Architecture student Dilshod Perkins was looking for some work experience to bolster his CV – and found it on the other side of the world.
The 21-year-old De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student flew more than 5,000 miles to the Chinese city of Qingdao to take up a position as an intern with an architectural practice – thanks in part to funding from #DMUglobal.
Dilshod (left) with a fellow intern
Dilshod, a third year in DMU’s venerable Leicester School of Architecture based in the striking Vijay Patel building, began his trip with a three-week hothouse session in Mandarin taught at the coastal Ocean University of China, which also provided his accommodation during his stay.
Then he started work at British-run architectural firm Roger Billington Design, joining a team working on a new underground shopping plaza.
Dilshod submitted designs for the entrances and exits on a public space in the plaza and also accompanied staff on a visit to clients as part of a brief to create a huge recreational project with a wildlife park.
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“It was amazing,” he said. “It was my first ever time in China and it was great. I was working during the week, and travelling around at the weekends. It was good to socialise with Chinese colleagues and to try out my Mandarin. People respected the fact I was making an effort with the language.
“The internship really helped me to understand the relationship between academia and professional practice.”
Exploring China's landscape
Dilshod, who was born in Uzbekistan and moved to Yorkshire eight years ago, chose to study at DMU because of its strong reputation in the creative arts. The School of Architecture at DMU is one of the oldest in the country.
“I know this university is growing and going places,” Dilshod added. “I’m proud to be a DMU student.”
#DMUglobal is an international experience programme for DMU students, which aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and to develop key skills valued by employers.
Devised in response to the Government’s challenge to UK universities to send more students overseas as part of their studies, #DMUglobal is giving all DMU students the opportunity for an international experience while they study, with 11,000 students set to take part in the programme by 2020.
The Qingdao skyline
Posted on Friday 9 December 2016