Flag it up! DMU welcomes its newest international students


In a celebration of the kind never seen before at the institution, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) welcomed students from 68 countries and demonstrated to the world it is ‘the place to be’.

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For its first time at The Venue@DMU, more than 500 students were treated to a spectacular evening with more than 135 flags, representing every nation at the university, adorning the ceiling.

A British-themed selfie corner met students at the entrance, and envelopes on boards provided students with the opportunity to post their first impressions of DMU.

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Atanas Doykov, a Communication Arts BA student from Bulgaria, wrote: “Call it faith or call it destiny, DMU is the place to be. I am so happy that I am part of this amazing community.”

Meanwhile, Rou, from China, who will be studying Accounting and Finance BA, wrote: “I have not seen an open campus before. DMU is one. It is really big and beautiful, I like it.”

The event kick-started DMU’s International Welcome Week, held the week before Freshers’ Week, to help new international students settle in to life at the university and run by DMU’s dedicated International Student Support team.

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French student Cloe Monges, who has joined the university to study English Literature with the European exchange programme Erasmus+, said: “It is my very first time abroad and it is really great. Everyone is so welcoming here. Being in a room with so many different nationalities is amazing.

“This is a unique experience. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I am very happy. I am very glad that DMU chose me. Really, it is the best thing that could have happened to me.

“Leicester is beautiful too; a beautiful city, with beautiful people.”

James Gardner, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategic and International Partnerships who welcomed students in a short speech, said: “You are part of our DMU global family, joining a diverse and friendly student population from more than 135 countries.

"You are also at the heart of our new International Strategy, Global Instinct, which is taking the institution into the world, inspired by #DMUglobal, our award-winning international experience programme.”

The university’s Square Mile team, International Student Support Officer Andy Gale and President of De Montfort Students’ Union Dan Winney, also welcomed the students, with Dan adding an inspirational quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination.”

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Anna, from Poland, will be studying Criminology with Psychology, and said: “I wanted to go to DMU because of #DMUglobal. I really wanted the chance to travel internationally and experience the world and so DMU was the one for me.

“I have not been to England before and Leicester is beautiful. I have already met a couple of friends here and I am really excited about the next few years.”

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Talented members of the DMU Music Society put on two outstanding performances, followed by a DJ providing the background to a British-themed buffet, which included mini Yorkshire puddings filled with beef and mini fish and chips.

Ummi Sani, from Nigeria, secured her Law place through Clearing, and said: “I really like the whole environment at DMU, it seems really friendly. Tonight’s event is something special; I really like the food they’ve put on too.”

Ice-breaker questions, staff members as table hosts and a caricature artist all kept the conversation flowing and reminded students how welcome they are at DMU.

Posted on Tuesday 20 September 2016

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