We give a fond farewell to Triam Udom Suksa School from Bangkok, Thailand who were with Gower College Swansea for a Pre Medicine Immersion Programme for two weeks in March.
Upon arrival, students were welcomed by the International Team and given a campus tour before immediately engaging in a GCS Honours Medical Science tutorial. Throughout their stay, they observed and participated in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Mathematics classes, experiencing the Welsh education system first hand. Students were paired with local learners to ensure a fully immersive experience at Gower College Swansea and spoke highly of the lecturers, as well as the balance of practical and classroom based learning. This was further enhanced through a range of hands on sessions on campus, including criminology practicals and medical dissection workshops. Students also met with our Media Lecturer, who is currently collaborating with the University of Toronto on an innovative VR Dementia project aimed at supporting patients living with the condition.
Alongside their academic studies, students explored a range of cultural and local attractions. Afternoon visits included trips to Rhossili Bay, Mumbles, Cardiff and Bath. They also visited Swansea City Centre, the National Waterfront Museum and Swansea Museum, where they sampled traditional Welsh cakes and laverbread—so popular that one Triam pupil enjoyed it so much he purchased his own batch.
During their stay, students also visited Swansea University, where they toured the Medical School and learned about its close collaboration with Singleton Hospital, a major teaching hospital within Swansea Bay University Health Board. Led by a Student Ambassador, the visit highlighted the strong links between the university and the hospital, demonstrating the benefits of early clinical exposure and learning alongside experienced practising clinicians in a real NHS setting.
In addition, our Oxbridge Coordinators delivered a Critical Thinking session designed to develop students’ oracy skills and analytical reasoning. This encouraged learners to consider the expectations of higher education and the academic skills required for future study.
Finally, students completed a task assigned at the beginning of their stay, delivering presentations to a panel of staff on CRISPR. These demonstrated their scientific understanding while engaging in ethical debate and critical evaluation of regulation and responsibility.