Category: Student Stories

Psychology students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) spent a week working with their Malaysian contemporaries at Asia Pacific University (APU) in Kuala Lumpur.

The intensive week-long educational and cultural trip featured peer-led workshops exploring psychological concepts, and cultural perspectives, and collaborative problem-solving between students from both universities.

It also featured a visit to the Health Care Clinic and PT Foundation in Kuala Lumpur to see at first-hand the impact of holistic, person-centred care for patients with HIV.

Aisha Muhammed, third-year student of Psychology with Health and Well-being in Society, was one of ten DMU Leicester students on the APU trip which was organised by DMU Global, the university’s international experience programme for students.

Aisha said she had been impressed with the diversity and multiculturalism of Malaysia, where the population of around 35 million is made up of three large population groups, Malay, Chinese and Indian, with many smaller ethnic groups spread across the country.

“This trip was about exposing ourselves to cultural differences, and it was lovely to see how many cultures there are and how diverse in Malaysia is, especially in Kuala Lumpur.

“The Malaysians themselves are proud to have all the different backgrounds. They were very happy to tell us their stories and tell us about who they are, where they come from, and about their lineage. I would recommend a trip to Malaysia to anyone who is interested in culture and history, because it has so much.”

The DMU students were accompanied by Dr John Song, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of DMU’s, School of Applied Social Sciences, who said: “The trip was useful for the staff, and for the institutions of DMU and APU, but fundamentally this was an educational and cultural trip for the students.”

Prof Andy Seddon, Senior Director for Partnerships and Standards at APU, emphasised the value of international exchanges in preparing students for the demands of a globalised world.

“By uniting students from diverse backgrounds, we nurture adaptable, globally-minded individuals who can apply their knowledge with cultural sensitivity.

“Programmes like this truly reflect APU’s goal to cultivate students who are not only academically capable, but also socially responsible and ready to make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.

DMU and APU have had a productive educational partnership since 2018, which covers a range of other subjects including computing, technology, business, management, engineering, and accounting, as well as design and media courses.

DMU Global is an international experience programme for DMU students, which aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills. Since its launch in 2014, DMU Global has sent 15,000 students to 65 different countries. In 2025 alone, DMU Global has organised three different subject-based trips to APU in Malaysia.

Between 7 and 12 April 2025, students from HLS took part in the first technician-led DMU Global trip. Taking students to Rome and L’Aquila, the trip showed students a wide range of equipment that they could be using after they graduate.

A long-standing connection

In 1596, the University of L’Aquila first opened its doors to students. The university has stood for centuries, witnessing invasions, earthquakes, and a G8 convention. In 2012, DMU and L’Aquila signed an Erasmus agreement, allowing students to travel and learn between each institution.

This established a long-standing connection between the two institutions – one that HLS Technical Instructor Ketan Ruparelia, who had previously collaborated with researchers from L’Aquila University, and Technical Asset Manager Niran Patel were eager to build upon.

Exploring Biomedical Science

Staff members from across the university can propose a DMU Global trip to enrich the student experience. Such trips have seen our students visit a huge variety of different places to bring their course to life.

As the first technician-led course at DMU, students gained valuable insight into the way biomedical equipment worked in both the University of L’Aquila, and La Sapienza in Rome. Each of these visits expanded the student understanding of technical careers they could pursue after graduation. Students had the opportunity to look at cutting-edge 3D printing labs, DNA analysis equipment and to explore anatomy and biochemistry facilities.

A Global future

Niran and Ketan are looking at the possibility of running the trip again in subsequent years, and would welcome interest from other technicians in HLS to help organise, plan and lead the trip.

The DMU Global experience highlighted the vital role technicians play in helping students contextualise their course content and apply their learning in real-world settings. This recognition also aligns with DMU’s ongoing commitment to supporting and championing the contributions of its technical staff.

An article about the experience has also appeared in the University of L’Aquila newsletter.

Students have told how they were blown away by an educational trip of a lifetime to Malaysia – taking up an opportunity they might not have experienced without the support of the award-winning DMU Global team.

