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Prospective
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In the News (Past Articles)1 woman, 6 children and a PG Dip (11.10.06) Obtaining a postgraduate diploma is in itself no mean feat – but doing so 3000 miles from home, while looking after the six children who have come with you, is positively awe-inspiring. Yet that is what Malihe-Sadat Sarabi Sheikhan did, travelling from Tehran in 1974 and gaining a Diploma in Teaching English Overseas in 1975. From Leeds to Libya (23.03.06) Set amidst a hot North African desert, Libya is a historically rich country which has an established relationship with the UK. This March, the University of Leeds attended its very first English Language Training Conference and Exhibition in Libya to meet with students to discuss their university career plans and how to develop vocational skills. Held at the Dat El-Emad Towers Conference Centre in Tripoli, the exhibition provided a valuable opportunity to talk about the University and facilities first-hand. Both prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students enquired about a variety of degrees at Leeds ranging from English to business, medicine to engineering. Rupert Herington from the University of Leeds Language Centre was on the exhibition stand and spoke at the conference about English Language training and the dedicated support for international students. Rupert also visited the October 7th University in Misrata to talk about studying in Leeds, and even fitted in a radio interview! The University is committed to increasing its number of visits to Libya with John Uren, International Foundation Year Director, returning this June. Medical scheme for Libyan students The University offers a Ministry of Health Scholarship Scheme for postgraduates, providing the following:
For details of entry requirements, fees and the applications process, please contact Sue Hunter in the International Office s.hunter@adm.leeds.ac.uk or call +44 113 343 4080. LUBS March Open Days (15.03.06) Leeds University Business School is to hold a number of MA/MSc Open Days for students interested in studying at the University of Leeds. The days begin at 13:45 and run on the following dates:
For more information visit the LUBS website Leeds Students Visit the State of Kuwait The University of Leeds was selected as one of five institutions in the UK to be given the opportunity to send two students to Kuwait on a cultural and educational visit.
The visit took place in December 2005 and was sponsored by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait. The two students who took part from Leeds were chosen out of 100 applicants for the visit and were namely Daniel Nixon and Jonathan Chatterton. Daniel and Jonathan experienced many different things throughout their trip and visited a number of places and organisations which included the Kuwait Stock exchange, Kuwait Institute for Scientific research, Kuwait Women’s Social and Cultural Society, the Grand Mosque and Direct Aid (a charity who are committed to providing elementary education of impoverished parts of Africa for the last 30 years). Overall they found their experience to be incredibly rewarding, educational and culturally valuable.
Daniel and Jonathan compiled a review of their trip and here are some of their key thoughts and experiences: Daniel: “Our schedule was well organised and our guides for the week were three students from the Kuwaiti University who went out of their way to make sure we got as much out of our trip as possible. We met with the Kuwait Women’s Social and Cultural Society and discovered that recently women have been given the right to vote and a woman will be standing in the next general election. Jonathan: " I really enjoyed visiting the women’s centre and learning about the status and role of women in Kuwaiti society. I really enjoyed the visit to the Grand Mosque as it gave me a further insight and better understanding of Islam. Living in a world where most of the major conflicts we see are caused by a lack of understanding it was a really fantastic opportunity for me to be able to understand more about this very diverse and engaging culture.”
The Embassy of the State of Kuwait intended this visit to acquaint UK students with life in Kuwait, both educationally and culturally and this it seems was successfully achieved. For more information contact Kirstie Watson k.i.watson@adm.leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds International Office. The University of Leeds already has 69 Kuwaiti students studying at the University on a wide ranging variety of programmes including the School of Dentistry due to a longstanding agreement with the Kuwait Ministry of Education regarding training of dentists. Other popular subjects include Biology, Dentistry and Engineering at Bachelors and Masters level as well as PhD. Many Kuwaiti students undertake the popular University of Leeds International Foundation programme which prepares Kuwaiti High School leavers for Bachelors study. Prospective students might also be interested to know that a University of Leeds representative Dr John Uren will be attending the Edukex Education event being held in Kuwait from 8-9 April 2005. The University of Leeds now has a University of Leeds consultant based permanently in the Gulf region who can assist students locally with enquiries. The University of Leeds consultant is Dr Kath Morrison, formerly of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, who is contactable on gulfreps@leeds.ac.uk. A downloadable Gulf booklet with information in English and Arabic is also available from our web pages at www.leeds.ac.uk/international/Saudi.htm Graduation Day in Oman (24.10.05) On Monday 6 June 2005 , the graduation ceremony for 113 students from the in-country BA Educational Studies (TESOL) took place in Oman . This third cohort brought the total number of graduates since the start of the programme to over 400. The ceremony was held under the auspices of HE Sayyed Saud bin Ibrahim, Al-Busaidi, Minister of the Interior and responsible for the initial vision. Honoured guests were the Oman Minister of Education, HE Yahya bin Saud bin Manssor Al-Sulaimi and PVC Diane Shorrocks-Taylor representing the University of Leeds .
