Unique China visit for Wolverhampton students

The University of Wolverhampton is increasing opportunities for students to visit other countries – as part of a drive to promote outward student mobility.

15 students will be visiting Shenzhen Polytechnic in China, which the University has excellent links with, for a two-week language and cultural experience later this year.

It is the first time the University has offered this kind of trip and it is hoped that by giving the students a positive experience, more students will be encouraged to take up opportunities in the long-term.

The new initiative will then 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.

The visit has been organised by the University’s International Office in conjunction with Shenzhen Polytechnic. The International Office organised a week of talks to raise awareness of the benefits of going overseas, highlighting the Shenzhen visit, Erasmus schemes and opportunities to study in America.

International Officer Robbie Roberts said: “We wanted to give all students the chance to find out more about what is available to them.

“The Shenzhen trip was a unique opportunity for them as it is different to a student exchange and gives them a chance to experience another culture and improve their language skills, whatever subject they’re studying.”

The students visiting Shenzhen in September will receive 30 hours of language learning and seminars on history, food and economy in China, as well as a weekend in Hong Kong.

They will be encouraged to share their experiences among home students on their return and may also have the chance to go back to Shenzhen and teach English for nine months as assistant language teachers after they graduate.

Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, recently wrote to Vice Chancellors about encouraging students to go abroad as part of their higher education courses. He said it was important to help them compete for jobs in the global market place.

Director of International at the University of Wolverhampton, Jo Gittens, said: “The Shenzhen visit is part of our internationalisation agenda, broadening students’ horizons and cultural awareness. We are actively encouraging domestic students to venture overseas, which is helping to make them more employable in this increasing global environment.

“We already offer many opportunities for students to go abroad but this is a more targeted approach which we feel will be of great benefit and look forward to expanding.”