SII DUFE students at Surrey's Summer School
In an unusually chilly and overcast July, the Surrey campus found itself brightened not only by the jubilant graduates and their families celebrating graduation week but also by the arrival of 24 enthusiastic and curious SII DUFE students. These students, accompanied by two faculty members, were attending the DUFE Summer School 2024, an initiative that marked a heartwarming revival for Surrey Business School.
This summer programme was a first of its kind for Surrey Business School since the pandemic halted similar initiatives. The last such programme in 2019 welcomed SII DUFE students for a week-long summer school. Now, reimagined as a recreational and educational experience, the two-week programme aimed to introduce students to cutting-edge entrepreneurship, refine their English presentation skills, and sharpen their entrepreneurial acumen. The curriculum included a variety of cultural activities such as day trips to Oxford and Cambridge, explorations of London, and a visit to Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, itself an example of a successful business venture.
The students were comfortably accommodated in Manor Park apartments, conveniently close to the Sports Park and ideal for BBQs further enhancing their cultural experience. For many, this was their first visit to the UK, adding to the excitement and novelty of the trip.
The overarching goal of the Summer School was to strengthen the partnership between SII DUFE and the University of Surrey, particularly within the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS). Beyond formal collaboration, the programme sought to foster the warmth of human interactions and instil a strong sense of belonging to Surrey's vibrant and internationally diverse alumni community.
The programme's intensity reached its peak with a meeting with Professor Max Lu, Vice-Chancellor, on the final day, allowing students to share their experiences and insights from the Summer School. This meeting was a highlight, providing a direct channel for feedback and reflection.
The programme received invaluable support from Professor Amelia Hadfield, Associate Vice-President for External Engagement, whose dedication to nurturing ties between SII DUFE and the University of Surrey was instrumental. Dr Alexander Seal, Associate Dean International at FABSS, captivated students with his lecture, "The Entrepreneurial Self: Developing and Using Social Capital," sparking interest in potential future studies in behavioural economics or finance.
It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time with our SII-DUFE students, most of whom are here in the UK and Surrey itself for the very first time. The Summer School helps acclimate our students both culturally and institutionally, as well as giving them a grounding in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with the unique opportunity to work with Surrey Business School and faculty staff to create their own digital business models. I look forward to seeing them all again at SII DUFE in Dalian very soon, to keep the connection with Surrey alive, and with luck, welcoming them back to Surrey as part of their UG pathway, or possibly as a PG student!
Professor Amelia HadfieldRobbie Cairns, Senior Lecturer, delivered an engaging and high-quality course on digital entrepreneurship that formed the core of the programme. His dynamic teaching style was well-received, leaving a lasting impression on the students. Tim Wray, Senior Lecturer, was a standout figure, offering heartfelt support and mentorship, embodying the essence of British hospitality. Many thanks to Yuanyuan Fan, our brilliant PhD student, whose knowledge and warmth added a layer of welcoming hospitality to the experience of the DUFE students.
Behind the scenes, the support team was indispensable. Special thanks go to our professional services colleagues - Abi Bradbeer, School Manager; Vicki Blamey, School Administrative Officer; Emma Clear, Administrative Coordinator; and Catriona Morgan, School Administrator - for their brilliant support in managing the complex logistical aspects of the programme, which was crucial to its success.
Looking ahead, we warmly thank Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Dean of Surrey Business School, for her unwavering support. We are keen to build on this years' experience and explore future opportunities for this promising project. Our aim is not just to continue but to grow, ensuring that this enriching journey benefits all involved even more profoundly in the future.
Dr Alexander Seal said: “I would personally like to thank Saori, Tim and Robbie (as well as the wider SBS support team!) for creating a highly immersive and engaging Summer School. The relationship between our two campuses is vital to the continued international success of the Business School and FABSS more broadly. I was deeply fortunate to teach a session on the summer school and it was a real pleasure to interact with the students and learn about their aspirations”