The programme, which has been running for six years, is a collaboration between our School of Education and the Oman Ministry of Education. It signifies a huge investment by the Ministry to upgrade the academic qualifications of teachers of English and develop a new Basic Education curriculum. By the time the project ends in 2008, more than 800 students will have qualified. The Minister of Education views the project ‘as a means to provide a cadre of educationalists and researchers well qualified to participate in the process of education reform and renewal in the future’.
The students are supported locally by regional tutors and during the course of each academic year staff travel out from Leeds to Oman to deliver modules during winter schools. Each cohort also spends an intensive eight week summer school in Leeds , which provides an opportunity for the students to work in a university environment and have access to the resources.
Come graduation day they are just like any other students surrounded by proud family and friends and dressed in robes designed for the occasion and provided by the Ministry. The ceremony was followed by a reception at which a magnificent Arab buffet was served. The occasion was also marked by the production of a Year Book with the photographs and names of all the students, and an 8-page insert in the Oman Daily Observer. In this supplement there were reflective articles by students past and present covering all aspects of the programme, which enables the collaboration to be appreciated by the wider Omani community.
Many of the existing graduates are already clamouring for the provision of an MA, which is an indication both of their appreciation of the quality of the programme, and their own determination to further enhance their own qualifications. In addition, developing their knowledge and skills in order to become reflective classroom practitioners, these teachers also have an impact on their wider school community and so further contribute to the continuing education reform in Oman .
International Student Newsletter - Summer 2005 (21.07.05) All the latest international news and events from the University of Leeds. Download the Summer 2005 edition
Leeds to host Iranian Scientific Conference On Saturday 2 July 2005 , The University of Leeds is hosting the prestigious annual Iranian Researchers Conference in Europe . The conference will be opened by Pro Vice Chanellor Professor Alan Pearman and will be attended by the Iranian Ambassador. IRCE 2005, now in its 13th year, is a multi-disciplinary conference in Europe aiming to gather Iranian researchers from different scientific backgrounds worldwide to exchange knowledge and expertise, to network and to forge links between international experts from scientific institutions inside and outside Europe . The conference will see approximately 400 Iranian scientists meet at Leeds from the UK , Europe , Iran , North America and many other countries This meeting, which has been taken place on a regular basis for over a decade, offers a channel for sharing state-of-the-art technology and recent scientific researches conducted by experts especially, Iranian from all over the world. Moreover, this series of annual conferences provides an opportunity for the participants to enhance research and education in Iran and make suggestions for its improvement. For further information on the conference please see: The International Office and the Conference Office are conjointly organising the logistics of the conference here at the University of Leeds . For more information on these services please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international/
Thai Soc presents "Pride & Joy of Thailand" (28.04.05) 3rd May 2005 at the Riley Smith Hall - 11:00-16:00. The Thai Society presents to the University of Leeds, for the second year running, "Pride & Joy of Thailand".
Following the success of last years event, the Thai Society have taken over the Riley Smith hall and will be dazzling the senses again with the likes of dances in full traditional clothing, martial arts displays and most popular of all - hot delicious Thai food. Some of the events you'll be able to enjoy for free are:
For more information and to purchase in advance a Thai lunch ticket please contact: luu.thai@leeds.ac.uk (starters £1.50, main courses £2.50) Leeds alumni reunion in China (22.04.05) 8 Leeds alumni who had studied in Leeds during the academic year 2003-4 met up at a lunch held in Guangzhou, China on Saturday 19 th April. The alumni, mostly from the Business School, are now working in various jobs in Guangzhou and the surrounding area.
The lunch was hosted by Leeds Professor Sally Johnson who listened to the former students talk about their experiences in Leeds, of the university, other 'home' students, and the surrounding area. The alumni all had a very positive experience and were very happy to be meeting one another again. They are now hoping to meet on a regular basis and also meet the recently graduated MA TESOL students in Guangzhou.
First Leeds Graduation in China (22.04.05) The graduation ceremony for the University of Leeds MEd TESOL was held at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), China on Friday 18th March. This high profile event was the first graduation ceremony of a Leeds degree delivered in China. The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 people, including the students who graduated, as well as several staff from GDUFS. Leeds School of Education staff Angi Malderez and Richard Badger, who were in Guangzhou at the time teaching the second cohort of students, were in attendance as was Professor Sally Johnson, Head of Linguistics and Phonetics.
A graduation speech was delivered by Professor Johnson on behalf of Leeds, including a message to the students and their families from Dr. Martin Wedell, who set up and teaches on the in-country collaborative programme but was sadly unable to attend the ceremony. In her speech, Professor Johnson emphasised how this was the first joint scheme of its kind between universities in the UK and China. The event was conducted very much like a Leeds graduation and was considered to be a great success by the students and their families who were particularly complimentary about the combination of formality and informality. The formal graduation ceremony was followed by a drinks reception and a meal for all students and staff.
