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University of York

City of York welcomes international students

Posted on 17 November 2014

Students from all over the world received a civic welcome to the City of York on Wednesday 12 November.

Photo credit: Damian James Bramley

International students from Askham Bryan College, the University of York, York College and York St John University were formally welcomed to the city by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ian Gillies, at an event organised by Higher York in the Mansion House. 

Each year, York’s universities and colleges become home to over 4,000 international students, who bring fantastic cultural diversity to the city. 

The Lord Mayor said: ‘International students bring so much to our city and I’m delighted to be able to welcome them to York on behalf of residents. I hope they will enjoy their time in the city and come to think of York as a home from home during their time here.’

International students come to York from a wide range of countries, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Norway, South Africa, Thailand and the USA. Some come for a number of years, others for shorter durations, but all add to the cultural diversity of the city.  They bring with them new ideas, traditions and important international connections which help make York recognised as an important city on the European and world stage. 

University of York student Aimee Alexander, from the USA, said: ‘I was accepted to universities in London, but I felt the North's famous friendliness would be a better fit when I moved so far from home. I chose York because of the University’s academic reputation and the culture of the city. I feel very welcome here, and I am honoured to have attended the Lord Mayor's Welcome Event.’

Paul Murphy, Director of Higher York said:  ‘The partnership between York’s colleges and universities continues to flourish and we are delighted to be able to lay on this joint event in order to demonstrate how very much we welcome and value our students from around the world.’

Further information:

  • Higher York is a partnership between Askham Bryan College, the University of York, York College, York St John University and the City of York Council. More information can be found at www.higheryork.org
  • The Lord Mayor is Chairman of City of York Council and the first citizen of the city. York's Lord Mayor is second only to the Lord Mayor of London in precedence and its Sheriff holds the oldest office of Sheriff in England and Wales. The Lord Mayor chairs meetings of full council and together with the Sheriff, represents the city on ceremonial occasions, welcomes international visitors and attends events organised by local people and community groups. For more information on the Lord Mayor and Civic Party contact Anne Platt, 01904 551011.
  • Media Information: Carrie Drewer, Higher York, 01904 876348 / c.drewer@higheryork.org

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