Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen are to take part in a global campaign to promote and celebrate the international students and staff which make Scotland’s universities diverse, multicultural and inclusive places to be.
The ‘Scotland Welcomes The World’ campaign will send a message of inclusivity, openness and value to international students, parents, influencers and stakeholders around the world.
RGU and UoA have each enlisted the help of 12 international students who will act as champions of the campaign who attended a special Burn’s Supper in Edinburgh on January 24, alongside some the university’s academic staff.
RGU and UoA are among 19 Scottish universities taking part in ‘Welcome to the World’ and recently held a launch event where champions from RGU were joined by the Principal to promote the campaign.
RGU will lead a number of on campus engagement opportunities for the campaign, encouraging its international students to celebrate how they’ve been welcomed in Scotland and how and why they’re welcoming other students from across the globe.
RGU Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, commented: “In a world where we find social and geographical boundaries are becoming ever more prevalent, this campaign helps to promote what is at the very core of the RGU ethos – inclusion and multiculturalism.
“We are taking part in ‘Welcome to the World’ to promote that message of openness to the wider community, both locally and internationally, and let them know just how fantastic a place Scotland is to study, work and live.
“Each year we welcome thousands of international students from more than 130 countries and we want to build on this and hopefully by taking part we can reach even more prospective students.”
University of Aberdeen Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Diamond added: “The University of Aberdeen is an institution with a global outlook and reach and this campaign reflects our approach to internationalism.
“Our fantastic students and staff come from all over the world to study here because they recognise the unique benefits of working, learning and living in our beautiful and dynamic country.
“We value each and every one of them. Without them, we wouldn’t be amongst the best higher education institutes in the world and this event is an excellent opportunity to pay thanks to those that are here and send a welcoming message to those who are yet to arrive.”