Study Group Student Ambassadors share their experiences as university campuses reopen

Study Group Student Ambassadors share their experiences as university campuses reopen

A number of Study Group’s UK International Study Centres have recently reopened for students to return to experience some face-to-face learning on campus, as part of step three of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

As Dr Mark Cunnington, Chief Operating Officer for the UK and EU at Study Group comments:

“In order to create the safest and the most academically rigorous and stimulating learning environment possible, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, Study Group students are benefiting from blended learning - a mixture of as many live teacher-led classes as possible under current restrictions, as well as interactive activities and resources delivered in a virtual learning environment.

"As an organisation that prioritises the health, safety, and well-being of students first and foremost, we have worked incredibly hard to make sure that appropriate COVID-19 safeguarding practices are in place across all our International Study Centre locations.

"As a result, now that more students are returning to some face-to-face teaching, we are confident that we will continue to provide a safe and secure place for learners to be able to thrive and achieve their academic potential.”

The safety principles in place at all Study Group UK International Study Centres include:

• Encouraging the wearing face coverings around all buildings.
• Hand sanitiser stations.
• Enhanced cleaning and sterilising measures.
• One-way systems and signage to manage the flow of staff and students around campus.
• Smaller physical class sizes to enable social distancing.
• Utilising online learning to manage the number of students present on campus.
• Additional support for vulnerable students or those with special requirements.

We recently caught up with some of our Study Group Student Ambassadors, about their return to campus and the experience of being back in the classroom.

“Stockton-On-Tees is a beautiful town to live in. As things are opening up, we are able to visit shops, as well as dining in a restaurant. I am also so excited that we are returning to blended learning and seeing our tutors and classmates face-to-face again on campus.”

Aaron from Hong Kong is studying the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at Durham University International Study Centre.

“I remember before my face-to-face classes started, I was quite excited, but also a little bit worried about COVID-19. Nonetheless, when I actually entered the campus, I found that there were only six students in the class, and everyone was required to sanitise their hands and wear a face covering to enter the building.  Besides, in the classrooms, the desks were arranged for us to maintain social distance, and we were also asked to mop them with disinfectant before and after every class. I felt that the whole environment in the campus was clean and safe, and that I was really well protected. This let me enjoy the face-to-face classes without my studies being impacted by the pandemic.”

Laura from Taiwan is studying the International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College.

“Finally face-to-face classes! This was the moment we were all waiting for. After a long period of having completely online classes, we’ve been able to experience a blended learning experience the last few weeks. It has been very exciting to meet my classmates and teachers in person, having the struggle to find the classroom where I should be (and not a zoom code) and having more interactions with people. I hope to continue having this enriching experience and that other students can also have this opportunity."

Maria from Colombia is studying the International Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Computing at Holland International Study Centre.

“In the case of the pandemic, desks are spaced out in the classroom. However, the scattered class does not affect the humour of the teacher's teaching and the enjoyment of learning.”

Jujie from China is studying the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at Durham University International Study Centre.

“It's been a while I've spend time here in the UK. I enjoyed studying here all the vibes give me a positive energy. Even if it is blended learning I still prefer study here because I can spend time with friends and going to campus to use facilities such as the Library, Surrey Hive and Nest. And it's safe if we follow the rules and guidance strictly. So, it will help you stay safe during this tough time."

Roungpatchara from Thailand is studying the Pre-master’s in management, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism at University of Surrey International Study Centre.