SAMS news room

Two Canadian students currently on the first ever exchange programme between SAMS, a partner of UHI, and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia have been enjoying a marine science adventure in Scotland.

CC Ham and Hannah Ho Lung came to study at SAMS in Oban at the beginning of the current academic year and have enjoyed becoming immersed in the practical side of marine science.

“It has been a new and fun experience, making new connections and studying marine science right by the ocean,” said CC.

“A highlight for me has been going out on the SAMS research vessel, Seol Mara. We got to deploy equipment like CTDs (conductivity, temperature, depth instrument). It has been great to get such hands-on experience.”

Hannah said: “I had never been to Scotland before, so when the opportunity came up I went for it. Our university is involved in other exchange programmes but many of them are more general than marine science, so this seemed a great fit.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience. Everyone is really nice, the country is very beautiful, and I was delighted that I could understand the local accent straight away!”

The exchange hasn’t been all work. Between them, the fourth-year marine biology students have found time to travel as far afield as London and Barcelona, as well as around parts of Scotland.

Shona Magill, SAMS Head of Student Services, said: “We are delighted to welcome the first two students from Dalhousie University to SAMS. This exciting exchange opportunity enables students to spend a semester fully immersed in marine science while experiencing life and study in Scotland.

“Embarking on studying abroad provides students with the chance to enhance their academic journey while experiencing in new cultures and perspectives. It is also an opportunity to form new lifelong friendships.

“Our Dalhousie students have already embraced their time in Scotland with enthusiasm, and we hope their positive experience will encourage many more students to take advantage of this unique partnership and choose SAMS as part of their international learning journey.”

Meanwhile, SAMS has recently rejoined Erasmus study scheme as the institute looks to revive some of its key European student exchange partnerships. This will create opportunities for SAMS UHI students to study abroad, as well as students from across Europe to come to Oban.

Find out more about the opportunities to study at SAMS.