The School of Education are also in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Oman delivering a BEd TESOL, and are in process of setting up an in country delivered MEd TESOL in Oman with local Omani partner Majan College which they are hoping to commence early in 2006 once Omani Ministry of Education approvals are confirmed. The University encourages international collaborative programmes of many types including the in-country or "flying faculty" model, which has proved a useful vehicle for international student recruitment and enhancing reputation and profile in key overseas markets. The International Office can provide information, guidance and assistance to schools interested in setting up collaborative programme links overseas. More information is available (on campus access only) at www.leeds.ac.uk/international/restrict/internationalalliances.htm or by contacting Susan Hunter in the International Office on 34080 (s.hunter@adm.leeds.ac.uk).
Leeds Graduate - the most beautiful woman in Malaysia (22.04.05) Leeds Graduate Angela Gan has been crowned Miss Malaysia, and is to represent her country for the much sought after title of Miss World 2005 later this year. Reports suggest the answer which clinched the title came following the question if she'd be happy to come second? - to which Angela replied “I am confident, intelligent and I have a great personality and that is why I should win”
Holding back the tears, the University of Leeds graduate in Childhood Studies said she was excited and very honoured to represent Malaysia. In addition to the title, Angela won a cash prize of RM5,000 (£690) , a Swarovski crown, plus cosmetics and personal appearances & assignments worth RM30,000 (£4130). Read more about this story at http://allmalaysia.info
Annual Omani Exhibition at the University of Leeds (07.04.05) To celebrate and explore the rich and diverse culture of the Sultanate of Oman, the Leeds Omani student society put together an exciting and enlightening exhibition which was held in the prestigious Great Hall at the University of Leeds on the 21 February 2005 . The exhibition set out to promote Oman 's heritage abroad by displaying Oman 's artefacts, archaeological objects, handicrafts, traditional dress, manuscripts as well as demonstrating traditional music and dance. The exhibition attracted staff and students all day long with approximately 1500 people visiting the Great Hall. Whether they were drawn in from the outside lured by the smell of frankincense, popped by in-between lectures to observe the Razha (the traditional male dance), to sample the Halwa (Omani coffee and traditional sweets), to admire and purchase the beautifully crafted pottery and jewellery, or to watch the traditional craft of palm-weaving. This year the Omani Day at Leeds hosted a visit from two very high profile guests, namely the Cultural Attaché for the Sultan of Oman, Mr Abzuljaleel A Moosa, and the University of Leeds Vice Chancellor , Professor Michael Arthur who attended the exhibition with his daughter.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds , Professor Michael Arthur, and his daughter, reading through the books on the cultural history of Oman . In addition to being an educational event for the local community, the day alo provided the 348 Omani students at Leeds and visiting Omani students from Manchester, Sheffield and other surrounding Universities with “a sense of home when they are over 1000 miles away” as noted by Miss Ilhaam Al-Maskery, the joint president of the Leeds Omani society. She believes that the University of Leeds , and the city of Leeds , are very welcoming and are truly international, which allows for students from all countries and cultures to come and feel at home whilst they are studying.
The Cultural Attaché of the Sultan of Oman, Mr Abzuljaleel A Moosa with members of staff from the Omani Embassy in London , and students from the Leeds Omani society in traditional dress, demonstrating pieces of handmade Omani pottery. The day was made possible with help from the International Student Office, specifically the invaluable help from Katy Manns and Siew Alcock. The office can offer help with other events such as this please contact the office directly for more information internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk The Leeds Omani society have their own website with many more pictures from the Omani day as well as further information for Omani students in Leeds which can be found at www.leedsomani.co.uk
Appointed Gulf States representative (16.03.05) In 2004 the University appointed a permanent consultant based in the United Arab Emirates who will be available to Gulf and Middle East students for advice and guidance about studying at Leeds and about life for students in the City of Leeds. Our consultant is Kath Morrison formerly an academic member of staff based in the University`s Faculty of Biological Sciences. Kath has many years of experience working for Leeds and her husband Professor John Morrison is a former Professor of Medicine at the University who now works for El Ain University in the UAE. Kath can be contacted directly on. This signals part of the University`s ongoing commitment to the Gulf and Middle East region. Consortium activity: Leeds commitment to the Gulf and Middle East is further signaled by its founding membership of two key consortia led initiatives. As a member of the 17 university strong UK4 consortium Leeds is actively promoting a 4 year Bachelors programme designed to make access to Bachelors degrees as simple as possible for students from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf [marc link to uk4 page from here please]. Leeds is also a founding member and current treasurer of the newly formed British Universities in Iraq Consortium (BUIC) which is aimed at facilitating Higher Education activities in the rebuilding of Iraq. Kath Morrison can be contacted at gulfrep@leeds.ac.uk
Kuwait Visit for Leeds students The University of Leeds has been selected as one of five institutions in the UK to be given the opportunity to send two students to Kuwait on a cultural and educational visit. The visit, sponsored by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, has been set up with the aim of acquainting UK students with life in Kuwait, both educationally and culturally. Out of nearly 100 applications for the visit, Daniel Nixon, a third year Maths and Philosophy undergraduate, and Lucy White, a taught postgraduate studying International Studies have been selected for the visit, due to take place in July 2005. Daniel and Lucy will experience student life by attending Kuwait University and will stay in halls of residence alongside Kuwaiti students. Additionally, they will be taken to a number of cultural and historic places of interest in an effort to provide them with the opportunity to become acquainted with this country. Lucy and Daniel will be producing a report of their visit upon their return to allow others to become familiar with the educational and cultural life of Kuwait, which in turn will promote a greater understanding of Kuwaiti society. The University of Leeds already has 62 Kuwaiti students studying at the University on a wide ranging variety of programmes including the School of Dentistry due to a longstanding agreement with the Kuwait Ministry of Education regarding training of dentists. Other popular subjects include Biology, Dentistry and Engineering at Bachelors and Masters level as well as PhD. Many Kuwaiti students undertake the popular University of Leeds International Foundation programme which prepares Kuwaiti High School leavers for Bachelors study. For more information contact Susan Hunter s.hunter@adm.leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds International Office. A downloadable Gulf booklet with information in English and Arabic is also available from our web pages at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international/saudi.htm Prospective students might also be interested to know that a University of Leeds representative Dr John Uren will be attending the Edukex Education event being held in Kuwait from 23-24 April 2005 and might also be interested to learn that the University of Leeds now has a University of Leeds consultant based permanently in the Gulf region who can assist students locally with enquiries. The University of Leeds consultant is Dr Kath Morrison, formerly of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, who is contactable on gulfreps@leeds.ac.uk.
