Oban attracts students from across the globe
Until recently, Oban’s young people had to leave the town if they wanted to study and many never returned, causing a ‘brain drain’ and leaving an ageing population.
But now Oban has become a university town, a growing number of young people stay here to study and others from all over the world move into the area to gain an education.
Of the 800 students currently studying in Oban, around 12.5 per cent are from outside the UK.
Students from an astonishing 40 countries from across the world are currently registered at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS UHI) at Dunstaffnage and Ballet West at Taynuilt. Argyll College UHI also has a number of European students. Overall, the majority of students are from the EU.
The largest number of foreign students attend SAMS UHI, studying for undergraduate (34), Master (36) and doctorate (14) marine science qualifications. Ballet West has 18 non-UK BA students currently studying dance. Additionally, there are regular student exchange programmes with Malaysia, Spain, Croatia and the Netherlands, bringing more foreign students for shorter periods to Oban.
‘The more diverse a student group is, the more learning can happen as they all contribute different experiences and perspectives,’ says Professor Keith Davidson, who heads the education team at SAMS.
‘Our foreign students often comment on the warm welcome they receive from the local community – if not from the weather.’
These students are committed ambassadors for Oban in the world. A small number even stay and settle here.
Some start up new businesses, such as Venezuelan SAMS graduate Jessica Giannotti, right.
Beyond the students, also many of the teaching and support staff have come from outside the UK and contribute to growing the university town.
To learn more about the university town project, visit www.obanunitown.org and use #LoveLearningLoveOban.