Limkokwing University students on the London Global University Campus programme gained the opportunity to study England’s rich cultural history and architectural designs on 11 April.
The outdoor educational programme was facilitated by a historian and art lecturer, Chris Hughes, to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation for the country’s history.
Students began the excursion at Windsor city in Berkshire, home to one of the oldest and largest occupied royal castle. Students witnessed the royal flag being raised in the presence of the Queen of England. They watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony and street Grand Processions at the Windsor Great Park.
The following venue was the scenic city of Bath, Somerset, where students learned Georgian architecture from Chris. He also provided students with a deeper understanding of the development and transformation of British architectural design that had been shaped over the centuries.
The city was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1987 and was constructed over geothermal springs. It is famous for Roman inspired spa which was crafted from bath stones.
Another example of Georgian architecture was The Circus (formerly known as King’s Circus), a rounded landmark which consisted of three curved segments townhouses arranged in a circular shape. These unique arrangements of mansions has made it one of the most attractive and visited landmark in the country.
Students also learned about Jane Austen, one of the world’s most prominent author at the Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire. Her novels have left a lasting effect in modern society and have been studied for generations by the literature community.
Lastly, they explored Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire. Students learned that these rings of stones were believed by archaeologists to have been erected between 3000 BC or 2000 BC and may have taken 1500 years to complete construction. The history of Stonehedge is still subjected to debate with no surviving records to indicate the monument’s true intended purpose.
Limkokwing University’ Global University Campus Programme enables students to learn history and cultures through an immersive learning approach. This allows greater awareness and appreciation for different cultures.
“It was a unique experience for me,” said Malaysian Bachelor of Business (Hons) in International Business student Aurobindh Chakkravathy. “We were able to see how the Romans used to do things and study 14th century architecture.”
The experience showed Aurobindh the importance of preserving old architecture and continuation of a culture.
“We as Asians tend to imitate other cultures instead of showcasing our own,” he said. “We tend to forget to preserve antique architecture due to cost of upkeep and maintenances.”
Limkokwing University provides students with multicultural experience and global networking opportunities. This enable graduate to gain a competitive advantage in a globalised environment and greater appreciation for cultural diversity.