University advisors dive in to UHI experience on campus visit
We were delighted to welcome 22 independent education consultants who are all members of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) as part of a week-long Scotland Tour organised by the UK Study Expert with the aim of learning more about a selection of Scottish universities and what we have to offer.
The counsellors in attendance were mostly from across the U.S., including Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington, and there were also representatives from Thailand and Egypt.
They spent the day at UHI partner the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban to gain more insight into the diverse undergraduate study offering and the multi-campus structure of the university partnership.
After hearing from Elena Connell, UHI's Senior International Recruitment Officer, and Tess Sadler, Head of International Student Recruitment, about student support and the courses available for international students across the UHI partnership, our guests had the opportunity to become marine scientists for the day.
Following a campus tour, they experienced the facilities first-hand by visiting the marine robotics centre, handling seaweed and deep-sea samples, and even got to contribute to the environment by donning lab coats to plant seagrass.
SAMS students Hannah and Merlin also shared their insight into student life in the Highlands of Scotland, helping the counsellors understand what it’s really like to be a UHI student both inside and outside the classroom.
Bob Spatig of UK Study Expert said during the visit to SAMS:
“The location is not a traditional or stereotypical university experience, but it seems like more; it’s for students who are passionate and want to live it.
“I can see how the various programmes at UHI fit with the environment and the location and also how the students become integrated into these communities.”
HECA President Audrey Slaughter said:
“On these trips we are looking to find the right fit for each student we work with, so the information we gather today is not just about what they can study, but also whether the university would be a good personality fit.
“We heard first hand from the students and faculty members who were glowing in their enthusiasm for their subjects. We all want to be marine scientists now!”
At the close of a full day of activity, a piper ensured the counsellors received a warm send off on the next leg of their UK tour in Edinburgh.
The International Student Recruitment team want to thank everyone who got involved to make this fly-in such a great success, particularly including Shona Magill, Leah Morrison and Polly Crooks who provided invaluable logistical support in preparation of the visit.