Students Immersed in Local Culture on International Summer School Programme (UNN) 2024-25 in Newcastle, the UK

After a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Summer School Programme (UNN) was recently run again in July 2025. A total of 22 students from PolyU SPEED travelled to Newcastle in the Northeast of England to participate in this dynamic summer programme at Northumbria University (UNN), one of the best modern universities in the UK and well-known for its long tradition of welcoming students from across the globe.

Over 12 days, the students actively participated in learning sessions conducted by professional and enthusiastic tutors from the Northumbria Language Centre who covered such diverse, interesting and useful topics as British culture, English language tuition, intercultural communication, academic research skills and presentation skills. Staying in one of the University’s first-rate halls of residence, the students fully capitalised on this rare chance to immerse themselves in campus life in Europe.  

Outside the campus, there was the vibrant life in Newcastle and the surrounding areas, joyfully explored by the students who visited major cultural and historical attractions and engaged in social exchanges with local students and residents. These activities provided students with a first-hand insight into British society and its culture and lifestyle. 

Upon reflection, the students found the whole experience of this exciting trip highly rewarding and memorable.
 

Student Sharing
David Chan:
This summer school experience has changed me a lot. I’ve learned about different cultures, different cuisines and different ways of thinking. I feel like I’ve become more courageous and open to other things. The time arrangement of this programme was also very good. We didn’t have to rush to participate in activities and had plenty of time to rest and explore on our own.

Kar Cheung:
The programme covered a one-day trip to travel around historical monuments and cultural landmarks such as Alnwick Castle (made famous by the Harry Potter film series) and the Angel of the North. The tour guide was outstanding; I was so impressed with the schedule and arrangement and felt more like a local citizen than a tourist. 

Yvonne Ng:
An enriching journey that strengthened my understanding of cultural diversity. The classroom experience in Newcastle was really a highlight. Where Hong Kong classrooms are reserved, the UK setting is lively and very interactive. Northumbria teachers encouraged participation so much that students felt comfortable to answer questions and express their ideas. I recommend future participants to enjoy every single moment spent with classmates and teachers and put their hearts into the process. It was a transformative experience I will forever cherish.

For a short video of this trip, please visit www.youtube.com/shorts/Bixp11Y9Zb0.