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) psychology students Rupi Kaur, Alisha Choudhury and Charlotte Greatorex took part in the trip to capital city Kuala Lumpar with support from the Widening Participation Scheme.

The scheme offers extra financial support for DMU students from low-income backgrounds, those with disabilities or medical conditions and those from regions where very few people go to university.

It means dozens of extra DMU students can enjoy trips organised through DMU Global that might otherwise pass them by.

The trip was organised through the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences to look at cultural influences on psychology and wellbeing in Malaysia.

The students took part in lectures and seminars at DMU partner Asia Pacific University as well as cultural trips to nationally important sites including the National Museum of Malaysia, Art House Gallery of Ethnic Arts and the Orang Asli Craft Museum. They also visited an elephant sanctuary.

Rupi said: “I am so beyond grateful that I received help under the widening participation programme. I don’t think I would have been able to go to Malaysia without the help.

“This trip that I have been on is one that I will never forget and one that I hope to repeat with my friends outside of university because we just had THAT much fun! I came back with many permanent memories, strong new friendships and a drive to thrive academically and financially so we can return to Malaysia after graduation”.

Alisha said: “The trip was a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and cultural immersion. It exceeded my expectations in every way and provided memories that I will cherish forever.”

Rupi said the trip also gave her levels of confidence she never previously had.

“I tend to be incredibly shy – and I have social anxiety – but as soon I stepped into Kuala Lumpur, it is as if I became a different person.

“It shocked me so much because the girl who would do anything possible to get out of presentations in front of the whole class, was now suddenly talking confidently in front of strangers and even performing funny drama pieces!

 “One of my new friends even told me I came across as very confident. I was lost for words because that really did not sound like me. I hope to continue being that confident.”

Charlotte added: “A skill that this trip taught me was my adaptability. There were lots of new experiences that came with this trip as well as a very different environment, the heat being a massive factor!

“I hadn’t realised how adaptable I was until I had experienced this trip!”

Charlotte received extra financial help due to her medical condition.

She explained: “I have severe eczema, which I have to treat using immunosuppressants. Due to this I have a few extra costs when going abroad such as a requirement for extra vaccinations and expensive medications.

“I also have a nut allergy which makes it a little harder when travelling.

“Being able to receive financial support allowed me to feel confident going into this trip, knowing that I had a bit of extra support to be able to fund the extra costs that I face.

“I should also add that, regarding my medical conditions, DMU global was amazing at ensuring I had any extra support or advice that I needed.

“My two trip leads were equally amazing. While in Malaysia I needed a little bit of medical attention and through the help of both my trip leads, I was able to get this help quickly and smoothly with very little anxiety.

“It was so nice seeing that having a health condition or disability didn’t need to stop me from feeling like I could partake in this trip!”

All three students say DMU Global trips are a must as part of your time at university.

Rupi said: “I would 100% recommend [DMU Global trips] to others. Trips like this really do open your eyes to new opportunities, build your social skills, help you make new friends etc. I would go again and again if I could.”

Charlotte said: “I definitely would recommend this trip to other psychology students. It’s a great networking opportunity if your interest in working/studying abroad plus you get to experience an amazing, welcoming new culture.”

Aisha added: “I would highly recommend a DMU Global trip. It was an excellent way to build confidence and independence.

“Traveling with a group of peers and participating in various activities helped many of us step out of our comfort zones and grow personally. The supportive environment made it easy to connect with others, and the friendships formed during the trip are likely to last a lifetime.”

In this video, DMU graduate Thomas discusses his DMU Global trip to Munich in 2018 and how it helped him build a career overseas, ultimately leading him to become the Tennis Director at Sportsplex in New York, United States

Boryana is a second year Interior Design student, she shared her experience of what it was like working on an overseas placement at Siesta Homes in Marbella, Spain.

Why did you decide to travel abroad with DMU Global on an overseas placement?

From the start of my second year, I knew I wanted to take a placement year to boost my CV and gain valuable industry experience. I wanted to work on real projects with real clients and see the behind-the-scenes processes. I chose to seek this experience outside the UK, as I eventually plan to return to my home country, and the UK’s design and engineering approaches are quite different from those in the rest of Europe. During a lecture on employability, a third-year student who had done an overseas placement shared her positive experience and detailed the company she worked for, inspiring me to apply there as well.

