Indian University Looks to Build on Partnership with University of Worcester

The head of a university in India says he is keen to build on the partnership between his institution and the University of Worcester.

Dr Rajendra Vikhe Patil, Chief Executive and Pro Chancellor of the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, visited the University of Worcester and was impressed by the facilities and the benefits they can offer his students.

A current partnership exists between the two universities, which sees students from the UK visiting the university in India as part of their studies, and discussions took place on how that could be extended and also reciprocated in the future.

“This is my first visit and I’m really happy to be here,” said Dr Vikhe Patil.  “The University of Worcester has great facilities available – the accommodation and The Hive library were excellent.  It also has good infrastructure and surroundings.

“We want good partners where we can have an enhanced programme, where our staff and students can come here and learn things and students and staff from Worcester can come to Pravara and teach our people.”

The University of Worcester is Pravara Institute’s only partner university in the UK, although it has several partnerships with universities in Europe and the USA.

The present arrangement, which is in its second year, sees Health and Education students from the University of Worcester undertake learning and placement work with the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, including working in nearby hospitals and schools. 

Dr Vikhe Patil said: “We’re in a remote area and some things aren’t possible for us.  What we see here makes those things possible, such as learning more about technology here and equipment.  They will have training on how to use equipment and what it’s used for.  Our students would train here and learn here and when they come back they can try to improve these things.” 

Some of the University of Worcester’s Nursing, Health and Education students have recently spent a month in India.  They have been working in the local community, in healthcare settings and schools, gaining experience of another culture and language.

To find out more about studying with the University of Worcester from this September call 01905 855111 or visit www.worcester.ac.uk.