Hi everyone, it’s Hayley here! November continues to be a busy month here at the University of Chester, with many events taking place. This week I have an update from the University’s International Centre about an exciting event that they held at the start of the month…
Earlier this month, the University welcomed students and overseas learning providers in mass for the first ever Study Abroad Destination Fair. Students thinking of studying abroad were able to meet those who had already done so and gain an insight into what the overseas exchange experience is all about.
In a packed venue in the Binks Building, overseas learning providers and current exchange students were also in attendance, in what was a real festival of all things study abroad.
In a vibrant atmosphere, the evening began with Overseas Experiential Learning and Study Abroad Lead, Candida Darling-Adams addressing the crowd and encouraging all guests to mingle, chat and ask questions – and this was exactly what happened!
For second-year students in particular, the event was beneficial, as they were able to ask previous exchange students, providers and experts all the questions they had to help them make a decision on where they wanted to go.
Second-year psychology student Stevie Shepperson said: “When I heard about this evening I knew I just had to go. It’s been great to speak to so many people, including a student who has been to Australia, as this is where I want to go. Having all my questions answered has made things a lot clearer and calmed a few nerves I initially had. There’s a long way to go yet, but tonight has certainly got me in the mood for studying overseas even more!”
The Study Abroad Destination Fair was also a chance for a number of overseas learning providers to chat to students and explain the kind of experiences that are on offer. Teams 4 U, an international humanitarian charity operating in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, was one of the providers at the event.
David Cooke and Teams 4 U.
Dave Cooke, Founder of Teams 4 U, said: “We encourage students and the public in general to go and improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. The work our volunteers do is hugely important to local communities, whether it’s helping keep young children in school, or administering HIV tests.
“It is always empowering to hear how volunteers say the experience develops them personally too. It is so encouraging seeing so many students here today and I hope they go on to have an enriching study abroad experience.”
After two hours of meeting, greeting and countless conversations, the event came to an end with the general consensus being that the evening was hugely beneficial for all parties.
Candida Darling-Adams (centre) and former Study Abroad students, Chloe Allen and Sophie Mann.
Speaking after the Fair had finished, Candida said: “It was fantastic to see so many students who are interested in studying abroad. Current Chester students have been engaging with everyone in attendance and, from what I gather, their interest in studying abroad is now even stronger.”
For more information on studying abroad, please email studyabroad@chester.ac.uk.
If you studied abroad during your time at the University of Chester, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch by emailing alumni@chester.ac.uk.
