Earlier this month, students studying at the Bader International Study Centre (BISC) received their official BISC scarf in a ceremony in the ballroom of the historic Herstmonceux Castle.

The scarf—a navy blue knit with red stripes and the BISC logo—marks the students’ entry into the BISC and Queen’s communities. This newly formed tradition is based on the venerable British varsity scarf, which is used to differentiate students attending the top colleges across the British university system.

The scarf is given to every student who spends a term at the BISC. It is hoped that they will become an attractive complement to the famous Queen’s jackets that are purchased by many students.

"The scarves serve as a visual reminder of the students’ membership in a strong, supportive, and vibrant community—one that we hope continues to play an important role in their lives long after they have completed their studies at the BISC and Queen’s,” says Tom Gallini, BISC Student and Enrolment Services Manager, who presented the scarves along with Caroline Harber, BISC Operations Manager, and Christian Lloyd, BISC Academic Director.

The BISC hosts approximately 350 students each year across its three terms. A revitalized first year program based on the theme “thinking locally, acting globally” provides a dynamic international foundation to a Queen’s degree, while upper year programming allows students to develop international experience that is crucial in our increasingly globalized economy.

"As our business, political, and research communities become more international, so too must our system of education if we intend to continue to develop strong leaders,” says Dr. Lloyd. “We hope to see our scarves on the campuses of both Queen’s and our partner universities around the world, as a sign of our students’ support of this ethos.”

Learn more about the Bader International Study Centre.