Did you notice any cultural differences whilst abroad that you needed to adapt to?

Yes, I noticed several cultural differences. Spain is beautiful but quite different from both the UK and my home country. The pace of life is slower, with shops closing between 2PM and 5PM and a general lack of urgency. Public transport was a challenge; buses required cash payments, only stopped if signalled, and often didn’t stop if nearly full. The frequent local celebrations were a memorable experience. The food, primarily tapas, required me to request full portions at restaurants. Additionally, Spanish people are generally louder and more lively, especially in groups, which took some getting used to as they are less mindful of others’ need for rest or work.

What was the most interesting thing that you learnt as part of your placement abroad?

As an interior design student, the most interesting aspect of my placement was learning how the business operates differently from what we are taught at university. I gained insights into project presentation, client communication, team collaboration, workflow, and the design process. Effective communication proved to be the most crucial skill for an interior designer, essential for project completion and client approval.

Were there any local foods or drinks that you discovered and enjoyed?

I discovered many wonderful restaurants and bars, especially along the beach. Bungalow, with its impressive design and relaxed atmosphere, became a favourite spot for evening wine and exceptional food. Tricadero Estepona, with its unique design and outdoor garden with a pool, was another favourite. The Golden Mile, particularly Puente Romano, offered a scenic walk with high-end restaurants, bars, shops, and stunning views, making for a fantastic experience.

What are the top skills you have improved from your experience?

During my placement, I significantly improved my adaptability to new environments, people, and lifestyles. My technical skills in Microsoft Office, SketchUp, and Enscape advanced considerably. I also enhanced my time management and attention to detail. Most importantly, I developed a deep understanding of commercial awareness, learning how to manage client relationships, work towards company profitability, and effectively market the business and its services. This business insight was both new and fascinating to me.

Has your DMU Global experience inspired you to pursue further international experiences?

Absolutely. If given the opportunity and resources, I would eagerly pursue more international experiences. Exploring new places and cultures has been incredibly inspiring and motivating, driving me to continually improve both personally and professionally.

Securing a placement at the largest defence contractor in Europe, BAE Systems, is a dream come true for Aeronautical Engineering BEng/ MEng student Shaun Goodwin.

The 20-year-old from Nottingham had previously missed out on a degree apprenticeship with the company before enrolling at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

Keen to prove himself, Shaun kept himself in BAE System’s talent pool by updating his details in the company’s prospective list each month believing a new opportunity would come up through the university.

That would prove to be the case and after a year-and-a-half of studying, and a trip to Toulouse courtesy of DMU Global, Shaun’s qualities shone through and he secured a year-long placement which he hopes will launch his career to new heights.

He will be working on a variety of projects, from initial design to the building and engineering of concepts.

“I’m not afraid to say when I got the call and heard I secured the position, I phoned my dad and shed a couple of tears. It’s something I worked really hard for and I’m very proud.

“In terms of experience and how the placement will look on my CV, it’s an absolute game-changer and a pivotal moment in my career.”

Interested in engineering from an early age, Shaun helped his dad build a supercharged trike based on the classic Volkswagen Beetle with his dad in their garage.

When his plans to do a degree apprenticeship with BAE Systems didn’t work out, Shaun enrolled at DMU, having been impressed by the positive vibe on campus.

It proved to be the right move and, with access to state-of-the-art equipment including a flight simulator, he has gone from strength to strength, securing firsts across his modules.

He said: “It was devastating having the degree apprenticeship offers fall through but I wanted to keep as many doors open as possible and looked at universities as a backup.

“I remember going to a DMU Open Day and thinking that it was the happiest environment. People were eager to help and provide information and that’s all I wanted really.

“If you had asked me a year and a half ago what I’d have been doing, not a single detail would have been what I predicted.”

Shaun’s university experience was further bolstered this academic year when he joined students on the November 2023 DMU Global trip to Toulouse.