Business School - Postgraduate Open Day LUBS welcomes all undergraduates to find out more about their masters programmes, over coffee and biscuits.
During the afternoon you will have the chance to talk to programme directors and current students, tour the building and see our fantastic facilities. The Business School is EQUIS and AMBA accredited, and all courses include a personal career development programme. We look forward to seeing you.
Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards Scheme - international research students (25.01.05) The Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award Scheme is a national initiative to recruit outstanding research students from the developing world to the UK to study for PhDs in Grade 5 and 5* Departments. The Awards are sponsored by the UK Research Councils and industrial partners. The scheme provides fees (at the international rate) and a maintenance stipend. Closing date for student applications: 1 March 2005. The University of Leeds has been allocated five awards in the 2005 competition in the areas covered by the EPSRC and NERC. Information on the scheme, eligible Schools, areas of research and the application procedures are available at: www.leeds.ac.uk/rds/schol/dhpa/information.htm or email: leedsdhpa@leeds.ac.uk Information provided by the Scholarships Office (scholarships@leeds.ac.uk)
Study Abroad Fair (19.01.05) The Study Abroad office is organising an information fair to advertise and make students aware of the year placements available to them at our European exchange partners throughout the world. The event will be focused on these areas but our non-European exchanges will also be represented throughout the event. The fair will be taking place on the 15th of Febuary 2005 in the LUU Riley Smith Hall between 12.00 - 14.00. The event is aimed at first and second year students, although anyone is very welcome to attend. Each European exchange partner will be represented by students who went abroad last year, who will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences. The event will also be an opportunity to meet International Students currently studying at Leeds. For more information contact Liz Simpson in the Study Abroad Office
Leeds International Students Shine (14.01.05)
Visit the International Student Awards website to enter this competition on-line, Entries must be in by March 4, 2005 - so get busy and good luck: www.educationuk.org/shine You could win one of several major awards, and a prize of up to £2,000. Entry is simple, since it is all done online through the British Council site. For full details of how to enter, advice on what the judges will be looking for, information about prizes, news of previous winners and the entry form visit the Shine web site at the bottom of this story Students are vying for success in the International Student Awards 2005, a competition run by the British Council - the UK ’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. The awards recognise students from overseas who are making the most of their time in the UK by developing new skills and interests, achieving personal ambitions or making a valuable contribution to their institution or local community.
By entering the competition you will be offered the chance to win one of several prestigious awards, as well as cash prizes of up to £2,000.
David Green, Director General of the British Council, said: “Last year’s awards scheme highlighted many amazing and awe-inspiring stories, which clearly showed that students who come to the UK gain just as much from their non-academic interests and experiences as they do from their studies.” For more information, please contact: The International Centre For general information on the International Student Awards, or the British Council’s work to promote UK education overseas, please contact David Weston or Lindsey Shaughnessy at Staniforth on 0161 274 0138 or 0161 274 0117.
Quote us Happy (11.01.05) We're always after quotes from students to be used in publications and stories. If you think you can come up with a catchy one-liner we'd love to hear it. Submit as many or as few as you like, a £10 cash prize is awarded to the best one from each category. There're no limitations on how many you can submit. We want short, catchy quotes about the best aspects of each category, tell us what you think in approximately 10-30 words, do as many or as few as you want. Winning quotes will be decided by International Office staff at the end of each term. Successful students will be notified by email.
Leeds says farewell to Iraq scholars (06.01.05) A farewell lunch to celebrate the success of the visit of Iraqi Education Specialists to Leeds was hosted by Susan Hunter in the International Office on 15th December 2004. Dr. Martin Wedell and colleagues from the School of Education also attended, along with Hywel Coleman and other colleagues from the International Office.
Following from initial workshops in Amman, Jordan, the team spent one month in Leeds with the aim of producing teaching strategies and developing a new curriculum for English as part of the rebuilding of Iraq. The lunch gave an opportunity for university staff and the guests to exchange farewells and reflect on the success of the visit.
