Bournemouth University was proud to invite a group of nineteen PR and Journalism students from “Mizzou”, the University of Missouri-Columbia USA, to explore and enjoy what Bournemouth has to offer. Invited over by our new Corporate and Marketing Communications lecturer and PR specialist Ana Adi and organised with the help of Stephanie Allen, the Media School’s International Partnership Coordinator, the Mizzou visitors enjoyed a day of networking with students and staff as well as experiencing life as a Bournemouth student.
After a warm welcome from Senior Lecturer Dan Hogan and a large lunch, the PR and Journalism students were split up and were able to sit in on the lectures given to our students on the same courses. Later they were given a detailed tour around the media school facilities.
The students had already been in the UK for a few weeks doing work placements at companies such as NBC, CBS, Age UK, TNT Magazine, Whatsonstage.com and very much enjoyed having a taste of the UK student lifestyle. “I thought the Bournemouth trip was extremely insightful- not only did we get to see how students in the UK study at their respective colleges, but seeing the comparison in how England teaches journalism was eye-opening” said Hannah Carlson. “I was particularly fond of the way they gave their PR students hands on experience right off the bat, which was something I wish Mizzou had”.
In light of the forthcoming tuition fee increase to over £8,000, it may come as a surprise to prospective students to hear that it is not uncommon for US students to be paying around $30,000 (about £19,000) a year for their compulsory four year courses, excluding work placement – a sum that often doubles if they choose to study out of their home state.
This visit is just one of the many international activities going on at present in our group and comes in the middle of our Argentina exchange. Professor Watson reflected “It was a real opportunity to compare student experiences and knowledge of their intended career paths. The University of Missouri-Columbia has a high international reputation for public relations and journalism research, led by Prof Glen Cameron, so we hope the visit starts a long-term research, teaching and student exchange relationship”.
-Paige Hobart