French pupils visit Bangor University

45 school pupils from Champollion High School in Figeac, southwestern France visited Bangor University this month with their teacher, a former Bangor Erasmus student.

English teacher Adèle Renaud first came to Bangor University in 2011 for the third year of her English Literature degree as part of the Erasmus exchange programme and was delighted to be back – this time with a cohort of new prospective international students.

Adèle said, “It’s fantastic to be back again in Bangor, showing my pupils around the University – as well as exploring Caernarfon, Llandudno and Conwy. I remember that there was a real sense of belonging here which we didn’t have in the University of Toulouse. Due to the small class sizes in Bangor, it was possible to get to know the lecturers and have proper conversations with them which enhanced the learning experience.

“I wasn’t your typical undergraduate student. I didn’t go out partying a lot but I loved the beautiful buildings and enjoyed reading and dance classes.”

The French pupils enjoyed a tour of the Main University Building, taking in the sights of Prichard Jones and Powis Halls, the library, the quad and terrace – before enjoying a famous Bangor brownie and discovering bara brith and Welsh cakes. The teens were shown around the University by German lecturer, Professor Carol Tully and Christine Monks, Study Abroad Officer.

Christine said,

It was a pleasure to welcome so many engaged young people to the University, as well as a former student. We hope that some of them will go on to put Bangor down as one of their university choices when applying to study or come to us for a semester or academic year through the Study Abroad scheme. This programme allows students from all over the world to broaden their horizons and enjoy the experience of studying in Bangor.