Ms Taghreed Barakat Khalaf from Kut (south of Baghdad) stressed the importance of experiencing new ways of teaching and learning, the open minded exchange and acceptance of others’ ideas and the supporting work of the tutors. “It is important to have a new insight to fulfil the needs of Iraqis after so long being cut off from the world.”
In his speech of thanks, Mr Jaffar Salman Ali Al-Zubaidi from Baghdad said that “…[the University of Leeds] will be remembered in the educational history of Iraq”
More about this visit can be read in the story Rebuilding Iraq from the classroom upwards (15.12.04)
Earthquake disaster in Asia The University is saddened to learn of the great loss of life and destruction caused by the tsunami in Asia. The UK Government has set up an enquiry line for people seeking information, Tel: 020 7008 0000. The embassies of the countries affected may also be able to provide further information. If you wish to speak to someone about issues relating to this terrible disaster, appointments can be made to talk confidentially to trained members of staff who can give advice. Contact
information for embassies
Leeds top of the table for international development The British Council annual report on funded HE links places Leeds at the top of the list for the number of British Council funded projects in 2003/04. Projects range from Conflict Resolution in the South of Thailand and low cost housing solutions for families in East Malaysia to Primary Health projects in Egypt and teaching training in Ghana. Schools across Leeds are involved with Education and Civil Engineering leading with 5 and 4 projects respectively. In the official press release the Secretary of state for International Development, Hilary Benn, states “The Higher Education Links programme seeks to develop human capital and skills in the world’s poorest countries with the aim of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.” The HE link scheme is currently being redesigned: for the latest information see www.dfid.gov.uk . Links will continue to require partnerships between at least 2 HEIs (one UK one overseas) and be focused on projects supporting the Dfid/UN millennium development goals.
Rebuilding Iraq from the classroom upwards (15.12.04) The struggle by the people of Iraq to rebuild their country is being supported by the University. The school of education is helping a visiting Iraqi team of policy-makers and teachers develop a new curriculum for English – the first in 30 years – for all schools across Iraq. The Iraqi team was welcomed to the University by Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur. Iraqi education specialists have had little access to international developments in the field for decades. The visitors aim to produce teaching strategies, dealing with everything from approaches to learning to the best textbooks. The Iraqi team has also brought the results of classroom-based research for analysis, to offer data about conditions in Iraq’s schools to help plan 13-Jul-2007 Jaffar Al-Zubaidi, Head of English for the ministry of in-service training and educational development said: “After three decades of isolation from the rest of the world, it will take us a long time to catch up.” The scheme is British Council-funded and the development team met Leeds academics in Jordan to establish an agenda for their visit. Head of international development in education, Dr Martin Wedell, said: “Through necessity, Iraq has to think about how to adjust its entire existing education system, including English language teaching, to a changing environment whose parameters are not yet clearly defined. It’s a real challenge.” The school has already worked on teaching projects in Oman, Indonesia and China. More about this visit can be read in the story Leeds says farwell to Iraq scholars (06.01.05) International Students Banking Survey (15.12.04) What do you think about the Banking Services you receive in the UK? The UK's National Union of Students has designed a survey to help them campaign against High Street banks that are discriminating against international students. All international students are asked to fill out this on-line questionnaire for the benefit of future international students visiting the UK. The Union of Students will present the results of the survey to the British Banking Association and other stakeholders. Fill out the form today - entries must be received by the 26th January http://www.nusonline.co.uk/bankingsurvey
Study Abroad Application Deadline 10th December (25.11.04) Anyone interested in studying abroad outside Europe next year should note that the deadline for applying is fast approaching. The last date to submit an application to the Study Abroad Office is Friday, December 10th. You can get the initial permission form and information about other requirements from the Study Abroad Office website. If you are interested in a European exchange, the deadline for applying is not until April 29th, 2005 although you should make sure that the academic coordinators in your department are aware of your interest at this stage. Download the initial permission form from the SA website email: studyabroad@leeds.ac.uk
Students to meet Lord Mayor of Leeds (12.11.04) The Lord Mayor of Leeds is officially welcoming new international students to the city of Leeds during a Civic Reception at The West Yorkshire Playhouse on Sunday 21st November 2004. A limited number of invitations are available for international students new to the University this academic year.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds visiting the
University of Leeds during The 700 international students from The University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University and the Leeds colleges who attend the reception will have the opportunity to meet the Lord Mayor Councilor Christopher Townsley, University of Leeds Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Diane Shorrocks-Taylor, and Prof Simon Lee, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University. During the event, students will be entertained by world music band Sawa Teen and traditional English folk dance performers Leeds Morris Men The event is being organised jointly by Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Federation of Colleges and the Rotary Club of Leeds. Invitations can be collected from the International Student Office, between 10 am and 3.30 pm Mondays to Fridays. Invitations will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, please contact: Lucie Roy on 0113 343 3930 or e-mail internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk Sawa
Teen information
