A language centre has helped move a group of Russian academics a step closer to realising their ambition of studying for a prestigious research degree in the UK.
The scholars from Samara State Aerospace University lacked the English language skills needed to study at Glyndŵr University for a PhD, one of the highest academic qualifications.
But following a three and a half week programme of studying English for eight hours every weekday, they have passed an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam with flying colours.
IELTS is the internationally-recognised language proficiency test used by universities and education institutions worldwide.
The language programme was delivered by Glyndŵr University’s Second Language Learning Centre.
Dmitrii Elenev, head of IT at Samara, was one of three academics to complete the course.
He said: “The visit to Glyndŵr University was incredibly useful for us. We were placed in an environment where we were not to use Russian, which meant that our English language skills improved drastically in a short space of time.
“The staff at the Second Language Learning Centre were very friendly, welcoming and helped to make our time in Wrexham very enjoyable.”
The language programme was part of a partnership between Glyndŵr University and Samara State Aerospace University with mutual expertise in aeronautical engineering at its heart.
This has seen Glyndŵr University Professor Richard Day, Professor of Composites, visit Russia to deliver guest lectures to students at Samara.
Olga Edwards, from Glyndŵr University’s International Office, said: “We were delighted to welcome Dmitrii and his colleagues to Wrexham for what proved to be a successful couple of weeks.
“Samara is a leading university in its field in Russia and Glyndŵr University is proud and pleased to be working with them.
“We are looking forward to welcoming them to Wrexham again very soon and congratulate them on their achievements.”
Dr Leila Luukko-Vinchenzo, Head of the Second Language Learning Centre, said she was delighted with the results achieved and her team’s contribution to the final success.
“It was a perfect match of learners aiming high and of a teaching team determined to get them there. We feel privileged to have been trusted with the task and extremely satisfied to have fulfilled it”.
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