It already attracts students and staff from over 100 countries, and has research links that span the globe, but Swansea University will be opening even more windows to the world as a result of a visit to Turkey and Kurdistan by Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies. 

The Vice Chancellor is part of a small group making a short visit to the region along with UK Government Education Minister David Willetts.

Swansea already has strong links with Turkey, underlined when the Turkish ambassador to the UK visited the University last year.  There are 22 Turkish students at the university, studying everything from engineering to law.  Joint research work between Swansea and Turkish universities is under way in fields like mechanical engineering and internet security.  

Kurdistan, a region of Iraq with its own government, is now developing overseas links in areas such as engineering and English language study.  The UK is the first choice for overseas study for people in Kurdistan. 

During the visit, Professor Davies will be visiting some of the institutions which already have connections with Swansea, looking for opportunities to build further links, as well as meet Turkish students who spent time studying in Swansea.

Professor Davies said:

“Since its foundation Swansea University has embraced opportunities to think globally. The University attracts students and staff from over one hundred countries. Our Academic Schools enjoy strong and productive links with partner institutions around the world, and much of the University’s teaching and research has global relevance.

“Universities provide windows and doors to the world. The University has been developing links with Turkey over the past few years, and we are beginning to build links with Kurdistan.  This visit will help strengthen those links, which is important if countries wish to widen their academic horizons and exchange expertise and knowledge.”