Twelve third-year students, two lecturers and the Director of studies Mathematics and Applications at Fontys University of Applied Sciences have been to London in April 2012 for one week. Before we could go to London, many preparations had to be taken. Meetings with the lecturers started in September. During these meetings, various activities were planned and every student had his or her own task:
- One couple directed the script;
- Another pair was responsible for the budget and the sponsoring;
- Two students arranged the logistics transport within and outside London;
- Most students contacted various companies.
The following companies were approached: Office for National Statistics, The London Underground, Lloyd’s, Willis Re and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). The last company is a logistics company that is about the Olympic Games in London (27 July until 12 August 2012). These companies were chosen because of the branches of Mathematics and Applications, namely Logistics, Insurances, Statistics and Information Technology. To visit these companies we use a Travelcard. So we can travel by public transport in zone 1 and 2 in the heart of London.
The second step was to inquire whether we were welcome at the company. The education Mathematics and Applications have a good relationship with Michel den Boer (Willis Re) since a few years ago. He is always present at the meetings about networking, organized by Mathematics and Applications. Unfortunately LOCOG was too busy with the Olympic Games to receive us. The contact between us and the companies was good for both parties. We were able to extend our network and it is more likely that we work for that company in the future. During the contact, we share our interests and the expectations with the companies. When all information was shared with the company and the students, we could prepare for our study trip.
Besides visiting the companies we want to see London itself. We have free time scheduled. Thus we can visit several attractions in zone 1 and zone 2. Buckingham Palace, British museum and the Tower of London are attractions in zone 1 for example. The area of the Olympic Games 2012 and the Emirates stadium are examples in zone 2.
The study trip to London is a unique opportunity from the education Mathematics and Applications. It will be a beautiful experience to remember.
Yannick Mommers
Student of Mathematics and Applications
