China is top cultural choice for Northumbria students

The Study China Programme is designed to give UK undergraduates a brief but diverse introduction to Chinese language and culture. By encouraging students to study abroad, the programme aims to improve relationships and understanding between the UK and Chinese people, business and culture.
As part of their three-week trip, the students will all take part in intensive Chinese language classes as well as participating in activities to allow them to discover what life is like for Chinese people.

Regional Director of the Northumbria University China Office, Jennifer Gao, who is based in both Newcastle and Beijing commented:
“This programme is an amazing opportunity for Northumbria students to experience life in China. Thousands of Chinese students choose to study in Newcastle because of its excellent reputation as a friendly student city with world class culture.  The city has a long history of welcoming Chinese students but this is a real two way relationship with UK students and locals  frequently  visiting Newcastle’s famous Chinatown and I have seen many taking part in the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations this year. These lucky Northumbria students will be able to get a real taste of what China can offer and I am sure that they will be impressed by the rich culture and history that will be so different from what they are used to.  If they are going to be in Beijing they would be very welcome to call into the Northumbria Beijing Office to practice their Chinese and meet the Team”

Angela Minvalla, Danielle Dodds, Rachel Arkinstall, Oliver Mynard, Hannah Harrison, Jodi Kean,  Anthony Stockdale  and Ryan Healey fly to China in March. They had to give reasons as to why they thought they should be chosen for the trip and what they hoped to contribute to the venture.

Oliver, a Human Resource Management student, is going to study at Beijing University. He said: “The chance to see a completely different culture to the one I am used to has massive appeal. I am in my final year of my degree and with China being an up and coming global economy, seeing how their businesses work will help me in my future career.’’

Danielle Dodds, a Crime and Forensic Science student, is also going to Beijing.
“I’ve been to China before but  I didn’t get the chance to learn about the country’s culture so that’s why I wanted to go back,’’ she said.

Fashion marketing student  Rachel Arkinstall and Angela Minvalla, who is studying Applied Biology, are heading off to Zhejiang University in Hangzhou.
Angela said: “I’ve always wanted to go to China as I’m fascinated by the country’s history and culture.  My dad’s a pilot so I’ve travelled a lot but I’m the first member of my immediate family to go to the Far East so this is really exciting for me.’’

Rachel added: “I love travelling and think this experience will definitely help my future career as so many suppliers to the fashion industry are now based in China.’’

Useful Links

Northumbria University China Website
http://www.northumbriachina.com/

Northumbria University International Office Website
www.northumbria.ac.uk/international

Northumbria University video
www.northumbria.ac.uk/brochure/international/aboutuni/ 

Video about the North East region
www.northumbria.ac.uk/brochure/international/aboutreg/

NewcastleGateshead – World Class Culture
http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/index.php