton community.

 

“This visit is an excellent example of the opportunities we can provide for our students and the important partnerships we have developed.”

 

The majority of the students who took part now plan to continue studying Chinese and all would like the opportunity to work as an assistant languages teacher at Shenzhen or another Chinese institution after they graduate.

 

International Officer Robbie Roberts, who organised the trip and accompanied the students, said: “The feedback we have had from the students has been incredible. All of them said they had enjoyed amazing experiences and would definitely recommend the trip to others.

 

“We want to encourage students to visit other countries, which helps to broaden their horizons and give them a competitive edge in a global marketplace.”

 

Jade Griffiths, who was one of the participating students, said: “It was an amazing experience; we did things we would never have done as tourists. We were all mesmerised and in awe at the things we saw and experienced.”

 

The new international experiences initiative is now set to be rolled out to other parts of China, and also India, in conjunction with other partners as part of the University’s international collaborative strategy.