International links boost students' career prospects

The UCLan Tourism Management programme boasts numerous links with colleges and universities, both in the UK and internationally.

Our partnership with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE) allows their tourism students to join the final year of our course, enabling them to graduate with degrees from UCLan and SUIBE.

A group of four students from Shanghai, Yijing Bao, Yijun Shi, Yuqing Wang and Ling Zong, have recently successfully completed their studies in Preston.

The quartet were joined towards the end of their time at UCLan by Peng Ji Jack, a Visiting Scholar from the Tourism and Event Management School at SUIBE. The visit boosts links between the two institutions, whilst developing pedagogical practice and sharing knowledge through engaging with various aspects of our curriculum.

Jack attended a variety of classes, workshops and events, including a lecture by Professor Richard Sharpley, and has also spent time supporting the group during the final weeks of their studies.

In addition to their academic workload the students spent time exploring Europe, touring the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. They also visited a variety of UK tourism destinations including London, York and Edinburgh.

Whilst on campus the group lived together in student accommodation but enjoyed mixing with their classmates, using the experience to make new friends at a variety of events, improve their English skills and become more independent. They quickly embraced a different style of teaching, developing new research skills and learning how to think critically.

On their return to China the students will progress onto different career paths, with some planning to move into the hotel industry and others undertaking Master's level studies.

UCLan Lecturer Amanda Payne spent time mentoring and supervising the group during their time here. She commented: "I'm extremely proud to have worked with such committed, motivated and respectful individuals.

"It must be very daunting to travel to a different country and study in very unfamiliar surroundings, but they've embraced the experience wholeheartedly and without question.

"I have the utmost respect for their achievements, having watched them grow as individuals with their confidence blossoming and their academic skills enhancing. I'm grateful for the good work they've completed and the personal contributions they've made. Students like these make my job a privilege and a pleasure and I thank them for that.

"As a group they leave me with me some very happy memories and whilst I have a tear in my eye watching them go, I know they have very exciting futures ahead."

Division Leader Jane Shaw added: "Our international partnerships play an important part in UCLan providing a truly global learning experience. It's been fantastic to see how these four students have developed during their time with us - I hope they're successful in whatever they choose to do.

"The opportunity to welcome Jack to Preston was also great news for our programmes and further cements our excellent relationship with SUIBE."

Please click here for a video detailing Jack's thoughts on his time at UCLan and here for a selection of images from the visit.