Scotland Alive for International students

University rector Lorraine Kelly welcomed a large number of Dundee's thousands of international students and their families to the Caird Hall in February for an event designed to teach them about Scotland and Scottish life, potential employment opportunities, and support available from the thriving multi cultural communities within Dundee.

The hugely successful event was staged as part of the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent Initiative which encourages people to consider living and working in Scotland. It was organised by the Student Advisory Service in collaboration with the University of Abertay and Dundee College, and funded by the Scottish Executive.

The two-day programme, designed to show international students that Scotland is the place where they can make their future beyond graduation, also included a ceilidh, dazzling entertainment by students from the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance at Dundee College, the University of Abertay's Pipe Band, as well as a variety of multi-cultural dances, songs and music performed by Dundee University students and members of the community, many of whom were children.

Also included were informal talks led by five graduates from both Universities. They were professionals who reflected on their experiences of studying, working and living in Scotland.

A range of local information providers and representatives from the three institutions were there, alongside a variety of craft stallholders.

Irene Donaldson, Head of the Student Advisory Service, said, "There are thousands of students from outside the UK who come to study in Dundee every year and it would be a huge boost for the city and for Scotland if we could persuade them that there is a successful life available to them here after they finish their studies."

Irene hopes that the 'Scotland Alive' extravaganza will be an annual event, funds permitting, and is already making plans for 2007.

Further information on other events being organised throughout the year in connection with the Fresh Talent Initiative is available at www.freshtalentdundee.org.uk