China students experience campus life at University of Leicester

Students from China have had a taste of university life in the UK as the University of Leicester hosted a summer school as part of its partnership with Dalian University of Technology.

68 students from the Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI) visited the campus as part of a programme that saw them attend subject lectures and laboratory sessions, English language classes and trips around the UK.

Organised by the University’s Centre for International Training and Education (CITE), it is a unique opportunity for Chinese students to find out what studying in Leicester is like and to showcase the University of Leicester and the UK for possible future studies.

The students, all aged between 18 and 22, are undergraduate students in Year 2, 3 or 4 of their DLI programme and ordinarily study Engineering, Chemistry or Maths in China. As part of the summer school programme, students attend subject lectures and laboratory sessions as well as daily Everyday English and Academic English classes. The three-week programme also includes trips as well as social events.

This summer, the students have enjoyed some karaoke at a local pub and learnt how to play the traditional British game of Rounders on Stoughton Road Playing Fields. They also have the opportunity to see local Leicester attractions such as the National Space Centre and Bradgate Park (and hopefully, some deer), as well as trips to London and Oxford so that the students get a chance to fit some tourism into their busy schedule and see more of the UK. 

They also had the opportunity to meet Great British Bake Off finalist and University of Leicester researcher Dr Josh Smalley in the new Science Kitchen, where he ran a session on Science and Baking. 

A Poster Presentation event marked the culmination of their work, with a closing ceremony and farewell party on Thursday 8 August to celebrate their programme success. 

The programme organisers find that those who attend the summer school often grow in confidence and also improve their English ability, subject knowledge and their cultural awareness of the UK. 

Maths student Qi Wang said: “During my summer school at the University of Leicester, I felt the colourful campus cultures and high level of academic atmosphere. What’s more, the three-week course benefitted me a lot and established a foundation for my future academic research. Last, Leicester is a beautiful city. I love Leicester! This experience will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable moments in my life.”

Rob Crane, Assistant Director (Business and Partnerships) at CITE, said: “This is the fourth group of DLI students we have welcomed to Leicester and we are always struck by the students’ enthusiasm, engagement and feeling of connection with Leicester. In addition to the benefits to the students, the summer school allows us to strengthen our ties with DLI and brings to life our relationship here in Leicester.”

There are currently 1,200 students studying at the Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI). They are taught by staff at Dalian University of Technology, flying faculty and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers in Panjin, a city in Liaoning Province in the north-east of the country.  50% of the course is taught by Leicester staff and 50% by Dalian University of Technology staff, with 100% of the programme delivered in English. At the end of their undergraduate study, successful students are awarded degree certificates from both the University of Leicester and Dalian University of Technology. Around 80% of graduates go on to further study, many of whom choose to study in the UK.