A De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student says his "amazing" trip to New York wouldn't have been achievable without the financial support of a #DMUglobal High Flyers Award.
Chris Samuel has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a group of inherited conditions that damage the peripheral nerves. He uses an electric wheelchair and his breathing and speech are affected.
The High Flyers Award covered all costs involved in Chris' February trip with #DMUglobal, the university's programme giving all students the chance to benefit from an international experience.
The Fine Art student, who was accompanied by a carer, said: "The trip was amazing. The best thing was to be included with my peers and being able to take part in the opportunity.
"The art was fantastic, the airline staff were very helpful and the New Yorkers were lovely and welcoming.
"It wouldn't have been achievable without the financial support."
The High Flyers Award offers students a discount on any #DMUglobal opportunity during their first year at university - and from September it will be worth up to £1,000.
China, South Africa, Russia and Germany are among the countries students have recently visited on academic- and student-led trips, internships, volunteering opportunities and cultural experiences.
All first years are eligible to apply for a #DMUglobal bursary of £150 for European trips for 2016/17 and £400 for international experiences. The High Flyers Award then provides eligible students with an additional £500 to £600, making a total of up to £650 for European opportunities and up to £1,000 for trips further afield.
If the total cost of the trip is less than the amount of the award, students can put the remainder towards another experience.
To qualify for the #DMUglobal High Flyers Awards, students need to be starting an undergraduate course in September 2016, make DMU their firm UCAS choice and achieve 320 UCAS points or more, from three A Levels or an A2 equivalent in one sitting.
Students can apply for a #DMUglobal opportunity from the start of term and will receive the bursary prior to departure.
Posted on Thursday 24 March 2016