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A warm welcome greets new international students at UEL

Thursday 25 September 2008

African Djembe drumming and South American salsa dancing were among the exciting activities laid on this week to help hundreds of new international students settle in at the University of East London (UEL).

Over 350 students took part in special orientation activities, including a treasure hunt and quiz night, study skill and information sessions, a Thames boat trip and a guided tour of central London.

David Kimber, International Liaison Officer with responsibility for the International Students' Welcome Programme, said: “UEL is now a truly global learning community, with over 20,000 students from 120 countries worldwide.

“The welcome week is a great opportunity for students to get to know each other, as well as their new campus and city. Djembe drumming was a particular success – hundreds of students took part and it really helped to establish a fun and interactive atmosphere.”

The International Orientation began on Wednesday 17 September with a free airport pick-up for hundreds of students at Heathrow and Gatwick. At UEL, they were welcomed by Professor Susan Price, acting Vice-Chancellor, before being shown around campus by student ambassadors and the International Office team.

Khanseng Mein (20) travelled from India to start studying on UEL’s BA (Hons) degree in Animation. Khanseng said: “Everyone’s been really helpful and welcoming. I chose UEL because I read a lot of good things about it on the internet, and so far it’s definitely met all my expectations.”

UEL currently has more than 4,000 international students studying or carrying out research at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. For further information, visit www.uel.ac.uk/international.

International students starting degrees at UEL this September include:  

Lesley Mundoma (33), originally from Zimbabwe, is about to begin a BA (Hons) degree in International Development. Lesley said: “I'd give the campus 10 out of 10. I like the people I've met so far - everyone's been very welcoming and I'm excited about living in the halls of residence."

Eleni Koundouraki (24) arrived from Greece to start studying on UEL’s BSc (Hons) degree in Architecture. Eleni said: “I feel very happy to be here; I’ve had a great time so far and everyone’s been really friendly. I chose UEL because the Architecture degree seems to offer a lot of creative freedom and opportunities to develop my own projects.”

Emmanuel Nwachukwu (22), originally from Nigeria but now living in Ilford, is about to begin on UEL’s BA (Hons) degree in International Politics. Emmanuel said: “It’s been a fun start to the semester; I’ve met a lot of people and really like the Docklands campus – I’m very tempted to move in to the new Student Village.”

For further details and photos contact Hana Esselink, Press Officer, University of East London, 020 8223 2194 / 07595 056 245

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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