The University of Edinburgh’s India Office and College of Science and Engineering worked with Anna University to put together a first Summer School abroad, for 11 Edinburgh students at Anna University, Chennai. The students have had an exciting two weeks of lectures from 15 to 28 June 2015 on subjects such as sustainable development, renewable energy, nano science, etc. as well as visits to labs. They have had opportunities to get to know Chennai and its surroundings by visiting historic temples and churches as well as sampling its mouth-watering cuisine. The students have also had an opportunity to connect with peers at Anna University and have made friends with local students to know more about Chennai and its culture. This group is led by Dr Tom Bruce, Senior Lecturer and Director of Internationalisation, University of Edinburgh and Dr. Azad, Director, Centre for International Affairs, Anna University.
Given the background above, British Council hosted a reception for the visiting students of the University of Edinburgh and their Anna University counterparts on Friday 26 June 2015 at the British Council.
Speaking on the occasion, Mei-kwei Barker, Director, British Council South India said, “I would like to congratulate the University of Edinburgh for this excellent initiative. The University of Edinburgh’s India office and College of Science and Engineering worked with Anna University to put together a first ever Summer School abroad for 11 of Edinburgh students at Anna University, Chennai. This initiative is of interest to us at the British Council as it fits with the context of our Generation UK-India programme, which aims to build collaboration, engagement and trust between the UK and India.”
Historian, environmentalist and writer Dr Nanditha Krishna (Founder – Director, C P R Environmental Education Centre) interacted with the students on the occasion. She spoke on the city of Chennai; particularly focusing on its history, culture, arts and education.
Generation UK-India programme aims at creating opportunities for young people in the UK to undertake:
- Cultural immersion placements
- Teaching assistantships
- Work placements
Over the next 5 years the British Council will work with partners to support up to 25,000 young people and professionals from the UK to gain study and work experience in India.
Objectives of Generation UK-India Programme:
- promote India as a destination to gain study and work experience
- offer mutually beneficial placements that will give UK young people the chance to
- develop employability skills and support the internationalisation of Indian companies and academic institutions
- create links that will be the basis for future collaboration
- build a network of talented and ambitious young people from the UK who will form a
- future workforce ready to work with India and Indian companies
- build deeper, wider and stronger understanding between India and the UK