Thornhill Rotary Club Goes International

Recently our weekly meeting in The Thornhill Inn turned international, our annual international night is where Rotarian Robin McClelland invites international students from the Crichton University Campus to come along to one of our meetings where they give us a brief presentation of themselves, background and studies.

This year Caterina Pezzi from the Italian city of Bologna, joined Philip Palios from Seattle, Washington, USA. During their presentation they described why they choose Dumfries for their studies, differences between countries and what they liked or disliked about our area.

Philip who previously studied: BA Literature at University of Washington started proceedings with his presentation:

“I came to Dumfries for the MLitt Environment, Culture and Communication programme with University of Glasgow offered at the Crichton Campus. My studies focus on the role of cultural work (like writing) within communities as a form of strengthening connection to place and addressing environmental issues. 

After completing my degree in August I will be looking for relevant work that engages community around social issues either in the UK or US.

 One difference in student life between the US and Scotland that I have noticed is the extensive role of field trips and hands-on learning in Dumfries & Galloway that is integrated into our course. Additionally, there are strong ties between undergraduate and postgraduate students with opportunities for more experienced students to help newer ones.  It has been a great experience so far”

Caterina who previously studied in her own country of Italy applied for an Undergraduate Course in BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries, followed on to say: That she is enjoying her time in Dumfries and Galloway and as well as her studies she is enjoying and getting involved within the local community.

Besides the obvious cultural differences she is also learning a lot about the environmental differences between Italy and Scotland.

Caterina is also heavily involved in the starting up of a Cooperative within the Campus where she is sourcing local foods and supplies to sell to the other students at cost price.

Photograph shows L-R: Rotarian Robin McClelland, President Liz Baxter, Caterina Pezzi and Philip Palios.

A.S. 16-05-2019