Amazing Journey to Sri Lanka, to visit ICBT and LSC students and Alumni.
Last week Hannah Reilly (Training and Development Manager) and myself were lucky enough to visit the strategic partners in Sri Lanka, to attend a Graduation Ceremony of Cardiff Met Students, to understand and experience what it is to be a student in Sri Lanka.
Accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, the International Office and other University Representatives the SU visited Cardiff partners International College of Business and Technology (ICBT) in Colombo and Kandy, as well as the opportunity to visit LSC in Colombo to meet their students and view their facilities.
We were taken on tours of the University's campuses and introduced to the ICBT Student Representatives to understand the educational system and student lifestyle in Sri Lanka. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a different culture and meet the Cardiff Met students. I have never seen an event as colourful as that of the Graduation Ceremony and was amazed at the traditional dancing and dress but the best thing for me to see was the beaming smiles walking along stage.
Hannah and I also had an opportunity to spend the evening with Kandy Cardiff Met students, which some of the conversations we will include in the up and coming QAA Submission giving an understanding of the Sri Lankan student experience. Meeting with the ICBT staff and students gave us a real insight into best practice, as well experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be a student in Sri Lanka .
Everyone was really welcoming and hospitable. We were even lucky enough to experience some of the incredible landscapes and sites that Sri Lanka has to offer which I would encourage everyone to visit. It was very interesting to hear how the university is run and to talk to students. It is so evident how important it is to be a global citizen which is something that struck me when I was in Morocco visiting students last year. I encourage you all to get involved in the opportunities the university offers for you to study abroad as I couldn't have felt more at home.