Newman Students Immerse Themselves in Spanish Culture through Turing Scheme
Birmingham Newman University students Aysha Yassin, Josh Rigsby, Sayyidah Kawsar, and Summer Nicholls spent the month of June studying Spanish at a summer school organised by our partner university Universidad Católica de Valencia, supported by the UK government’s Turing scheme.
The summer programme was designed to enhance students’ Spanish language skills while providing a deep dive into Spanish history and culture. Activities included a paella-making workshop, a guided tour of Valencia Old Town, and visits to renowned attractions such as the Oceanogràfic Marine Centre and the Hemisferic IMAX Centre.
First-year history student Sayyidah Kawsar commented:
“Coming to Valencia, I was nervous, of course, but it has been really easy to settle in. Our neighbors are lovely and have helped us whenever we needed. Our teachers and classmates are very friendly and easy to get along with. There’s lots to do here; you cannot go a day (or night) bored.
Besides Valencia, I managed to visit Barcelona (only 3 hours away) for the Spanish Grand Prix, and it was amazing! The city is full of history and architecture, which is perfect for my degree. It really is an unmissable experience while also making friends along the way.”
This immersive experience allowed our students to not only improve their language skills but also gain a richer understanding of Spanish culture and history, enhancing their academic journey and personal growth.