THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER Winter 2011

Worcester international

news

Graduation Welcome Class of 2011 p.3In this issue:

Scholarships p.5

Top Class Learning Centre Riverside opens its doors p.7

Basketball star joins course p.8

Happy Graduation to the Class of 2011University of Worcester staff, students, friends and families join together to celebrate student achievements in NovemberInternational Students from more than 35 countries, their parents, local guests and academics were invited to this year’s seven ceremonies in the Worcester Cathedral. The events started with collecting robes from St John’s Campus, taking lots of pictures and proceeding to the Cathedral in the City Centre by bus. There were students from across the globe who received their long awaited and well deserved degrees from the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor David Green.

The graduation ceremonies were held from 1st to 4th November and celebrated the achievements of graduates from the Institutes of Education, Humanities and Creative Arts, Health and Society, Science and the Environment, Sport and Exercise Science (ISES) and Worcester Business School (WBS).

University of Worcester, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green said: “This week’s graduates join an illustrious community of well over 15,000 Worcester graduates. We aim to stay in touch through the Alumni Association and hope that all today’s graduates will share their news and stay in close contact with the University, their fellow alumni and friends in the months and years ahead”

Professor Green also emphasised that the role of the University of Worcester does not end with graduation. Especially in the current economic climate support is available from schemes like ‘Graduate Advantage’ from the University Career Services, the University Graduate Internship programme and discount for further progression from Bachelor to Master level courses.

The International Centre wishes all the best of luck to our International Graduates!!!

If you wish to view the full alumni photo archive from the Graduation week, please find us on Facebook, typing University of Worcester International Centre: http://www.facebook.com/pages/University-of-Worcester-International-Centre/107345902656058

CONTENTS

Graduation 2011 2

The Journey Ahead 4

University Welcomes two Commonwealth Scholars 4

Worcester Students Benefit from Scholarship Schemes 5

Delegation from top Brazilian university visit Worcester 6

Russian Conference 6

From China to Worcester 6

Top Class Learning Centre Created 7

Elite Lithuanian Basketball Star Joins University Course 8

Worcester Lecturer to Help Businesses in Ghana 8

CONTACT DETAILSInternational CentreUniversity of WorcesterHenwick GroveWorcesterWR2 6AJUnited Kingdom

tel: +44 (0) 1905 855146

email: international@worc.ac.uk

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The Journey Ahead

During the graduation week, we managed to ask one of our last year’s graduates, Thelma Osondu- Bajowa from Nigeria about her memories of Worcester and her life since graduation. Here is what she shared with us.

“I came to the University College Worcester as it was then called in the year 2005 as a

young teenage girl eager and keen to see the world away from home. I spent a year undertaking an International Foundation Diploma which I completed with success; thereafter I went on to do a BA (Hons) Degree in Business, Accountancy and Marketing and achieved a 2:1. With the employment market being very competitive, I decided to go straight in for a Master’s programme in Worcester immediately after my BA Degree, to enable me stand out from the crowd.

As a student, I did a lot of extracurricular stuff such as organising International party, helping out in Freshers’ week and Open Days and was in the Gospel Choir Club.

The 5 beautiful years I spent at the University of Worcester were the best years of my life as I saw a great transformation of a teenage girl to a well-polished and equipped adult ready to go out there in the world and be an achiever. And the beauty of the story is that I walked out head held high after 5 years with an IFD Certificate, BA (Hons) Degree and an MSc in International Marketing Management.

I currently work as an ‘International Mining Consultant’ for a Global Recruitment Organisation. My day to day work entails dealing with clients and candidates from all over the world which means I have to understand all accents, culture, time zones etc., which I find interesting and educative in the sense that I learn something new each day at work.

My favourite thing about my job is seeing my clients and candidates satisfied; doing what I do has a real impact on their work. Responsibility is the biggest difference now that I have a paid job, which is always challenging, but a great step to a brighter future.

Before I leave, I would like to say a big congrats to all graduating students and wish you all the very best the future has to offer. One piece of advice to give is that you should never wait until tomorrow to do what you can do today, so dream big and aim high.”