Indonesian Musician Visits Leeds Visit to the University of Leeds by Emha Ainun Nadjib from Indonesia Saturday 27th November 2004 Emha Ainun Nadjib, well known in Indonesia as ‘Cak Nun’, is the leader of the ‘Kyai Kanjeng’ gamelan music group. Cak Nun is a performing artist. He reads his own poems and performs them in collaboration with the Kyai Kanjeng gamelan music group. He is a prolific poet. His writing covers a wide range of subjects, including personal contemplation, social comment, criticism of the ruling government and social development. His views on a variety of subjects are based on Islamic teaching. As a writer and a columnist, his writings can be found in various national media in Indonesia and he has become a highly respected commentator on social and cultural matters in his country. Cak Nun is also a Moslem intellectual and in this capacity he is frequently invited to contribute to seminars, open discussions, university meetings and many other events. He is a humanist and a guru who has traveled widely in his home country, Indonesia, especially in the rural areas. He educates people and talks with them about their problems. He holds a regular public forum in seven different cities every month; people use this forum to express their feelings and ideas on anything they want. He has the credibility and influence to gather people from all components of society and persuade them to sit down and discuss issues together. The ‘Kyai Kanjeng’ gamelan music group has 15 members. They perform a range of songs and music, but all with their traditional gamelan instruments. With Cak Nun as their front man, Kyai Kanjeng plays music in many genres, from blues to Chinese music. In this visit, the group will perform gamelan music that shows the creative and friendly face of Islam, combined with a talk about Indonesia and Islam. Cak Nun’s very informative website is at www.padhangmbulan.com. Some of his poetry (in Bahasa Indonesia) can be found at www.geocities.com/soho/museum/2737/p-emha.html. English translations of some of his poems can be found at www.aiaa.org.au/news/news12/news.html. Date of Visit to Leeds : Saturday 27th November 2004. There will also be performances in London and at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester earlier in the visit. Emha Ainun Nadjib’s visit to Leeds is made possible by collaboration between the University of Leeds International Office, PPI (the Indonesian Students’ Association) and the Indonesian Embassy in the UK. Download a briefing note of the performance
Study Abroad Fair The Study Abroad office is organising an information fair to advertise and make students aware of the year placements available to them at our non-European exchange partners throughout the world. The event will be focused on these areas but our European exchanges will also be represented throughout the event. The event will be taking place on the 9th of November 2004 in the LUU Riley Smith Hall between 11.30 - 14.30. The event is for first and second year students, although anyone is very welcome to attend. Each non-European exchange partner will be represented by students who went abroad last year, who will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences. The event will also be an opportunity to meet International Students currently studying at Leeds. For more information contact Jenny Hogg in the Study Abroad Office.
Spotlight on China Dancers and acrobats entertained staff, students and visitors to the University on the 27th September as part of the city's Spotlight on China celebrations. Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zha Peixin watched the displays of lion dancing, bowl balancing and visited stalls selling Chinese arts and crafts in the Parkinson building. The performers and stall holders were all from Leeds's Chinese twin city Hangzhou. The Spotlight on China festival organised by Leeds City Council ended on September 28th, but an ongoing exhibition of Chinese textiles in the University of Leeds International Textile Archive continues until November 27. For more information, contact The International Centre
Vice chancellor Professor Michael Arthur meets the Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zha Peixin
Group photo of esteemed guests including, the Lord and Lady Mayoress, VC Professor Michael Arthur, the ambassador to the UK Zha Peixin and his wife.
Lion dancers
Fan Dance
Bowl Dance
Solo Dancer performing a traditional Chinese dance.
Acrobat balancing on steel tubes
Coral dance
Study Abroad Students Return to Leeds On Tuesday 6th of October, 150 Leeds students gathered in Parkinson Court for a very special ‘Welcome Back’ reception. These were ‘Study Abroad Students’ who had chosen to spend part of their Leeds degree overseas, in universities all the way from mainland Europe to Singapore and the USA. So what was the verdict? Chatting over glasses of wine, the group shared their experiences. As Ana said, ‘It was a leap of faith going abroad especially if like me, you’re not a language student. (I’m studying History and English.) But Italy was wonderful. I went to Brescia, a small historic town about an hour north of Milan. You could never forget you were in Italy. Just five minutes down the road from where I lived were the ruins of a Roman temple.’ Although Ana only had basic Italian when she went out there, she didn’t view this as a problem. ‘Oh no! Don’t be put off by having to learn and speak a new language; it’s very different when you’re actually in the country. And, as an Erasmus student I got financial support from the EU. This, on top of my student loan, meant that I could go on an intensive language course in Siena before starting in Brescia. I’d recommend Studying Abroad to anyone. It changes you – you become more objective as you learn to reflect and re-evaluate your life against your new experiences. I found that Italians my age were much more culturally aware. My time in Brescia has made me view my last year at Leeds differently. I feel refreshed and really motivated to do well.’ Katy, a geography student, chose to study at McMaster University in Canada. ‘In my mind it was either Canada or Singapore, but in the end Canada won! I wanted to see the beautiful snowy landscapes – oh and McMaster offered excellent courses.’ Katy, who was accompanied to McMaster by Giles, also from the Geography department, added: ‘Although Katy and I knew each other before we went, you could have gone on your own and made just as many friends. You go back into Halls and there are all these fresher week activities to make you feel at home.’ On closer questioning, these activities were revealed to include racing beds on wheels, with the strongest lads pushing the lightest girl to the finish line! (Giles assures us that the year involved a lot of hard work – as well as an active social life.) If you fancy living in a foreign country, here’s your chance: as an undergraduate at Leeds you can spend time studying at a top University. It’s a fantastic opportunity!
