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This semester, Sussex has welcomed almost 300 visiting and exchange students from across Europe, Asia, North America, and Australasia, bringing a new wave of international energy to campus. These students are here for either a semester or a year, and their arrival highlights the truly global outlook that defines Sussex.

We were especially pleased to welcome larger groups from several of our key partners, including the University of Waterloo (Canada), the University of Maastricht (Netherlands), the University of California, Santa Cruz (USA), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and the University of Western Australia. These long-standing relationships continue to enrich our community and offer valuable opportunities for students and staff alike.

The Global Mobility (Inbound) team, with support from colleagues across the university, delivered a lively welcome programme to help students settle in. The week began with the V&E Welcome Party, where students met one another and began building friendships that will carry them through the semester. Professor Simon Thomas, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, set the tone in his Welcome Talk, emphasising the importance of international collaboration and the role exchange plays in shaping truly global graduates.

Each academic school also ran tailored welcome talks to introduce students to their departments and key staff. Beyond the academic programme, the team organised a range of social activities, including a popular trip to Lewes, which gave students a taste of the rich history and culture of our local area.

For many of these students, this is their first time in the UK, and the welcome programme plays a crucial role in helping them feel part of the Sussex community from the start.

Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for the spring semester, when we will welcome our next cohort of visiting and exchange students in January 2026. The team is working closely with schools and services to ensure these students receive the same warm Sussex welcome.

Thank you to all colleagues who have played a part in supporting our visiting and exchange students this autumn - whether through teaching, administration, or simply offering a friendly face on campus. Your efforts make a real difference in ensuring Sussex remains a welcoming and internationally connected university.

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