France’s fourth-largest city is considered one of the world capitals in aeronautical technology and is home to various museums and engineering institutions amongst its striking Renaissance architecture and rich culture.

Shaun and the group enjoyed tours around the Aerostructures facility of Collins Aerospace, the Airbus Toulouse Blagnac Tour, the Aeroscopia Museum and the ISAE SUPAERO, the city’s internationally renowned aeronautical university where visitors can admire the decommissioned jets dotted around campus.

He said: “We were in Toulouse for three or four days and the people were super friendly and everyone we spoke to was super patient while we spoke in English.

“Collin’s Aerospace was a particular highlight. It’s such a hub for leading engineers in the field and I was able to chat to one of their lead engineers who moved over from the UK, so that was eye-opening.

“Being up close and personal with the Rolls-Royce engines, walking around the factory floor in the boots and equipment and chatting one-on-one with their engineers really stuck out to me.

“With DMU being such a diverse university, the trip was a great opportunity to mix with different cultures. The two lads I shared accommodation with were Muslim, so I asked a lot of questions about their religion, and we were able to have a lot of deep conversations which I would have missed if I hadn’t gone.”

A Journalism student from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is preparing to head off on the trip of a lifetime, spending a year studying in the USA.

And the golden opportunity to head to Georgia has all come about thanks to a former boss who recommended he study at DMU.

Rian Fearnehough has just completed his second year in Journalism and, thanks to DMU Global, will spend the next year at Georgia College and State University, in Milledgeville, studying Journalism and the History of the USA since 1877.

He is already planning trips to Florida to watch his favourite NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars – who are owned by the same person who runs Rian’s football team Fulham – and friends and family are also looking forward to travelling out to see him.

Rian had not planned to study at university but, when COVID hit, he had to take a step back and reassess his career plans.

He explains: “I was working in a little café and, like so many people, I lost my job due to COVID. When I was speaking to the owner it turned out he had a daughter who had studied at DMU and loved her time there and he recommended I apply. My Dad then said I should go for it.

“I am the first person in my family to go to university and it has been really good. The Journalism course is great because it presents me with so many options to work in areas such as broadcast, news writing and sport.

“And now I am heading off to the US for a year. I knew about DMU Global when I applied and it was definitely a big attraction for coming to Leicester. I was always planning to take up the option to study overseas for a year.”

“I am definitely going to Florida to see the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am a massive Fulham supporter and the NFL team is run by the same owner of Fulham. Then my friends are all looking forward to coming out to see me for Spring Break. And my sister wants us to go to Boston because she is fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials!”

Rian, who studied history, geography and psychology at A-level, would not hesitate to recommend a trip with DMU Global.

“Applying has been really straight forward,” he said. “Any time I have had a question I have always been able to get good advice from the DMU Global team. I am just really excited about exploring a different culture.

“The US was always going to be my choice as I have always wanted to go there. My mum and dad took my older brother and sister to Disneyland in Florida before I was born and I always felt I had mossed out,” he laughs. “Now I am finally going out there.

“I know I have not got to the US yet but the way the DMU Global team has been means I would definitely recommend a year abroad to anyone else at DMU.”

Students are invited to apply for this opportunity in their second year of undergraduate study to spend a sandwich year abroad. All selected students receive comprehensive support prior to, during and upon return from their exchange.

Students also receive financial support from the UK Government Turing Scheme. For academic year 2023-24 we have students from all four faculties on various degree programmes spending a year in a range of exciting destinations including South Korea, Japan, Finland, Germany and more.

To learn more about studying on exchange, click here.

Sharelle is final year Fashion Textile Design student, and in February 2023 she travelled to Paris with her course to take part in the one of the world’s most creative textiles trade fairs to gather information about the fashion industry. She shared her thoughts with us about her time in France…

Why did you decide to travel abroad with DMU Global?

I really wanted to come out of my comfort zone and travel independently in an unfamiliar country with people who I did not know well, with the intention of improving my communication skills to increase my confidence. Paris is notoriously known as a city which specializes in fashion, and I was keen to get ideas and inspiration from unique styles, cultures, and ways of living. The Premiere vision exhibition was something I was really looking forward to, and I wanted look at fashion textiles in a new light.