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FEATURE

UNIVERSITY WELCOMES

Two Commonwealth ScholarsThe University of Worcester is celebrating the arrival of two Commonwealth Scholarship students.

Dr Sayed Khurram Nisar, from India, and Mebal Mukhaye, from Uganda, will spend the next year studying at the University.

It is the fourth year the University has welcomed students under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme and the first time that two have joined the University together.

The scheme, which is a joint initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities, supports scholarships for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.

Sayed, age 31, who is studying for a Sports Management MSc, said: “This is the first time I have been to the UK and I like it very much. Worcester is very nice and the people are very friendly. I am very much looking forward to spending the next year studying here.”

Sayed has just completed a PhD in India and has been working as an Assistant Professor in India. He also worked at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010.

Mebal, age 27, who is studying for an Advancing Practice MSc, is hoping to become one of only a few clinical psychologists in Uganda.

“I am very much looking forward to completing my studies in Worcester,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for me.”

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sayed and Mebal to the University of Worcester. We are very pleased that two top scholarship winning students, who could choose to study anywhere, have chosen to study here in Worcester.

“We hope that Sayed and Mebal will enjoy their time at the University, and are sure that the skills and knowledge they gain will help them to make a real difference when they return to work in India and Uganda.”

l-r: Dr Sayed Khurram Nisar, Professor David Green and Mebal Mukhaye

INTERNATIONAL NEWSCOVER STORY

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Worcester students benefit from

Scholarship Schemes88 UK and European students from the University of Worcester have been awarded £1000 scholarships for their academic achievements at a ceremony held on 10th November 2011

The award ceremony took place in the newly refurbished Students’ Union where current Worcester students were awarded for their excellent results during the past academic year. Amongst the scholars with the best academic profiles across the University were students from Finland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Slovakia, Germany and others.

The University has run this successful and popular scholarship scheme for some years. Now, with many friends in business and the broader community, the University is working hard to secure many more scholarships for students joining us from 2012 onwards.

From 2012, there will be an additional 100 scholarships of £1000 each, awarded on academic performance in the first or second year at University, funded by a most generous gift from the local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Clive Richards. All students, including International (non-EU) students will be eligible!

The International Centre asked a few of the scholars about their feelings after the ceremony. Svilen Andreev from Bulgaria commented: “The feeling to be one of the best students at an institution like the University of Worcester is indescribable.” Veronika Sabolova from

Slovakia stated: “I am very happy and grateful - it is such a wonderful feeling to be rewarded for all your effort!” Anca Catici from Romania also added: “I was not even expecting it!”

The University Registrar and Secretary, John Ryan said: “It is always a privilege to be part of an occasion when excellent academic achievement is celebrated, especially when the scholars reflect the very diverse background of our students.”

But the good news does not end here. In addition, the University is still continuing to support its students offering:• International (non-EU) Scholarships

of up to £2000• Postgraduate EU Scholarships of

up to £1000

• Other achievement based scholarships in the areas of Sport and Business.

The Head of the International Centre, Lorraine Gaytten said: “I am delighted to see that so many of our European students have done so well. The International Centre is proud of their achievements.”

To see more pictures from the event, please visit us on Facebook, typing the University of Worcester International Centre.

Delegation from top Brazilian university

visit WorcesterA high profile delegation of academic staff from Univates University (South Brazil) visited the University to discuss future links.

The University of Worcester hosted a delegation of Brazilian visitors on Wednesday 2nd November building on the existing partnership between the two universities. Presentations delivered by staff members from the University academic departments and the Leadership & Management project provided an insight into the work of the University for the guests. Subject specific meetings (Sport, Business, Health & History) were held with the high ranking Brazilian institution and the discussion identified prospective links, projects and progression opportunities.

Associate Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Gareth Jones commented: “It has been a great opportunity to discuss potential collaborative activities and further strengthen existing links between the two institutions.”

