国際教育

Summer Study: The 5th Applied Economics Intensive in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle

The 5th Applied Economics Intensive took place during a four-week period in August and September 2018 at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The program is now an established part of YNU’s international strategy, an entry point to Study Abroad for many students which gives them the English language and academic skills necessary to take on long-term Study Abroad programs.

Final presentations
Final presentations
Awards ceremony
Awards ceremony

This year, twenty-four YNU students participated in the specially-designed course at the Paterson’s Land campus near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The program was overseen by Professor Alexander McAulay, Associate Professor Jun Kajima, international affairs administrator Masako Miyazaki from Department of Economics. The 80-hour course includes training in research skills, leading to a final-day 10-minute presentation by students on a topic related to the local economy. This lessons covered such topics as the financial services sector in Scotland, the Scottish whisky industry, and the economics of tourism in Edinburgh. All students lived during the four weeks in homestays with local families. They worked on their academic research, writing and presentation skills during the day, and could practice speaking and listening skills with their Scottish hosts over home-cooked food at night.

Fringe performers
Fringe performers

Applied Economics Intensive has been jointly developed by YNU and University of Edinburgh since 2014. The course content focuses on nurturing the academic skills needed for future long-term study abroad, in particular academic writing. The world-famous Festival & Fringe takes place in Edinburgh in August, when the population of the city doubles as artists and performers take up residence. YNU students are able to enjoy the many plays, musicals, concerts, recitals and street performances that happen every day. As in previous years, the program was over-subscribed and there was healthy competition for the 24 places.

AEI students and mentors
AEI students and mentors
Highland Tour
Highland Tour

The main focus of the program is academic study, but there are also many social and cultural events to enjoy. There optional Highland Tour is always very popular. It takes place on the first weekend, and allows students to enjoy Scotland’s incredible scenery, while enjoying singing, dancing, poetry and interaction with visiting European students. This is a very popular option and all 24 students signed up this year. Visits to local places of interest along with University of Edinburgh student mentors also take place regularly.

NHighland Tour
NHighland Tour
NHighland Tour
NHighland Tour

Every year feedback from the cohort is gathered, analysed and published on the YNU website. The cohort of 2018 greatly enjoyed their time in Edinburgh and feel they both improved their English ability, and had a rewarding study abroad experience. Recruitment for the 2019 program will begin in April. A limited number of financial grants may be available. More details of the program are available on the Department of Economics dedicated Study Abroad website.

AEI students and mentors
AEI students and mentors