More than 1,000 students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) flew the flag for global unity when they gathered in New York’s iconic Times Square this morning.
The students, who are part of what is thought to be the biggest ever international visit organised by a UK university, gathered en masse at the world famous landmark to fly the flags of the 46 nations they represent and make a stand against intolerance.
Students decided to mark their stay in New York with the gesture to show that, despite recent political changes in Europe and the US, they will always be part of a global community and that openness and tolerance are crucial values in society.
DMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard chose New York because the city represents resilience, acceptance and above all an open and global outlook – principles at the heart of DMU’s international strategy.
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Molly Daniel, studying Performing Arts, said the Times Square stand was an important part of what had been an incredible experience.
Molly said: "I think it's important to make a stand. It sets an example for everybody else. Being the age we are and living in the city we live in, we need to show a united front."
Fellow Performing Arts student Samantha Nicholls said: "I would rather be involved In something that's being positive than something negative."
The huge operation to transport and accommodate 1,000 students in the Big Apple was organised by the pioneering #DMUglobal scheme. Launched two years ago by the university, #DMUglobal offers opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and gain vital experience through overseas travel.
The 1,000 New York visitors, from schools as diverse as Fashion, Engineering and Music Technology, have spent five days taking part in activities relevant to their degrees to help them on their journey towards employment.
For example, Film Studies students had walking tours of iconic locations from famous movies, Fashion students visited the HQ of Victoria’s Secret, Engineering students spent time looking at the latest works underneath Grand Central Station while Journalism students visited the New York Times’ printing plant.
#DMUglobal paid a £600 bursary towards each student’s travel and accommodation while the students themselves paid around £250 each towards the trip.
Posted on Friday 6 January 2017