Morris dancers, huge bunting and afternoon tea gave a traditional English welcome to scores of international students to De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Last night saw the first official welcome event for our international students, kicking off International Welcome Week – a whole programme of activities to help students settle into campus life, get to know each other and explore famous parts of the country before their studies begin in earnest.
James Gardner, Pro Vice Chancellor for Strategic and International Partnerships and Associate Chief Operating Officer at DMU, gave a warm welcome to students.
He told them: “International students in particular have a well-earned reputation for being diligent and hard-working, but I really want to implore all of you to look at the opportunities outside of the classroom such as joining sports teams, volunteering or signing up to clubs and societies.
“Extra-curricular activities will equip you with the skills and experience to unlock future career opportunities.”
The event was organised by DMU's Student and Academic Services' international welcome team. The Venue@DMU was transformed with a village fete theme by DMU’s Events team. Rows of picnic tables were piled high with cake stands, dainty sandwiches and teapots. Entertainment was provided by a cartoonist who was drawing caricatures of students and the Leicester Morrismen.
A selfie mirror complete with props was available for students to take photos with their new friends, while the Morris dancers happily posed for photographs with students after their performance.
Representatives from DMU Sports, #DMUglobal and DMU Square Mile were at the event to talk to students about what they offer and sign people up. Some 95 students signed up on the spot to become DMU Square Mile volunteers, working on projects to benefit the community.
Derrick Mensah, De Montfort Students’ Union’s Vice President Student Activities, and student champion Vivian Nwagboso came to study at DMU from Ghana and Nigeria respectively. They said that welcome events had been an important part of their time at DMU.
“I remember a few years ago I was right where these guys are now,” said Derrick. “I was really scared but excited as well – my second day in England I was so nervous. Events like this where you meet other people and realise that you’re not alone and they feel the same, they are really important.”
Vivian added: “Events like this are very important because it gives students the opportunity to mix and listen to ways they can be part of life on campus. We have loads and loads of opportunities at DMU for students to grow academically and skills-wise.”
Devashish Soni was joining DMU to complete his final year in BA (Hons) Business Studies, having already completed two years at DMU’s partner institution, Daly College in Indore.
He said: “I am very excited to join DMU and spend a year here. The campus is very friendly and we look forward to the year.”
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International students look forward to placementsHeba Khalil was working in the creative industries in Dubai but decided to follow her passion for interior design and study at Master’s at DMU. She said: “I want to learn more about the concepts behind designs. DMU’s Master’s course allows me to use what skills I have already working in interior design with the academic theory.”
Cosmin Rusu worked as an IT specialist back home in Romania but is studying Software Engineering to get the qualifications to work in the UK. He said: “Leicester seems like a nice city, and everyone at DMU has been very friendly.”
Posted on Tuesday 18 September 2018