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More international students than ever before were welcomed during their first week at Â鶹´«Ã½ Leicester (Â鶹´«Ã½).

Around 500 students arrived from 68 different countries, including Syria, China, India, Zimbabwe, Kuwait and Lithuania.

The students celebrated their arrival during the International Welcome Event at the university’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre.

Danae Renieri, a Greek student about to start MA Photographic History said: “I like how organised the welcome week is and also Â鶹´«Ã½ in general. It is very multi-cultural too.

“I chose Â鶹´«Ã½ because of the course. I feel so blessed. The facilities are going to help me excel.”

Dancers from the De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) Indian Society performed on stage as well as tai chi and lion dancing.

Stephen Wallis, Â鶹´«Ã½’s Director of International who addressed the students said: "It is a great pleasure to welcome our new international students to the university this week.
 
“From nations across the globe, they are enriching the diversity already celebrated here at Â鶹´«Ã½ and are now part of our global family.
                                                                                                                                                      
“I wish the new starters the very best and hope they have already sensed the vibrant spirit of the university."

Organised by the university’s friendly International Student Support team, the lively event marked the start of a week packed full of events and activities to help the new students prepare for their life at Â鶹´«Ã½.

The week includes sessions about working in the UK while they study and adapting to British culture, as well as a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon on a traditional double-decker bus.

Brazilian student Sofa Maciel, talking with friends at the event, said: “We chose Â鶹´«Ã½ because it had the best feedback and everyone we spoke to had had such a brilliant time.”

Amie Chapman, Deputy President Education of DSU welcomed the students at the event: “We are all here to support you every step of the way. We were students ourselves so we know how to help. Do come and say hi.

She went on to tell the students her favourite quote from Derek Walcott ‘I read, I travel, I become’ and said: “You will learn so much, it will open your eyes.

“Welcome to the DSU family, we hope you have the best time of your life.”

Joe Saddy, a Lebanese student said: “It’s a great university, with lots of friendly international students.”

American BA Economics student Mark Rodriguez added: “I think that education is better in the UK.”

Sara Vona from Italy will be studying Law at Â鶹´«Ã½ and said: “I chose Â鶹´«Ã½ to study to UK legal system. I liked everything about the university; the library, the sports facilities and the city it is in too.”

Another student Lu Xianjie, from China, will start his Electronic Engineering course soon: “Â鶹´«Ã½ is perfect for Electronic Engineering.”