MyAV范

This year MyAV范 Study Abroad organised the university鈥檚 first听Widening Participation (WP) Summer Programme听overseas, working with听听(UKM, National University Malaysia) on a leadership and cultural immersion experience. The programme promotes MyAV范鈥檚 principal themes and strategic plans to provide exceptional student experiences and deliver global impact through innovative international activities and partnerships. The opportunity was truly transformative for this cohort that celebrates MyAV范鈥檚 diverse student community.

16 students across Arts & Humanities, Engineering Sciences, Laws, Mathematics & Physical Sciences and Social & Historical Sciences engaged in a fully funded week-long programme (25 June 鈥� 1 July 2023) that included lectures, workshops and field trips within and beyond UKM campus. Notable speakers included听听(CEO of NanoMalaysia, MyAV范 Alumni),听听(Strategy Head, Petronas) 补苍诲听听(Senior Economist, United Nations). It was especially valuable for students to learn about the unique leadership journeys that shaped the career paths of each of the speakers. After the initial culture shock of 90% humidity, monkeys on campus and 鈥榝ree-style鈥� photos, students quickly absorbed the diverse Malaysian culture. UKM student ambassadors and staff warmly welcomed MyAV范 students through tours around Kuala Lumpur, shared meals and social activities (including an impromptu UKM-MyAV范 futsal match!). Likewise, UKM students learnt about British culture through their group work and interactions with the MyAV范 cohort. Students developed their independence and leadership skills through lessons learnt in and outside the classroom, taking back newly formed professional networks, friendships and life-changing experiences.

The programme has already seen powerful impacts made on students, with Eden-Rae Wedderburn, 1^st听Year Physics MSci student saying,听鈥淚 personally found it was my only experience at MyAV范 where I鈥檝e been around people with a similar financial background to me (which meant we could share scholarship opportunities), people that looked like me (which meant I didn鈥檛 feel alone at MyAV范), and some people who didn鈥檛 academically, financially or otherly intimidate me. It was a subtle way of connecting alike students and I honestly feel like I鈥檝e found friends at MyAV范.鈥�

Tisha Pruthi, 1^st听Year Information Management BSc student reported, 鈥淭he programme has given me the confidence and inspiration to explore new horizons and broaden my perspectives. It has provided me with a sense of independence and the belief that I can thrive in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, the opportunity to make new friends from diverse backgrounds has been a highlight of the experience, further fuelling my desire to engage in more international opportunities.鈥�

MyAV范 Study Abroad are delighted at the success of the inaugural WP Summer Programme, as this has furthered the university鈥檚 international outreach and enhanced the student experience. The team look forward to providing a similar WP short-term global mobility next year and for years to come.

听For more information about the WP Summer Programme, visit the听WP Summer Programme webpage.

For other short-term and term-time study abroad opportunities see MyAV范鈥檚听Go Abroad听补苍诲听Short-term global opportunities webpages.

For information on WP support and other opportunities visit the听Access and Widening Participation webpage.