International students spend their summer at Solent

Solent University was pleased to welcome students from Shanghai Maritime University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy who took part in the International Maritime Business Experiential Learning Programme and Summer School​ run by the International Office and the Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering.

The metaphorical red carpet was rolled out on the first night when students took a harbour cruise on board the Princess Caroline to help kick off the exciting programme. Over the next several weeks, students engaged with numerous seminars on various aspects of the maritime industry, including the history of the maritime industry in Southampton, maritime pollution management, and charter parties. Seminars were given by Solent staff, as well as a number of external speakers, all of whom were happy to contribute their time to the international maritime programme.

In addition to the seminars, the students visited influential maritime locations including Lloyds of London, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the International Maritime Organization.  The students were also invited on board Ventura, a Carnival cruise ship docked in Southampton during the programme. They toured the ship and spoke with Carnival staff about running such a large operation. In the afternoon, Carnival held a workshop for the students outlining the different careers available with them internationally.

Over the course of the programme, the students from Massachusetts Maritime Academy worked on a project to develop a presentation outlining low sulphur fuel options, and did a fantastic job demonstrating the knowledge they gained in their final presentations. The students from Shanghai Maritime University had English and culture classes which culminated in group presentations and videos demonstrating how they would market the summer school experience to others at their university.

At the end of their time at Solent, the students and Solent staff reflected on the benefits of offering and engaging with international study programmes. When asked how the experience had impacted them, the students told us they had developed a new way of thinking and had learned to be open-minded when communicating with people. They also stressed that the programme had helped them develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of cooperation and communication.

Alice Kloker, International Programmes and Services Team Manager said, “I can think of fewer things that are more rewarding to me than seeing young people engage with new ideas, try new things and think about the world in new ways as part of a study abroad experience. It's vital we continue to provide university students with opportunities to experience what it is like to study and live in an educational context very different from the one they are used to.” This sentiment was echoed by Janine Phillips, International Programmes Coordinator, who said, “I was proud to be part of a programme bringing students from around the world to study and learn together."

Meghan Ellis, International Programmes Officer, echoed the need for continuing opportunities for internationalisation, “Watching the students engage and share their learning on both a maritime and cultural level reminds me of the importance of the University supporting international student opportunities”.