US students gain an insight into international business relations
22 March 2019
Business students from America recently spent a week at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) to find out more about international business relations and British politics.
A group of eight students and two members of staff from Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa, Florida travelled to Burton as part of a visit to the UK to learn more about international business culture and practice.
The group joined BSDC’s Level 3 Year 2 Business students in lessons throughout the week, and both home and visiting international students and tutors had the chance to share their experiences and knowledge with each other. They studied cultural and economic impacts on the globalisation of business, engaging in discussions and activities covering a range of factors such as stereotypes, with a specific focus on European current affairs, such as the impact of Brexit.
During the week, BSDC and HCC students had the opportunity to take part in sessions on a variety of topics delivered by Cathie Lalley, BSDC Business and Enterprise Team Leader; Ben Corden, BSDC Deputy Director of Curriculum; Sarah Drew, BSDC Assistant Principal; and Katen Amin, Business Tutor at HCC. They also visited local organisations, Specialised Orthotic Services and Hilton at St. George’s Park to see how local, well-known businesses are working in the current environment, and to gain a greater awareness of both local and national UK business culture.
The HCC students were warmly welcomed by the College and their host families, which helped them to settle in quickly and feel at home during their visit. The visit was an opportunity for them to interact with BSDC students and learn about the cultural differences between the UK and US, especially in relation to their studies and career aspirations within the business field.
Katen Amin, Business Tutor at Hillsborough Community College said: “The visit has been fantastic; I don’t have words to describe how wonderful everything has been, from the international team to the host families and the hospitality. The visit has given our students an insight into Brexit and has allowed us to draw similarities between Britain and America.”
Ann Walton, International Operations Manager at Burton and South Derbyshire College said: “The visit was extremely successful, providing a platform for the students to exchange ideas and have informative discussions. Opportunities such as this widen our students’ cultural horizons and help them to develop vital employability skills for success in the global workplace. We look forward to welcoming students from Hillsborough Community College to BSDC again next year.”
Contact Details
Burton and South Derbyshire College
Tel: 01283 494400
Town Centre Campus
Burton Town Centre Campus, Lichfield Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE14 3RL
Stephen Burke Construction Academy
Construction Academy, 21 Tetron Point, William Nadin Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 OBB