Were there any barriers that you had to overcome to participate on this experience? Were you nervous about anything prior to going abroad?

Yes, I am neurodivergent and it is hard for me to feel comfortable in social settings, especially ones which are unfamiliar to me. Going on this trip was a huge jump and step out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I find it hard to read cues in conversation so I was worried about several things such as interactions in shops and cafes, using the transport network, with the language barrier on top. Anything new like this causes me anxiety so I was pleased I was able to participate and have a good time. 

How helpful was the DMU Global bursary in allowing you to participate?

It was extremely helpful. Being a student without the best financial situation, it’s common to miss opportunities as such. This trip was very insightful on a personal level as well as educational and it wouldn’t have been possible without the bursary. In addition, fashion textiles, or fashion courses, are expensive and intense, so it relieved some of the pressure and I didn’t have to worry about forming a dent in my expenses to enjoy the trip.

What was the highlight of your DMU Global experience?

There were a few highlights to my trip, one of them being proud of myself in terms of personal development and travelling independently. I also met a lovely person on the trip who helped me with some basic information and navigation and really made me feel at ease. I loved seeing some of the famous fashion houses on such a grander scale and was interested to see how so many of the stores were tailored to the brand itself. I loved seeing how multicultural it was, which made me feel much more comfortable exploring the city. By the end of the trip, I got the courage to go out on my own to get some food and this was a huge step for me in terms of personal confidence.

Did your DMU Global trip help further your understanding of your area of study

The Première vision exhibition opened my eyes to how many techniques there actually are for textiles, how many colour combinations there are, how many textures you can create and how many different aesthetic styles there are to suit a range of different designs. Sometimes it is easy to forget there is a whole world of creativity in your field when you are in the bubble of a small class at university, but going to somewhere like Premiere Vision made me realize how extensive an area this is and that there is perhaps a place for everyone with a strong vision.

Has your DMU Global experience inspired you to pursue further international experiences?

Yes, definitely! I have already booked in two trips for the upcoming year now as Paris has really opened my eyes to new possibilities. I don’t feel I fear independence as much as I did before the trip. I’m from London and being a curious person, it was intriguing to see the similarities and differences between two major cities. For the most part, I realized it was nice to lose myself in a different place and do something that isn’t a constant like staying in my local area. I am going to Barcelona and hopefully another place like Portugal later in the year and whilst I will be anxious, I feel much more confident in my ability to enjoy my experiences out there.

Final year Law student Rumbie Makonise, spent a year studying Law at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland, and shared her story with DMU Global.

Switzerland is really advanced, everything is really clean, people are well organised and the public transport is good.

I always knew I was going to go on exchange even before I joined DMU. I am studying Law and the first two years were spent in lockdown so I had only had an on-campus experience for a couple of months.

I had a choice of four universities to study Law for a year. I didn’t want to go to Germany, France or Cyprus so I chose Switzerland. To be honest I was apprehensive. People were saying ‘why Switzerland’. Even the Swiss asked what I was doing there! But it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done.

Because I had not been on a university campus due to COVID I think I was like a stereotypical Brit abroad and was going out quite a lot. But then other students – most of them were aged 23 or above – were really mature and had a great work ethic. It rubbed off on me.

There were just two faculties and about 4,000 students and they were so hard working. Everyone I knew went to the library from 8am to 6pm with lectures in between. I watched other people so I could learn what to do and how to work.

Sometimes the work was intense but this work ethic has helped me out no end. I am so much more focussed and really know how to handle a work load. I am definitely a different person.

Since I returned my friends have said ‘what happened to Rumbie’ and ‘you have definitely changed’. I have certainly matured. People do say that going on an exchange does that to you. I am living proof of that!

I am pretty good at advocacy work and there was a specialist Moot Court I applied to study in.

When I started, I was the worst student there. I was coming from a Common Law background and Switzerland was very much about Civil Law. In fact, my professor told me he expected nothing from me.

