Premier League players visit new Bournemouth University International College

Two Premier League players from AFC Bournemouth popped into the new Bournemouth University International College, ahead of its official opening later this month, to check out the new facilities and speak to some of the students living and studying there. They even took some time out for a quick game of table football in the games room.

French players Sylvain Distin and Yann Kermorgant, who have both experienced what it is like to move from a different country to the UK, visited the International College in advance of its official opening on 15 October 2015 and met students from a wide range of countries including, China, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.

The new International College building on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth, is part of the University's Lansdowne Campus, and has been built through a partnership between Bournemouth University and Kaplan International Colleges to provide a learning and living facility for international students to come to the UK to gain further academic qualifications. 

The College has supported more than 700 students from over 50 nationalities to progress to Bournemouth University since 2013.  So far this academic year, approximately 150 students from 39 nationalities have arrived to study at the College.

Speaking ahead of the official opening, Rachel Woodward Carrick, Director of Bournemouth University International College, said, "It was great to welcome the Premier League players to Bournemouth University International College. The Premier League is seen all over the world and we are delighted to be welcoming international students to study and live in a first class environment in Bournemouth."

AFC Bournemouth's Sylvain Distin, who has made over 400 Premier League appearances and currently holds the record as the international outfield player with most Premier League appearances, said, "I think it's a good thing to be able to help students come from different countries. I've been through it - not through university necessarily - but I moved countries and it's not easy so that will help them for sure."

Striker Yann Kermorgant, whose 17 goals last season helped to power Bournemouth into the Premier League for the first time in the Club's history, agreed, saying, "I think it's a great experience for BU and for the students coming here to have that experience with different cultures. The building is nice; it's a new one and has great facilities for them as well.”

Eyad Saleh A Alduraibi studies at Bournemouth University International College, and was one of the students to meet the players. He said, “I have been watching the football team and they have been great. But to meet them at the International College and show them the place was wonderful. They said that that they loved it and they were very impressed.”

The official opening of the building will take place on 15 October 2015 and there will be a chance for the public to see the new building with an afternoon of entertainment and tours being held on Saturday October 17 from 12-4pm. To get your sneak peak of the new College, watch the exclusive video.