All you need to do is choose your destination! The University of Leeds has links with institutions across the US, Canada, Singapore and countries in mainland Europe. To find out more about studying abroad – the advantages and the possibilities – visit the study abroad web site www.leeds.ac.uk/study-abroad
Success for Libyan Student at Leeds
Libyan sponsored student Dr Aziza Eldarrat has won the prestigious Peter Wilson Medal and Prize for 2004 for the communication of science and engineering. Aziza has recently completed her PhD under the supervision of Dr A S High (Leeds Dental Institute) & Dr Girish Kale (Institute of Materials Research, in the School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering). The research and talk described the discovery of how electrical impedance spectroscopy could be used to detect changes in dentine and outlined prospects for the application of the method in forensic inspections and routine patient care. The method also has other applications as a tool for characterising porous and particulate systems.
Aziza was one of four Finalists (photographed) who had been selected from a list of nominated candidates take from final year postgraduates or recently graduated doctoral students at the University of Leeds. The gold medal and prize was presented in the Yorkshire Bank Lecture Theatre on 26th November 2004 by Dr Peter Wilson and the adjudication panel. The prize was instigated by BNFL to promote good practice in science communication related to particle and interface science and engineering to honor the services of Peter Wilson a highly regarded scientist, author and former employee of the company. Further details about Aziza’s work can be seen in (and on the front cover) of the November 2003 issue of the Journal of Materials Vol. 14, No 11). A .PDF of Aziza's published article can be downloaded here
Aziza was given a specially minted gold medal & a £500 cash prize for her award.
Visit by Malaysian Minister of Higher Education On Tuesday 27 July, the new Malaysian Minister of Higher Learning, Dato’ Dr Shafie bin Haji Mohd Salleh, visited the University for meetings with Vice-Chancellor Professor David Sugden and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Alan Pearman and Professor John Fisher. The Minister was interested in possible research collaboration between Leeds and Malaysian institutions, and in particular the possibility of a greater number of young academics coming to Leeds for PhD and postdoctoral training. A particular problem faced by Malaysia at the moment is how to sustain research and development at a time when its universities are under such great pressure to train the workforce (sounds familiar!). Dr Shafie was also interested in learning about the University’s experience of working with industry. Following his meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Shafie’s delegation visited the Institute for Transport Studies and the Faculty of Biological Sciences, which he had identified as being of particular importance to Malaysia’s development.
The Minister with Professor Oliver Carsten, watching a demonstration of the driving simulator.
The Minister pictured with Professors Dick Killington and Jeremy Rayner in the Biology museum
Newly unified Student Recruitment Team As of August 1st 2004, the University of Leeds will bring together its key student recruitment activities into a new unified team. This team – created by the merger of the current Student Recruitment and Marketing Team and the International Office – will be responsible for the re13-Jul-2007, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The team will report to the new Director of Marketing when he/she is appointed. As Helen Clapham, leader of the expanded team, explained, ‘We have a unique opportunity here to bring together a team of considera13-Jul-2007ol resources and combine their efforts to work efficiently and effectively. This will give Leeds a competitive advantage over many rival universities whose recruitment strategy is split over a variety of different administrative centres.’ With the chief purpose of increasing the quantity and quality of students enrolling at Leeds each year, the integrated Student Recruitment Team will work closely to improve: • marketing communications It will also have a greater capacity to support and attend UK and overseas education fairs. With a total staff of 25 the Student Recruitment Team will be subdivided into four functional areas. The basic structure will be as follows: Market Development (Location 18 Blenheim Terrace) responsible for:
Market Research (Location 18 Blenheim Terrace) responsible for:
Course Enquiries (Location 181 Woodhouse Lane) responsible for:
Non-student-recruitment-based activities that used to be led by the International Centre, such as the International Student Office, the Study Abroad Office and the International Foundation Year, will now report directly to Prof. Alan Pearman as part of his PVC’s remit for student support. They will, however, remain in their present locations and continue to work closely with the Student Recruitment Team. The continuity of student support is ensured. The decision to reconfigure student recruitment activities
coincides with the departure of David Baker, present head of the International
Centre, to the University of Durham. For more information on how the Student Recruitment Team can work with your department to improve student enrolment, please contact The International Centre
Speak your mind in life (02.07.04) How would you like to be featured in the next issue of 'Life' - the magazine for international students coming to Leeds?
I am looking for students who would be willing to share their experiences of life as an international student at Leeds. If you would like to be interviewed, please get in touch! Many thanks to all those who contributed to last year's magazine. We printed 25,000 copies and sent it off to students all around the globe.
