The #WeAreInternational campaign was co-founded by the University of Sheffield and its students’ union in 2013. With the support of other universities and sector partners, the campaign aimed to recognise and value the positive impact of international students and staff in UK universities. The campaign won a number of awards, including Best International Strategy from Times Higher Education, as well as awards from PIE News and the Guardian.
In 2019, UKCISA took over this award-winning campaign and developed the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme to empower international students to be key partners in shaping a quality student experience, using their knowledge and first-hand experience of studying in the UK to influence policy, lead the #WeAreInternational campaign and develop an inclusive global student community.
In 2022, the student ambassadors created the #WeAreInternational Student Charter, developed with the input of students and staff from across the international education sector in the UK. The charter provides guidance on the fundamental principles for delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
In 2023, we launched the #WeAreInternational Grants scheme to focus on integrating the principles of the charter in higher and further education institutions in the UK through research and projects. We also launched a cross-sector phase of the #WeAreInternational campaign to increase positive sentiment towards international students and improve perceptions of how welcoming the UK is.
