International students gets a glimpse of railway heritage

Dozens of students from across the globe have been offered a look at our rail heritage as part of new partnership to exhibit our attractions and culture.

Students from as far afield as India, Korea and Italy have visited Hopetown, in Darlington, as part of a new joint push by Teesside University and Visit Tees Valley.

The group showcases the university’s global mobility operation, partnering with universities worldwide to offer students a taste of studying in the UK. The project also allows international students to explore Tees Valley beyond Middlesbrough, highlighting its heritage and beauty to attract and retain talent in our region.

The visit to the Darlington attraction comes as celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway imminently begin.

Students Swayam Doshi and Aarav Gogoi, from India, were amazed by the history on show at Hopetown.

Aarav said: “I’ve got to know how the trains started in Darlington, what happened in the past, and the plans for the future. It’s very informative and overwhelming.”

Teesside University boasts more than 150,000 alumni in 150 different countries and international students are estimated to boost the Tees Valley economy by more than £330m each year.*

This fresh partnership aims to ensure that the region continues to be a popular destination for students from across the world so they, in turn, can act as global ambassadors for the Tees Valley, promoting our cultures and values.

Dr Warren Harrison, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Teesside University, said: “Our industrial heritage is of global significance, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Visit Tees Valley to showcase what an impact the Tees Valley has made on the world.

“We know that our global community of international graduates are engaged and enthusiastic advocates for this region and, through this partnership, we will provide them with greater insight into what the Tees Valley has to offer so that they can continue to support us in our mission to transform lives and economies.”

Visit Tees Valley is the branch of the combined authority which focuses on the region’s tourism offer, visitor attractions and events.