Engineering Diploma students from Pembrokeshire College recently gathered for lunch, but this was no ordinary lunch.

The group were invited by a cohort of international students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who are currently studying the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical and Marine Engineering, for an exchange of cultural activities.

Students Mana Almazrouei and Khalifa Sarwashi proudly presented to 45 learners and eight members of college staff on Arab culture, religion and future economic developments in the UAE.

“We enjoyed sharing our culture with the Welsh engineering groups. They asked us many questions about our country and what we do. We have made many friends and this helps us with our English speaking,” said Mana.

In exchange for an informative UAE presentation, Professional Catering students served a classic British lunch of succulent roast chicken, followed by gooey treacle sponge and berry crumble, at the college’s Academy Restaurant.

“It was interesting talking with the UAE groups, they told us about their culture and religion. One of the group has racing camels, I did not know that there was such a big market for them in the UAE. Dubai is somewhere I would love to visit from hearing their stories,” said student Steffan Thomas.

During the lunch, both UAE and Welsh learners exchanged their college experiences, hobbies and living day-to-day in their prospective countries.

“It was decided to get all groups together in this way as they were both equally interested in each other. It was amazing to see the UAE learners mix with our Welsh learners in an informal and friendly way. Our learners are all hoping to get engineering jobs at home and abroad, so it is essential that they can integrate and forge relationships with people from all walks of life,” said engineering lecturer Will Bateman.