But then, when he and my peers helped me out, by the time we reached the advocacy lectures I came to life. We entered a competition for the best Moot Court in Europe and I was in a team of three chosen to represent the university in Barcelona. We did not win but it was a great bonding experience and we were so proud about how we had worked as a team.

You never know who you are going to meet on exchange. Myself and another DMU student, Hope Abraham, teamed up with an American friend I had met and started a business called Heruno [it involves a portable coat and bag hook that can hang from anywhere on your travels which is embellished with personal designs].

I made a best friend who was an intellectual property lawyer and he showed me how I can become a businesswoman as well as a lawyer and he influenced me to get into Intellectual property law. I also did some work experience at his firm.

Law students might think these types of exchange trips are not relevant to them. But you just never know what experiences you are going to be given. It is the best thing I have ever done.

After being grounded by worldwide travel restrictions, the award-winning DMU Global scheme is taking to the skies again with overseas trips resuming after more than two years.

Film Studies students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) could barely contain their excitement as they jetted off to Los Angeles today and the world capital of movie making.

It’s just one of a number of new overseas experiences being run by DMU Global for DMU students this spring and summer as a pilot to resume trips.

During their 10-day visit to LA, the Film Studies students will head to Wonder Con – a three day internationally-renowned comic convention – to look at fan culture, which they study as part of their degree.

They will gather information from fans they meet to inform their degree work and understand how media culture, such as film and TV, is consumed experienced, lived and celebrated around the world.

On top of that, students can complete their once-in-a-lifetime trip to California by vising fan pilgrimage sites such as the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios, Disneyland, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars took place on Sunday, Paramount Pictures – including a rare opportunity to see the paramount archives – the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

Dr Matt Jones, Deputy Programme Leader for Film Studies and Academic Practices Officer, has organised the incredible trip for the students with the DMU Global team and has been involved in designing and delivering overseas opportunities since 2014.

He said: “It is a once-in-a-lifetime, literally money-cannot-buy experience that gives our students the connections, knowledge and adventurousness of spirit they need to succeed in the global film industry. What an absolute and utter relief to have DMU Global back!”

Before heading off to LA, Film Studies student Kimberley Clarke said: “it was DMU Global that convinced me to come to this university. The course is brilliant but a trip to LA too – that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I could not miss. Then COVID hit and I really thought the chance had gone.

“When it was confirmed we would be going to LA I think I just squealed. I couldn’t contain myself.”

Fellow Film Studies student Lucas Parker, whose favourite movie is Jaws, said: “This will be the first time I have been to the US and the first time I will have ever gone to a convention.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for me to experience the world and broaden my horizons.”

Bethany Peake, also Film Studies, said: “We are going to be travelling to the heart of the film world and immerse ourselves in it. I know we share the same language with the US but we are going to be experiencing a completely different environment and culture. It is so exciting.

“I grew up watching Marvel Films and the DC Comics universe so to be able to go to a convention in LA does not seem real.”

Maddie Kirby, Film Studies and Creative Writing, added: “I was watching the Oscars on Sunday night and to be going to the very same theatre where that happened is amazing. When I think about touring round LA I can’t help but think ‘who are we going to bump into?’.”

Iona McGinn, also Film Studies, said she is excited about visiting the Friends set in the Warner Bros studio lot. “This is our moment to shine. After three tough years of study, and 18 months spent learning online I think this is our reward. This has bonded us as a group and we are all so excited to be going to share these incredible experiences as a group of friends.”

Dr Jones added: “One reason our students choose our Film Studies programme is its global focus. During the pandemic, that has had to be largely theoretical due to the imposition of travel restrictions. We coped just fine, but I know the students felt they were missing out on experiencing international film cultures first-hand.

“So now to be able to take final year students, who have had a rough few years of missed opportunities, to Los Angeles to see the world’s most famous film industry in action and to attend a major fan convention of the sort that you just can’t find anywhere else is simply incredible.

“Several of our students have never left Europe before, and a couple have never left the UK. To have the privilege of being able to open up their horizons in this way is so special and is one of the reasons I am so proud of the work I do at DMU.”