Broadening Leicester students’ international ambitions
More than 100 University of Leicester students from a wide range of degree types and levels, as well as recent graduates, will have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and enhance their studies with global opportunities during 2021to 2022, thanks to the Turing Scheme.
The East Midlands university is offering flexible study and work abroad opportunities across every degree level after securing a grant of more than £400,000.
Placements will be designed to offer students and graduates alike a ‘springboard’ towards their career ambitions through internationally-relevant experience.
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, said: “The University of Leicester is a truly global university, and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer international opportunities to our students with this new Turing Scheme.
“Not only will these experiences help to develop our students’ key skills through unique career-building opportunities, but they will also offer the priceless prospect of broadening horizons and help to forge new relationships across the world.
“The University of Leicester has one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK.
“Through this vital funding, students from a wide variety of backgrounds will have the chance to enhance their ambitions with a global experience.”
Creating Global Citizens
Dr Fiona Ashmore, Senior Study Abroad Officer, added: “By engaging with the Turing Scheme, the University of Leicester’s ambition is to create Global Citizens of Change: individuals who seek to transform our world, tackling the big issues facing society. Leicester students will develop global citizenship competencies, find their own path and be able to affect change in their lives, and the lives of those around them, by going abroad.”
Alexander Woodcock, a University of Leicester Business student, is currently abroad in Taiwan under the Turing Scheme.
“It was definitely an adventure flying all the way out here with lots of procedures and checks along the way, but everything worked out fine and I managed to successfully navigate any language barriers,” he said. “I’ve just had my first Chinese lesson, which was definitely a shock to the system, but also incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to learn more.”
A Biological Sciences student, Charles Holt, who is in Canada said: “My time abroad has been amazing, last week I went to see one of the seven wonders of the world, Niagara Falls – a must see to anyone thinking about traveling to Canada.”
Making a Difference
“As a university, we believe that no citizen should be left behind,” said Dr Ashmore. “With one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK, proven success in delivering mobility schemes, and existing networks of international partners and a strong global reputation, the University of Leicester’s engagement in the Turing Scheme is succeeding in making a difference for our students.”
For more information about Turing Scheme funding for the higher education sector, visit our dedicated webpage.
