Final-year BSc (Hons) Bioscience students Sara Kline, 24, from Brandon, and Jamerson Krelle-Hammond, 23, from Ipswich, are taking part in Erasmus+, an EU-funded exchange programme. They will complete their studies at the University of Palermo for three months.

Erasmus+ launched in the 1980s and offers the chance for students from EU and neighbouring countries to study part of their course aboard.

Academic staff facilitate the programme of study and the students are required to source accommodation and other aspects of their trip, thanks to the support of a bursary paid under the scheme. Students from the University of Palermo will visit the University of Suffolk early next year.

Prof Claudio Luparello, STEBICEF Department Erasmus coordinator at the University of Palermo, said: “I have seen many generations of students achieving beautiful results under this scheme: they truly represent the best face of Europe.

“We look forward to continue our exchange with the University of Suffolk, Department of Science and Technology, despite the uncertainty that lies ahead about funding availability for this scheme after Brexit.”

Miss Kline said: “The Erasmus exchange presents many opportunities: it’s about the science but also the language, lifestyle and culture. There are so many benefits.”

Mr Krelle- Hammondsiad: “The exchange allows me to hone those ‘soft skills’ that will benefit me in future employment. It’s a chance to live independently and is a great opportunity.

“Being a student at another university, even if for just three months, I believe will be a very different, but exciting experience.”

Dr Federica Masieri, course leader and senior lecturer for MSc Regenerative Medicine at the University of Suffolk, who started the programme at the Department of Science and Technology, said: “The exchange diversifies our offer to students, especially for dissertation projects in the area of microbiology and ecology.

“By linking up with universities like the one in Palermo, we are exposing our students to another level of expertise and offering added value.

“I am looking forward to visiting them during their stay to check how they are getting on and to discuss with the academic team in Palermo the plans for the exchange to the UK early next year.”