By Jack Gabriel
De Montfort University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Shellard, has announced his plans for a world-record-breaking visit to Berlin, taking 1,500 students to the German capital this June as part of the university’s #LoveInternational campaign.
The trip would outdo the university’s biggest-ever international outing, following the hugely popular visit to New York, which saw 1,087 staff and students travel to ‘The Big Apple’ back in January.
Vice-Chancellor Dominic Shellard said: “We are today opening applications for all students to participate in a 5-day trip to one of the most exciting, historic and fascinating cities in the world.”
He added: “I would very much like to take 1,500 DMU students and create a world record for a student outbound mobility visit.”
Students will stay in Berlin for 4 nights, living in accommodation in the heart of the city, and will take part in a range of academic activities linked to their chosen trip theme, as well as being able to experience the culture of Berlin.
In addition to academic activities, students will participate in a #LoveInternational event, followed by a group photo in front of the Brandenburg Gate and a ‘peace picnic’ on the lawn in front of the Reichstag (the German Parliament building).
DMU’s Square Mile will also be travelling to Berlin, aiding with refugee programmes in the city and to bring home ideas for schemes in Leicester.
DMU has made a substantial effort to promote awareness for its tolerance campaign, which was designed in the wake of the EU Referendum to show that the university is an open, inclusive and welcoming community.
International trips and campus-based events have helped the campaign’s profile gather pace, with a recent 24-hour vigil well supported by students, staff and the community.
The campaign has showed signs of success, as despite applications nationally from EU students to come and study in the UK from next September dropping by 7%, applications from EU students to study at DMU have risen by 30%.
Students wishing to find out more about the #LoveInternational campaign and the trip to Berlin can visit the DMU Global website.
