All the World’s a Stage for Huddersfield Politics Exchange Studen
Exchange student Gérémy Massot from the Université du Sud-Toulon-Var in the south of France, with his new Politics coursemates at Huddersfield
Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:05:00 GMT
Last month saw another group of Politics students leave Huddersfield to begin exchange placements at partner institutions.
Each year, Politics students from Huddersfield undertake a range of student exchanges across Europe, North America and the far-east. The exchange programme offers students the opportunity to encounter rich academic, social and cultural experiences as part of their time at University; helping to develop academic performance in new environments whilst developing the potential for future careers.
Students who have taken part in previous exchanges can testify to the value of studying abroad, in terms of both academic and personal development, as well as the many benefits of experiencing life in another country.
New friendships in the South of France
In a new development this year, Head of Department for Behavioural and Social Sciences Dr Chris Gifford has established a bilateral Erasmus exchange agreement with colleagues at the Université du Sud-Toulon-Varin the south of France, allowing second year International Politics student, Mike Shirley, to swap places with Toulon-Var student Gérémy Massot. Both are now studying Politics and other social science modules at each other’s universities whilst getting a taste of life on the other side of the Channel.
On his decision to take part in a student exchange programme, Mike says; ‘when I started University I had a clear idea that I wanted a degree to help me achieve my ambition of working in the European Civil Service. I jumped at the opportunity of taking part in the study exchange in Toulon. I am sure it will also help me improve my future employment prospects by giving me the opportunity to improve my French language skills’. He is growing to love life in Toulon, commenting ‘I am enjoying working and studying with people from other countries and the exchange has confirmed my choice to study for a degree in International Politics. I feel that it is helping me see the world from a different perspective, and the chance to spend six months in the South of France was something not to be missed!’
Now adapting to life in Huddersfield, Mike’s exchange partner Gérémy commented; ‘so far the University of Huddersfield has been a great experience for me. Being in England is so refreshing, especially with the surrounding countryside and beautiful environment’. Gérémy said he had quickly settled in Huddersfield, and has been busy making friends; ‘the relationship I have with teachers and fellow students is excellent, everyone is so friendly here and the culture is very welcoming’. He has wasted no time involving himself in campus activities, saying ‘the facilities at the University are outstanding and I have taken full advantage of the Students Union by joining some of the sports clubs and societies. With the Politics society, we are taking a trip to Westminster and holding debates around our involvement in the European Union’.
To find out more about student exchanges and studying Politics at Huddersfield, visit our Politics blog and find us on Facebook.
