International Exchange Programme marks another successful year with graduation ceremony

The University of Northampton and students from China and Japan marked another successful year for the International Exchange Programme with a graduation ceremony.

The event recognised 2019’s cohort of 48 students who had completed the 12-week International Exchange Programme (IEP), which is now in its 11th year.

The students, who are from partner universities including Zhejiang Normal University, Shanghai Business School, Fujian Medical University and National Taipei University. received graduation certificates on stage in Newton Grand Hall and were treated to a traditional afternoon tea. The occasion allowed students to celebrate their accomplishments with their proud academic lead and members of the International Office team. In her speech during the ceremony, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Shân Wareing, reflected that during their time at UON they would have nurtured rewarding new perspectives and assured them that they would always be welcome at the University.

The IEP is a unique opportunity for students from partner universities to explore study and life in the UK and to connect with UON staff and students. Students can choose from variety of modules across the three faculties, selecting subjects ranging from Journalism to Education. They then complete a credit-based reflection on time with the programme when they return to their home university.

Thomas Zhang, Assistant Director of International Recruitment, also spoke at the event.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience British culture, make new friends, practice English language skills and study in a new learning and teaching environment. This greatly benefits students when they return home, as it allows students to share their new knowledge and broaden their cultural and educational outlook.”

IEP graduates often opt to continue their studies with UON on top-up and Master’s programmes, which is a testament to IEP’s success.

Senior Lecturer in Accounting, Ewan Tracey, who is now in his second-year as Programme Lead, was in attendance.

He said: “International students tell us that part of their fear is the cultural and linguistic challenges that they face when they arrive to study. The IEP gives them the ideal opportunity to have a ‘toe in the water experience’ to overcome this. Around 15 per cent of the students who come on the exchange come back to study full programmes with us.”

The graduation event was held on Thursday 12 December.