Students and staff present at Russian ConferenceTwo MA Social Work students and two staff members from University of Worcester presented papers at a conference in Perm in celebration of 20 years of Social Work in Russia on the 2nd November 2011

The conference was attended by staff and students of Perm State National Research University and practitioners and policy makers from the Perm region.

Masters student Stuart Barber presented a paper entitled

‘Mental health: recovery, loss and spirituality’ while his University of Worcester classmate, Lorraine Morris spoke about ‘The position of children in society: needs and rights’. Social Work lecturer Joy Gauci delivered a presentation on ‘The Global Agenda and essential essence of engagement in Social

Work practice’ which expanded on a very stimulating seminar she had run with Perm State University social work students on ‘The Essence of International Social Work and Validity of Context in Russia and UK’. The findings from this seminar will be written up and published by Joy and a Russian colleague, Milana Grigoryeva. The conference papers will be published by Perm State University (PSU). International Development Officer Catherine Hyde was also invited to speak at the conference on ‘Supporting students through cultural transition’.

Perm State University is in the process of coming into line with Europe under the Bologna agreement and a very fruitful discussion was held with the Dean of the Law Faculty to align

University of Worcester Social Work programmes so that students from Perm could gain a Dual Award at Masters level. In addition, PSU was enthusiastic about the summer school in Community Studies which was piloted at Worcester last summer with Russian students and they already have applicants for 2012.

The visit culminated in a trip to a snowy Russian Orthodox monastery in the Ural Mountains where Father Dorothea explained the role the monastery played in community development and challenged the group to purify themselves in the famous holy spring water.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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From China to WorcesterA prestigious delegation of sports specialists from China spent a week at the University of Worcester learning about British sport.

Members of the delegation, from the General Administration of Sport China, included directors of sport from leading Chinese sports universities and key sports administration leaders.

The University of Worcester’s Institute of Sport & Exercise Science delivered a five day workshop with a focus on sports business management and the sociology of sport. There were a range of speakers from both the University of Worcester and distinguished external speakers.

The activities throughout the week included intensive teaching blocks, visits to the Worcester Warriors, with a focus on the management of an elite rugby union club, the history of the Worcestershire County Cricket Club, and the Great British Pub Experience at the Brunswick Arms, where the Chinese delegates engaged in a range of traditional pub games.

UoW delegation enjoys traditional Russian meal

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Top Class Learning Centre CreatedA £2m transformation of a former car

showroom has created new sports and performance facilities for the University of Worcester.

The building, on Hylton Road, on the banks of the River Severn, has been completely transformed into a top class learning centre for a range of activities.

The Riverside building is perfectly located within 10 minutes walk from both City Centre and main St John’s Campuses. It has a large, dividable dance and performance studio as well as a substantial fitness area, half the size of a basketball court, connected to a specialist sports analysis suite. A 120 seat lecture theatre and 80 space computer and group learning suite and several tutorial rooms, complete the fully refurbished building.

Director of Capital Projects, Russell Pope, said: “With sprung floors and brand new changing facilities, Riverside provides a fantastic new centre for both students and the wider community. “There is also a large space with computers and for social study, plus lecture rooms and meeting spaces which makes it a perfect social hub for everybody who is commuting in between the both campuses.

“The University has worked hard to redevelop this prime site. We hope it will be a valuable facility for the entire community.” There is a large 110 space car park and a state of the art charging point for electric cars will also be available. The car park will operate in line with the University’s existing car parks.

The newly renovated building is situated adjacent to where the University of Worcester plans to build the ‘Worcester Arena’, a highly inclusive centre that will benefit the wider community in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and will provide a nationally outstanding venue for disability sport.

The campaign has recently won several significant grants and ‘in principle’ financial support from national sports governing bodies, charities and trusts, taking the total to over £2 million. More than £70,000 has been raised so far from individual, family and team donations.

Riverside opened its doors to students and the community at the end of September 2011.

Vice Chancellor Professor David Green, said: “Thanks to its excellent courses and highly employable graduates, the University of Worcester is the fastest growing university in Britain. A carefully managed capital development programme is needed to make sure growth and high quality are both maintained. I am very grateful to all who have worked on this latest project to create such a first class facility, so swiftly, efficiently and in a fully cost-effective way.”

