New York visit inspires students to think globally

Health and Life Sciences students have told how their career ambitions have been expanded following a #DMUglobal visit to New York.

Students from Psychology, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Nursing, Audiology and Biomedical Science were among 1,000 students who travelled to Manhattan on De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s biggest-ever overseas experience.



During their whirlwind tour they combined cultural activities with those designed to give them extra insight into their course and underpin academic studies.

Their itinerary included visiting the 9/11 Memorial, hearing from health services professionals about the impact it had on clients’ lives, and meeting counterparts studying in the US universities.
 
Psychology third year Louise Cunliffe said: “The biggest thing has been seeing the difference in how psychology is applied in the US to the UK. And seeing 9/11 has made us realise how you have to grab life and opportunities.”

Pharmacy students Lema Yousoufi, Hassan Yasin and Furqhan Sajid said it had inspired them to think about working abroad after their degrees.

Lema said: “Here everyone is on the go, it’s so fast-paced, completely different atmosphere to home. Coming to New York and seeing pharmacists has made me realise that actually, I could do this.”

Hassan added: “It makes you realise that the end point for your career is not just in the UK, it could be places like New York. It’s something to keep in mind.”

“Visiting New York has given me a different perspective on Pharmacy,” said Furqhan. “We visited pharmacies and spoke to people working here and it has given me the idea to change direction and work in the US.”


Biomedical Science students Christian Cooper and Karolina Wlodowska were thrilled to be in New York. Christian said: "It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. It opens up more opportunities in your mind. There’s a lot more out there than you think.”

“It has been really touching to hear about the experiences of 9/11, learning about the support given afterwards,” added Karolina Wlodowska.

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Aqsa Shabir, Audiology student, said: “It’s given me different skills such as confidence. You were not always with your friends so we got to meet new people. To go to America is just amazing.”

Lisa Hackett, lecturer in Forensic Science, said the visit had inspired her to collaborate more between departments. DMU’s New York visit included more than 1,000 students and staff. It is thought to be the single largest overseas visit by a UK university.

In May, DMU is set to do it all again with a mass visit to Berlin.