Sun shines on ‘extraordinary’ international summer school

Students from partner institutions visited for two weeks of teaching, learning and life in Britain’s Ocean City

Sun shines on ‘extraordinary’ international summer school

Students from partner institutions visited for two weeks of teaching, learning and life in Britain’s Ocean City

31 July 2026

The University of Plymouth is proud to have partner institutions all over the world.

Now five of the biggest have visited Britain’s Ocean City to find out more about Plymouth’s programmes and its work to extend and enhance student opportunities.

The University welcomed 26 students and staff from NSBM Green University Sri Lanka, HKU SPACE Hong Kong, Shanghai Jianqiao University, Shanghai Maritime University China, and Delta University for Science and Technology Egypt for a summer school of academic sessions and city exploration.

Supported by student ambassadors and an intern, they engaged in diverse academic sessions ranging from AI and Digital & Creative Media, to International Relations and Law, Criminology and Business, alongside trips around the city and attractions such as the Immersive Dome at Devonport Market Hall and the National Marine Aquarium.

The format enabled students to tailor their learning experience based on subject interests and campus life, while building global networks with fellow students.

It’s the second year the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and Plymouth Global have run such a summer school, and those involved outlined why it's so important.

International partnerships are more than institutional relationships; they are bridges between people, ideas and cultures and help the University of Plymouth achieve greater impact through shared learning and collaboration.

Our summer school is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience how the partnerships extend and enhance their learning, while enabling them to see the very best of life in Plymouth.

We’re so grateful to the academic team who gave their time to put together such an exciting programme, as it inspired academic excellence, while cultivating international friendships and the chance to learn in one of the UK's most inspiring coastal locations.

It’s been especially brilliant that the summer sunshine has been on our side too, and we look forward to maintaining the fantastic links we have with our partners in the years ahead.

Mrs Suzie Higman
Global Opportunities Manager

The Plymouth Summer School 2026 will undeniably be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

The programme was well structured, and it was implemented seamlessly, thanks to the exceptional guidance of the staff and student ambassadors. The academic sessions were very informative and engaging, yet they never felt like traditional lectures. They were very interactive and entertaining, which created an inspiring learning environment, largely due to the lecturers' evident enthusiasm in every session.

I especially enjoyed forming bonds with students from many other countries, hearing their stories, and gaining an understanding of their diverse cultures through such interactions.

Being immersed in the beauty of the city of Plymouth felt surreal.

I feel encouraged and confident to take on a life in the UK independently in the future after this extraordinary experience, which was further enriched by the weekend in London.

I sincerely thank the University of Plymouth, NSBM Green University, and everyone involved in putting this wonderful programme together.

Nishith
A student from NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka who attended the summer school

Find out more

Plymouth Sound with Mount Edgcumbe in the foreground, Drake's Island in the middle ground, and the city and Dartmoor in the background

International students: study with us

Businessman hand holding globe showing networks and technology connection

Our academic partners

A group of students walking on Plymouth Hoe, they stand in a group with the sea next to them and the lighthouse in the distance

Student life in Plymouth