Thursday, 24 October 2019
City's universities, councils and businesses unite to greet international students
Almost 500 international students travelling from more than 80 countries around the globe to study at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s two world-class universities have been given a warm welcome at the first ever civic reception to mark their arrival in their new home.
The pioneering event was jointly organised by the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University in partnership with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ City Council, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½shire County Council, local businesses including Paul Smith and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Forest and was kindly supported by Kaplan International Pathway.
Hosted by Robin Hood, the event at St Mary's Church in the city had a festival feel and featured performances from local artists, international societies and celebrated the vital contribution made by international students to the local economy, community and cultural richness of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. A marketplace featuring stalls and tasters from nearly 40 businesses and local organisations showcased the cultural, heritage and leisure highlights that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and the wider region offers to the nearly 14,000 international students currently studying at both universities, as well as their families and friends who might visit them during their time in the UK.
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ prides itself on being an institution whose global outlook, connections and reputation provide real and tangible benefits for our local community, economy and people of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Professor West added: "With Brexit continuing to dominate the news at home and abroad, it’s more important than ever that the universities work with civic institutions, businesses and local communities to ensure ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is seen as a fantastic place to visit, live and study.
“We know that our University’s international students alone provide a boost of more than £130 m every year to the British economy, but the impact they make goes so much further than the economic benefits for our city – they bring cultural diversity and become integral and valued members of our local communities. We don’t want ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to be just a place of study for them, we want it to be a home from home, somewhere they will make friends, memories and return to in the future.”
Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University, said: “We are privileged that so many young people from around the world, brimming with vitality, energy and talent, choose to bring their skills and ambitions to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Just as they come here to learn, make friends and build new life experiences, so too the qualities that our international students bring will touch the lives of all of us and immeasurably enrich our City, our universities and our colleges.”
Around 475 students from both universities and the Kaplan Pathways Colleges connected to each institution were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Councillor Rosemary Healey and Vice-Chancellors of both universities.
The inaugural event, which is hoped to become an annual fixture in the city’s calendar, was also attended by around 75 guests from local institutions, businesses, sports clubs and international diplomatic missions.
Notes to editors:
About the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ invests in the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and in future generations of talent. Alongside ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.