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London South Bank University hosts Rotterdam Masters students
LSBU students and lecturers from the Executive Master in Public Administration hosted students from Rotterdam University in MarchThe trip was designed to help students tackle various public service issues. In addition to attending field trips, the students had an opportunity to attend lectures at LSBU's Southwark campus and participate in group activities.
"This was a very interesting experience that gave great cross-cultural understanding to both LSBU and Rotterdam students," commented Executive MPA student Hana Mosavie. "I had the opportunity to meet many interesting individuals and understand a different approach to many ideologies, including communism, governance and community values.
"Following this experience, I know have the ability to understand the true meaning of the Dutch 'Big Society'. It has also helped me create my dissertation title on Global Governance. I thoroughly enjoyed the time with the University of Rotterdam."
LSBU's Executive MPA is a leading postgraduate programme, ranked number one by the Government Skills Framework. The programme is for mid-career public managers who want to develop their careers within an ever-changing sector. Covering public policy, governance and management, it is a natural fit with the students from Rotterdam who have similar professional profiles and academic interests.
LSBU has established a close relationship with the University of Rotterdam which now involves an annual trip to London. This provides both groups of students with a cross-cultural learning experience.
"This was a great opportunity for students from the two universities to meet and discuss the increasingly complex challenges facing society," says Dr Stephen Barber, MPA Associate Course Director and Reader in the Faculty of Business.
"Looking at issues through the lens of a different country can help to both better understand the questions and critique approaches. Valuable connections were made between the groups and we plan to continue our collaboration in the future."
This view was echoed by Executive MPA student and Civil Servant Dan Sweeney: "This gave me the opportunity to experience first-hand the differences and similarities in approach to public sector management.
"This will prove invaluable for both the International Summer School later in June and consideration of potential comparison studies for assignments and dissertations. Afterwards students took the opportunity to continue the invigorating debates on the more political points over some drinks and a well-earned local meal!"
Learn more about studying the Executive Master in Public Administration