Media and Communication in Lugano, Switzerland

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 30/10/23 at 9:00 am

Opportunity type: Academic-led trips

Faculty: Computing, Engineering and Media

Ref: 10007971

Dates

Departure Date: 18/03/24

Return Date: 22/03/24

Costs

£450: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation (excluding any support). Students will also be required to pay for: UK and in-country transfers (£60), visits (£80), food and drink, visa (if applicable)

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £150

Booking

Accommodation: Shared rooms will be provided in a hostel/hotel

Travel: Travel booked by DMU (students travel as a group)

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

Trip Lead: Indrani Lahiri - ilahiri@dmu.ac.uk

How to pay

Payment details: Students will be required to pay £300 as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation after being offered a place on the trip. The DMU Global bursary will be deducted directly from the overall cost of the booking.

Carbon Levy

Student contribution: To offset the carbon emissions from the flight for this trip there is a £3 Carbon Levy for this trip which has been added to the total cost. Information about how this Levy will be used can be found here.

Eligibility

Final year Media and Communications students have priority for this trip, with second year Media and Communications students also eligible to apply. There is a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

About

Trip description

The purpose of an academic trip is to provide students with practical learning experiences outside of their usual classroom settings. Visiting USI Lugano will offer students a transformative experience that is aimed to shape both academic and personal growth.

This trip will involve visiting Università della Svizzera italiana, where DMU students will learn from and collaborate with local academics and students. They will also visit research centres and cultural sites in Lugano to gain hands-on knowledge, and deepen their understanding of a subject linked to media and communication.

The trip will enhance learning, foster networking, and offer real-world context to academic concepts. Whilst at USI students will attend the conference on day one organised by the media, culture, and communication students at USI. On day two, students will visit the supercomputer centre at the University and have a visit to the mountain top in a cable car. On the third day students will participate in a cultural trip around Lugano.

The plan for the trip is for staff and students to fly from the UK to Milan Malpensa airport in Italy, and take a direct train to Lugano (£60). The group will stay in a hostel in Lugano for the duration of the trip.

The estimated total cost for flights and accommodation for this trip to Italy is £450. Students will be expected to pay £300, as the £150 DMU Global bursary will be deducted from the total.


Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop a range of employability skills and competencies that enhance your studies. The objectives of this trip to Switzerland are:

  • Multimedia exploration – Students will gain knowledge on design principles, including layout, colour theory, typography, and composition, which are essential for creating visually appealing multimedia content in PR, advertising, and strategic communications.
  • Industry insight and engagement – students will build relationships with professors and academic advisors at USI, who are connected to key industries in Europe.
  • Case studies and reflective practice – students will be expected to conduct interviews, talk to professionals and build case studies, reflecting on their experience. They will learn to write educational travel vlogs and build their portfolio.
  • Crisis communication – participation in workshops will inspire a sense of responsibility towards global issues and cooperation, with students learning about intercultural tools to manage crisis communication.

Before the trip students will be able to attend a preparatory talk and a follow-up session with USI Lugano. As the trip is linked to MEDS3513 Global Advertising Practices module, students will have to come back and submit a reflective report.


Cultural activities

Students will also have some free time as part of the trip to take part in a range of cultural activities and trips. These will include a visit to LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Centro storico Gandria which is a picturesque fishing village on Lake Lugano. There will also be the opportunity to take a funicular train to the top of Monte San Salvatore to enjoy stunning views of Lugano and the surrounding area.

Visa Information

Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.

We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary).