25 US teenagers who were affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 are currently enjoying a special activity-packed tour of the UK.

9/11 summer camp group at the University of Birmingham

The trip includes a stay at the University of Birmingham where they will take part in a blogging masterclass, explore its iconic Edgbaston campus and find out more about life at a leading UK higher education institution.  The teenagers will also visit the University’s renowned Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the impact of the world famous playwright’s work on world culture.

Organised by the British Council, the 9/11 Summer Camp is in its fourth year.  The 10-day trip offers the US teenagers a firsthand opportunity to experience the cultural and educational opportunities of the UK.  Funded by the UK 9/11 Scholarship Fund, the programme is tailored to teenagers who endured the death or serious injury of a parent in the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

One of the students, Jessica Wisniewski, commented: “The camp has exceeded my expectations; we’ve done lots of different activities so far and it’s been great fun.  Visiting a university, such as Birmingham, gives me a real idea of what I could expect if I chose to study in the UK. ”

Marilyn Miles, Head of International Development at the University of Birmingham, added: “We are delighted to be working with the British Council on the Birmingham leg of the 9/11 Summer Camp and to have the group staying on our campus.  It’s a fantastic programme and we hope that their time at Birmingham will contribute to what is sure to be a memorable experience for the group in the UK.”

In addition to the University of Birmingham, the 9/11 Summer Camp itinerary includes four days in Scotland visiting Edinburgh and Loch Lomond, and three days in Wales taking in Conway, Llandudno and Snowdonia.