Advertisement for September Meet and Greet Staff DRIVERS DESPERATLEY WANTED!!!! Please
apply today! All other vacancies are filled Are you free between 8th and 21st September and allowed to work in the UK during that period? (Some vacancies are from 1st September). The University of Leeds International Student Office has vacancies for staff to work on our International Student Meet and Greet Service. Details from the links below: Advertisement
Mayor of Hangzhou visits Leeds On Wednesday 21st of April the Mayor of Hangzhou, Mr Mao Linsheng, visited the University of Leeds.
Accompanied by a civic delegation of local government directors from Hangzhou - the twin city of Leeds - Mr. Linsheng and his party were keen to learn more about the University of Leeds and in particular Leeds University Business School (LUBS) which receives an increasing proportion of students from the People’s Republic of China. Following a tour of LUBS, the delegation was shown around campus before arriving at University House for a warm welcome by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Alan Pearman and a presentation by Senior Lecturer, John March, of the Business School. As Mr. March explained, the Business School has a long history of interest and research into China, evident today in the Centre for Chinese Business and Development, (a joint venture between LUBS and the Department for East Asian Studies.) The visit ended with the chance for delegates to talk to some Chinese students currently studying for their MBA, before a short photo session. This latest delegation to Leeds (organised by Ms. Ottolie Evers, International Office) follows the trip by Pro-Vice Chancellor, Alan Pearman, to Hangzhou a year ago when he visited the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou City. Prof. Pearman told delegates on Wednesday that he hoped this return visit would act as a catalyst to further promote links between the two universities. Both Leeds and Zhejiang are members of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) which aims to promote global research and graduate training throughout the member institutions. For more information please contact The International Centre
Calling all international students with pre-school children! The 'International Play Morning' for international students with pre-school children takes place at 10am every Thursday in the International Centre. This fun morning is run by a female team of British students who organised art and craft activities for international children, teaching them English songs and stories, and helping them enjoy themselves with music and exercise.For international students at the University of Leeds and/or their spouses, it is a chance to meet each other and find out more about the UK and other cultures. If your first language is not English it will also be a good opportunity to practice English with native speakers. The first 'International Play Morning' will take place on February the 5th. For more information or to reserve a place please contact Lucie, at the International Student Office, on (0113) 3433930 or email internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk The International Office is at 18 Blenheim Terrace, opposite the Parkinson Building, next to LLoyds bank.We hope to see you on Thursday!
The International Forum The International Centre has just launched on its
web site a new forum for all questions and comments related to international
students and the issues involved. http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international/restrict/Intforum/intforum.htm
This useful resource allows you to:
This site is intended for you. Please use it!
Chinese Ambassador visits University of Leeds On Friday the 12th of DecemberHis Excellency Mr Zha Peixin, Chinese ambassador to
the UK, visited the University's Department for East Asian Studies.
On his first trip to Leeds Mr. Zha Peixin (pronounced Jar Pay Shin)
met Pro-Vice Chancellor Alan Pearman, along with academics and PhD students
from the department over an informal glass of wine. Addressing the students,
Mr. Zha Peixin said, Mr. Zha Peixin graduated in Foreign Studies from Beijing University. On leaving University Mr. Zha Peixin embarked on a diplomatic career that saw him based in New York during the normalization of relations with the US after the Cold War and later working as the Chinese ambassador to Canada before coming to the UK in 2002. He recognises the importance of acquiring international experience for young Chinese students. In an interview with Charlotte Johnson, he commented, 'I would encourage Chinese students to study abroad and learn about different civilisations and cultures and then return to China to serve their country. China needs top graduates who have the intercultural and language skills necessary to work in modern business. It is a golden age of opportunity - there are so many possibilities for graduates with these talents.' The ambassador then referred to the 60,000 Chinese students that are estimated to be currently studying in the UK. Mr. Zha Peixin Huge explained this rise in the number of Chinese students studying abroad as the outcome of dramatic social and economic changes within China. The resulting improvement in living standards has enabled many more parents to send their children abroad. Although the official figures are not yet out, it would appear that the University of Leeds is the largest UK recruiter of Chinese students with 1094 registered on its programmes. In contrast, the total sum of UK students studying in China is thought to be about 1,000. The Chinese Government has attached great importance to a socialist education system that safeguards the basic right of education for all. However, as Mr. Zha Peixin acknowledges, much has changed since he was a student. 'When I as a student in the sixties the government used to pay for everything, tuition fees and living costs. But this is no longer possible. There are now over 3 million new students entering higher education each year in China and so they must pay tuition fees of 5000 Yuan Renminbi, the equivalent of £345.' Mr. Zha Peixin said he was very impressed by the multiculturalism in Leeds and the warmth of the people he had met. He thanked the Department of East Asian studies for their hospitality and the chance to learn more about the University of Leeds. He was also grateful to Ottolie Evers of the International Centre, for co-ordinating his visit, and working with Leeds City Council to ensure a successful day. Leeds is twinned with Hangzhou, the capital of the Zhejiang Province, and is situated along the southeast coast of China, approximately 180km southwest of Shanghai. For more information please contact The International Centre
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