For current students and members of the public who would like to hire the facilities and make a booking please contact Gemma Jones, Sports Facilities Manager, on 01905 542275 or gemma.jones@worc.ac.uk or Susie Hart, Head of Recreation and Sport Strategy, on 01905 855140 or s.hart@worc.ac.uk.

Elite Lithuanian basketball star joins

University CourseAn elite basketball player from Lithuania is the latest star who has enrolled on the University of Worcester’s unique Masters in European Basketball Coaching Science, in partnership with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education.

Tomas Delininkaitis, guard of the Lithuanian national team and of Lithuanian champions Zalgiris Kaunas, follows in the footsteps of major Lithuanian champion players Robertas Javtokas, Arvydas Macijauskas and Linas Kleiza who signed up to the course last year.

The Masters in European Basketball Coaching Science course, endorsed

by the Federation for International Basketball

in Europe (FIBA Europe), is a two-year course which enables students to study in Worcester and Lithuania.

The 29-year-old basketball star graduated from Klaipeda University with a degree in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy six years ago and has been considering studying at Masters Level for some time.

Delininkaitis, who has two years remaining on his deal with Zalgiris, hopes that the knowledge gained from this degree will give him a significant boost to his career along with providing him with further possibilities later on in his sporting career.

“I have my bachelor degree, but it only allows me to be a Physical Education teacher in high schools,” he said. “I want to do more and I was thinking about postgraduate studies for a while. Completion of this degree will enable me

to become a better prepared coach – a potential career for the future.”

The player, who started his studies this summer, is one of the few athletes who have managed to combine a professional player’s career with university studies.

“I initially started as a full-time student at Klaipeda University,” he said. “Later I signed with Lietuvos Rytas and then I transferred to part-time studies. I can tell you that if you are playing at home, to combine studying and basketball is not that hard.”

The sports graduate revealed that his friends were the inspiration behind signing up for the programme along with the University’s outstanding reputation for basketball in the UK.

“I think this programme (MSc in Basketball) offers great advantages with the possibility to get all study materials online,” he said. “We did not have that in Klaipeda University. I’m happy that such a great opportunity for basketball players exists.

“My friends started these studies last year. I know they are happy with it. So I hope it will be useful for me as well.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the MSc in European Basketball Coaching Science or anyone who is interested in enrolling for the course is advised to send an email to admissions@worc.ac.uk, call the University of Worcester Admissions Office on +44 01905 855111 or visit the course website (www.worc.ac.uk/europeanmastersbasketball ) for further details.

Worcester lecturer to help businesses in GhanaA lecturer from the University of Worcester travelled to Ghana at the end of October as part of a project to help small businesses improve their economic development.

Nigel Walton, a lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Worcester Business School, represented the University at the week-long training programme providing skills and knowledge from organisations in Worcester.

The project, ‘The Commonwealth Local Government Forum Programme for Local Economic Development,’ was sponsored by the Department for International Development (DFID).

The project includeed the University of Worcester, Worcester City Council, Worcester News and

the Federation of Small Businesses (Herefordshire and Worcestershire) in a joint-venture with the Adenta Municipal Authority in Ghana.

The exciting new programme meant that the Adenta Municipal Authority was going to receive assistance of developing its infrastructure and service capability.

The trip also included setting up a branch of the Federation of Small Businesses for Africa and Nigel, who is also a Marketing Director for a start-up company provided an enterprise training

programme for small businesses which provided the branch with a strong foundation in business skills.

Last year, Nigel gave a presentation to the Adenta Municipal Authority delegation during a trip to the University of Worcester, which inspired his involvement this year. Worcester City Council were advising the Adenta Municipal Authority on how they could improve the delivery of local services which would improve their organisational structure for a better economy.

Everyone is providing their

services free of charge for the innovative new programme which David Tibbutt, Mayor of Worcester, is leading.

Tomas Delininkaitis

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nigel Walton