Twenty five students from around the world graduate from the University of Exeter's first International Summer School.
University hosts first International Summer School
The University of Exeter has initiated what it hopes will become one of the highlights of its annual calendar, hosting its first International Summer School as part of its new Internationalisation Strategy.
Twenty five students from some of the world’s leading universities attended the inaugural programme in July. They began their three week course with a short visit to London before heading to Exeter for the remainder of their stay.
Admission to the programme was competitive, with students drawn from partner institutions in China, Taiwan, India and the United Arab Emirates. Two academic themes were on offer: either Leadership for Global Challenges or Law. The Law pathway was a bespoke arrangement for students from the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) in Beijing.
Thirty Exeter faculty delivered the courses, which also featured high profile guest speakers. Students were required to apply knowledge gained from lectures through group projects which were presented and judged in the final two days. The projects covered a wide range of themes, from global waste management and health inequity in India to a comparison between UK and Chinese contract law and the protection of minors in the Chinese legal system.
While academic courses occupied most days, the programme also included trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Salisbury, St Ives and the Eden Project, as well as regular evening activities.
With the inaugural summer school considered highly successful, the University of Exeter is already planning the 2011 programme. Student numbers are likely to be at least double this year’s intake, more themes will be on offer and the programme will be open to more institutions, including partner universities in North America.
Dr John Withrington, Director of the International Office, said ‘Exeter’s first International Summer School has been a resounding success. We have showcased the very best that Exeter has to offer in the form of a challenging and rigorous academic programme on the most beautiful campus in the country.’
‘Our relationship with leading partner universities has been reinforced, and feedback from the students has been outstanding. We are already planning for the 2011 International Summer School.’
Date: 4 August 2010
