In celebration of our international students, who bring a glorious array of experiences and diversity to the College, and in advance of next week’s International Student Day, we’re looking back over the past summer of events and excursions in a series of blog posts. Here, we share the delicious and stylish afternoon tea enjoyed by outgoing international students at the end of last term.
The exquisite Mariage Frères Tea Rooms in London’s Covent Garden was the location and the special guests were Birkbeck’s international students, enjoying the final international student event of the academic year, providing another chance to socialise and make friends, especially for those students about to finish their studies and move on to new pastures.
After a welcoming glass of French champagne and iced Japanese tea hosted in the Mariage Frères reception room and museum, Professor Kevin Ibeh, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), started proceedings with heartfelt congratulations to the students for enduring this unprecedented time of pandemic and thanked La Young Jackson (Registry Services) for organising this and so many other ‘delightful events’. He encouraged students to be proud of their achievements and of their university, and to stay close to the institution in their lifelong futures as Birkbeck alumni.
Host Julien of Mariage Frères gave a brief and interesting introduction to the history of the company, founded in Paris in 1864 and still the quintessential French high quality tea emporium. He introduced the company’s concept of ‘travelling the world through tea’ especially with their signature Marco Polo tea blend. He introduced items from the small museum collection and demonstrated in his beautiful French accent the correct pronunciation of ‘Mariage Frères’ – it’s not easy!
Then it was down to the serious business of scoffing cakes and savoury treats and drinking delicious teas in the beautiful surroundings of this historic 19th century building. In case you’re wondering how a French afternoon tea differs from an English one, the answer is perhaps not so surprising – the French food offerings were simply more stylish, exquisite and, well, trés chic! Each savoury and cake was a small mouth-watering work of art.
Both students and staff in attendance agreed that the French afternoon tea party was a truly wonderful experience and everybody left feeling happy and very full.
Thanks go to all of the wonderful students for making the event such a joyous occasion. For those of you embarking on the lifelong journey as Birkbeck alumni, please remember as the saying goes – “this is not ‘goodbye’, it is merely ‘au revoir’”.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
- Find out about becoming an international student at Birkbeck.
- Read more about student life at Birkbeck.
- Read the recent news of Birkbeck’s welcome for new international students.
