A STUDENT from a Mississippi college has completed an intensive two-week internship at Bridgwater College.

The Bath Road college has spent more than 15 years nurturing a relationship with Hinds Community College (HCC) in Raymond, Mississippi, with students from many different backgrounds benefiting from a cultural and educational exchange programme.

Jeremy Grant, a music industry and technology student from HCC, learned how to set up and manage a music studio.

As part of his training, he studied two major pieces of computer software that will be used in the studio, as well as to develop ideas and strategies on how the studio will be run. He was tutored by programme manager for music technology, Ben Houlihan.

Jeremy, aged 20, said: "I've had the most amazing time here in the UK.

"It's been an incredible learning curve, with a lot of ground to cover in just two weeks, but luckily I've had an inspirational mentor in Ben and the chance to work with excellent equipment at the college.

"I've really enjoyed working with the students as they've all been very motivated and enthusiastic. I've noticed how the learning is far more practical in the UK and focuses on mastering the technology and perfecting the performance skills, rather than sitting in a classroom reading up on the theory.

"It's also been great to see how positive and supportive the relationships are between staff and students – that's something really important I will take back with me."

Tutor Ben said: "Working with Jeremy has reminded how much we take for granted in the UK, because investment in education, particularly music technology, isn't the same around the world.

"Jeremy's energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and I think our students have really liked having him around.

"His time at Bridgwater College has helped cement our relationship with HCC and I'm really proud to think that he will be going back to Mississippi to manage a studio which we helped design, with skills we helped to develop."

Jeremy said: "To be honest, I really don't want to go home.

"If a job comes up here, I'll be back with an application form.

"However, for now, I feel like I'm going back with tons of new skills and experience, which I can't wait to put into practice."