The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) welcomed 43 students and four academic staff from two Chinese partner institutions to its campuses in July 2026 for a two-week International Summer Programme, which combined academic study with opportunities to experience university life and culture in Scotland.

The delegation came from The Scotland Academy of Wuxi Taihu University (WXUSA) and the North China Institute of Science and Technology. Both institutions offer pathways for UWS degrees.

Students visited campuses in Paisley, Lanarkshire and Ayr and participated in lectures and workshops which explored subjects like AI and critical thinking, global marketing practice and career development. Students toured cutting-edge campus facilities including Paisley’s Retro Games Room and Flight Simulator.

The group also had opportunities to develop intercultural knowledge, with visits to some of Scotland’s leading attractions including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Edinburgh's Old Town and the Burrell Collection. A Taste of Scotland welcome dinner and farewell event also allowed students and staff to build connections with UWS colleagues and experience Scottish hospitality.

From the moment we stepped onto the UWS campus, we were deeply impressed by the warm Scottish hospitality, the vibrant international atmosphere, and the rich academic environment.

Zhengyi HUA

Zhengyi HUA, an English teacher from Scotland Academy at Wuxi Taihu University, said: “From the moment we stepped onto the UWS campus, we were deeply impressed by the warm Scottish hospitality, the vibrant international atmosphere, and the rich academic environment.

“I have been truly impressed by our students' enthusiasm, confidence, and willingness to embrace new experiences.”

These days studying at the summer school here has been such a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. Being immersed in a real overseas campus lets me feel a totally different academic atmosphere and communicate with partners in English all the time.

Yueyi Zhou

One of students who participated in the programme, Yueyi Zhou, said: “These days studying at the summer school here has been such a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. Being immersed in a real overseas campus lets me feel a totally different academic atmosphere and communicate with partners in English all the time.”

Another student, Jiale Hu, said: “During this summer program, I had a wonderful and precious learning experience. I experienced the authentic British university teaching style. The teachers here are patient and encouraging. 

“They guide us to think independently and discuss actively in class. I greatly improved my oral English and broadened my global vision. I also made new friends from different backgrounds here.”

They guide us to think independently and discuss actively in class. I greatly improved my oral English and broadened my global vision. I also made new friends from different backgrounds here.

Jiale Hu

The trip concluded with a ceremony at which students presented group projects and received certificates of completion. 

UWS' International Student Recruitment team led the summer programme with the aim of strengthening the institution’s Transnational Education Partnerships; a key aspect of UWS’ mission to widen access to education and provide opportunities for all.

This programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education.