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US students now understand why Durham is world-renowned
(18 August 2006)
A group of exchange students from the US have been bowled over by their experience of life at Durham University.
As part of the Durham - Duke Talented and Gifted Partnership, a group of outstanding school pupils, part of a scheme at Duke University in North Carolina are spending two weeks in the North East in exchange for youngsters from the UK to attend the Duke Summer Studies Programme in America. Students interested in the programme for 2007 can get more information by clicking the links below. It is the first time US students have attended Durham’s National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth ran by the undergraduate admissions office. And, it’s not all work, as the group aged 14 – 16 have sampled an impressive student social life, enjoying activities such as Samurai sword demonstrations and Quidditch. They have also enjoyed getting to grips with cricket in their free time. The pilot programme has been designed to give talented students the chance to sample one of eight challenging academic subjects from philosophy to physics and get an insight into the life of a Durham University student. Nicola Northcott, Admissions Officer at Durham University, said: “This is the first time we have run an exchange programme between the US and the UK. A group of 14 UK students really enjoyed their time at Duke University and learned so much during their short stay and it seems the students from the US have had an equally good experience. ”This programme is designed to give talented teenagers a chance to learn from some of the world’s leading academics. We want to raise their aspirations and help them to succeed in their further education choices and have plenty of fun at the same time - I think the group has found cricket just as fascinating as the lectures!” Places were made available to students from Years 7 to 11 at school who have been classified as gifted and talented and able to demonstrate that they are working in the top 5% of the national ability range. Financial assistance has also been provided for those from low-income households to cover travel and accommodation costs. The Tiger Woods Start Something Foundation has sponsored one of the students, Frank Eldredge. Frank and his sister, Katie are studying Business Economics during their visit and said that they enjoyed learning all about university life and especially trying cricket for the first time. Frank said: “It has been great visiting Durham and trying out a possible degree course. I really like the university as everyone is very friendly and I have met loads of interesting people. “I would definitely recommend the programme as it has really helped me to decide what I would like to study. I definitely would love to come back to England!” Durham University is the Sunday Times University of the Year for its world-class academic strengths, graduate quality and progress in widening participation.
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