Saturday 2 March 2024, saw the culmination of the four-day annual ‘British Education is GREAT’ Roadshow 2024, where nine international educational organisations, representing over 50 UK universities and college institutions, gathered in the Crowne Plaza Hotel to give Lao students a chance to meet and discuss the opportunities available to study in the United Kingdom, and how to go about this.
The event was jointly organised by the British Business Group in Lao PDR, soon to be renamed the British Chamber of Commerce in Laos, and the British Education Centre (BEC) in Laos, a company member of BBGL, and was supported by the British Embassy in Laos. The organisers of the event were Siraprapa Sae-leo, Managing Director of BEC, the BBGL Executive Secretary Seng Xayaphrakassa, and outgoing Chairman of BBGL, John Cockcroft, with John and Seng providing English and Lao language translations as joint Master of Ceremonies.
Having already visited the campuses of several international schools in Luang Prabang and Vientiane for presentations in the preceding days, this final day of the Roadshow 2024 gave Lao students information on the potential scholarships available, student accommodation in the cities and institutions of their choice, the assistance available to apply for university and college education in the UK, application for student visas, the guidance to achieve the necessary grades in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and opportunities to work in the UK both whilst a student and after graduation as, for example, a trainee in their chosen field
The event was attended by former Lao Ambassador to the UK, and current Chairman of the Lao-UK Friendship Association, Amb. Sayakane Sisouvong, and was also honoured to have the new UK Ambassador to Laos, Her Excellency Melanie Barlow, give an address to the attending students, parents, teachers and education specialists.
Ambassador Mel Barlow reminded the audience that the UK has been the preferred choice for education of some of the most important minds in history, and that one in four world leaders had studied in the UK. She pointed out that UK universities are globally recognised, with 4 in the top 10 and 18 in the top 100 according to QS, and reminded everyone that the UK’s education sector ranks second only to the US for the number of international students, there being half a million international students in the UK in 2018-19.
Ambassador Mel Barlow went on to say that education in the UK gives career advantages in a fast moving world and referred to the several reasons why employers seek UK graduates including that UK graduates:
– develop fluent English, the international language of business;
– are more aware of new research and current professional practices because of the UK’s strong connections between education and industry;
– have more cultural experience than students who stay in their home country and cana work with colleagues from all over the world;
– understand how modern business works due to the skills they learned during many placements offered as part of UK courses.
It was also mentioned that living and studying in the UK is an experience to be treasured since the country offers a world class education, high quality teaching and so much to explore. From an open and inclusive way of life to ancient traditions, stunning landscapes to an unbeatable international culture scene, there is much to experience.
Following graduation the Ambassador spoke of the options to stay in the UK for a period, including the government’s Graduate Route visa and Skilled Worker route. She reminded her captivated audience that student visas are being processed within three weeks when a student has an offer of a place at a university and that London is only 15 hours flying time away and is much the same as travelling to many parts of Australasia.
The Ambassador finally reminded students that the British Government offered fully funded Masters scholarships for individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds.
The volunteers from the National University of Laos, Faculty of Economics and Business Studies, and the French International School are to be thanked for their help on Saturday morning, 02 March 2024.
