A group of Dundee and Angus College students are taking to the stage in Dundee to describe their experiences on a trans-Atlantic exchange trip — which included working on a talent show broadcast across the USA.
HND acting and performance students Tasha Smith, Jessica Dunne and Darren Forbes-Kinklen joined Scott Guthrie, Matthew Milroy and Kieran McManus, who are enrolled on the HND interactive media programme, on a three-month exchange visit to Nova (North Virginia Community College) on the outskirts of Washington DC.
The students attended full-time classes alongside their US counterparts and enjoyed a real taste of the NOVA curriculum.
They also took part behind the scenes of Nova Idol, an annual singing competition open to all its students – not only across its six campuses but also those learning online across the whole of the US.
The competition was webcast across the US and Jessica swapped backstage for front and centre when she sang ‘Let it Be’ at the end of the show.
Along with Tasha and Darren, Jess also took part in a nationwide public speaking competition and were part of the team who won seven gold medals.
The interactive media students took part in a variety of projects designing marketing materials such as websites, posters and logos for local businesses and Matthew won a design competition.
With all the valuable experience the students are now well placed for their final challenge — delivering a presentation to senior college staff.
The D&A College-Nova student exchange programme is supported by Erasmus (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students), an EU-funded programme.