Douglas students leave for Carmarthen as Trinity students head home
By Dylan Hackett, News Editor
Last month, students from University of Wales Trinity St. David studied at Douglas College, immersing themselves in the many sights and activities of Metro Vancouver while being guests of the Canadian students they have hosted in the past half-decade.
“It’s weird actually, because we’re used to people coming over to us and we show them around. Having it the other way around is good because everyone has been really helpful and welcoming,” said Matthew Sullivan of the TSD Acting program. “Having it the other way around is good—everyone has been really helpful and welcoming!”
Douglas hosted students from both the TSD early childhood education program and the acting program. Students on the exchange to Douglas were keen on being guests to the school whose students often fill their residence halls in the summer months.
“I think Douglas College is becoming a bit like Trinity—it is encouraging international students and I think it is doing really well in that respect,” explained Sullivan. “I think the place itself, as an institution has got a lot of integrity and I have a lot of respect for the place.”
Trinity has also become a popular option for Douglas College theatre students wishing to earn their bachelor’s degree after earning their Diploma of Performing Arts in Theatre. Heading to the TSD Carmarthen campus this September to complete their BA in Acting from Douglas are Julia Siedlanowska, Zach Blumke, Ian Duck, Claire Pollock, and Jake Gillespie.
“I’m really looking forward to attending Trinity come September, it is a fantastic opportunity to get my degree, study abroad, meet new people, and see new things,” said Gillespie.
The TSD acting students shared their enthusiasm for their time at Douglas College and the international relationship their school has with the institute.
“We were representing our own college, representing our country and we hope we’ve shown Wales and Trinity to be a great place so people will want to come to Trinity more and experience our culture as much as we’ve enjoyed experiencing their culture,” said Abs Staddon of TSD Acting.
On May 25 the Wales Field School 2012 students left YVR to Carmarthen via Gatwick and awaited arrival with anticipation.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories about Conway Davies’ presentations and speeches. I’m looking forward to what they’re going to be like in real life,” explained Kiera Floor.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some castles,” said Andrew Ducholke. “That really interests me.”
The Trinity students ended their stay at Arundel Mansion across from Douglas with a performance of the Greek classic Oedipus.
“Being able to perform in [Laura C. Muir] theatre with people from our college and also to be supported by people of Douglas College and to receive all the enthusiasm and feedback we had felt really embracing and welcoming,” remarked Staddon.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Douglas College. I feel everyone has been very supportive,” said Rachel Lewis of the TSD Acting program. “I’ve also enjoyed working with all the people here and hope that [Wales Field School students] will enjoy their time in Wales!”
