University Welcomes Bright Brazilian Students To Derby

Date posted: 6 February 2013

Over 50 talented students from Brazil arrived in the UK earlier this month (January), to study at the University of Derby as part of a revolutionary scholarship programme run by the Brazilian government.

The students, who are currently in their second and third years of study, attended the University's 'Welcome Week' where they had the opportunity to meet other international students and learn more about student life in Derby.

Arthur Miranda, who is currently studying for an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree through the scheme, said: "So far everything has been great, the facilities here are fantastic and staff are very supportive, if they can't help they are always kind enough to put you in contact with someone who can."

The innovative Science without Borders (SwB) scholarship programme, which began in September 2012, will see the UK welcome up to 10,000 Brazilian students looking to study undergraduate sandwich courses, sandwich PhDs and full PhDs over the next three years.

Vinicius D'Aroz, who is studying toward a Mechanical Engineering degreeunder the scheme, added: "Despite arriving in the UK later than expected, the University has been very welcoming and this has made it very easy for me to settle in here in Derby."

The University of Derby is currently home to more than 1,000 international students from over 70 countries around the world and has strong relations in Botswana, Greece and the Middle East. These international links are also being extended to countries including China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Nick Slade, Director of International Development at the University of Derby, said: "We are delighted to welcome another cohort of Brazilian students to the University. Brazil's Science without Borders scheme is one of the first large scale student mobility programme of its kind and our involvement gives these international students the opportunity to experience the very best Derby has to offer."