Read about some of our ambassadors' experiences with the programme below and find out more about all the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors here.
Vartika Khandelwal, 2023-2024 cohort
“Being a UKCISA ambassador has opened avenues for me and put me at the national stage as a student. It is an experience unparalleled to any other. It felt like I had a family since my first month, always super supportive and looking out for me.
The programme puts you at the right stage at the right time to influence change and the people you meet along the way are so receptive to ideas. It has truly allowed me to flourish as a professional and individual.”
Adityavarman Mehta, 2023-2024 cohort
“The #WeAreInternational programme has added significant meaning to my student experience in the UK. In addition to conducting PhD research at the intersection of conflict, peacebuilding and global health diplomacy, being a UKCISA Student Ambassador has given me the platform to add value to current and prospective international students.
Through speaking engagements at various conferences across the country, I have also had the privilege of interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders in the higher education ecosystem, and participating in honest discussions on ways to continually elevate the international student experience in the UK. I am eternally grateful for the time I have spent working with UKCISA.”
Annie Chan, 2022-2023 cohort
"Being a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador at UKCISA is a wonderful experience. The programme is very well-structured, and it gives me opportunities to share my own experience and stories of studying in the UK with educators, university staff and my fellow ambassadors. In less than a year, I have already met a lot of passionate and like-minded people who also want to make a positive change for the international student community.
I feel supported by UKCISA staff all the time and they provide us with training sessions on public speaking, policymaking and much more, which has helped me to develop new skills and enhance my personal growth. This programme is also a great platform for me to voice my opinion and it has boosted my confidence in socialising with people. I highly recommend for other students to apply."
Ilo Unuigbe, 2022-2023 cohort
“Being one of the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors has been one of the major highlights of studying for my masters. I have met brilliant and outstanding students from all over the world which has helped me improve my intercultural competence.
As an ambassador, I have been empowered to make meaningful contributions to policies and processes that are aimed at improving the international student experience which is an area that I am passionate about. I have also had the opportunity to improve my public speaking and engagement skills. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of advocating for myself as well as for international students like me by telling my story. It's been a remarkably awesome experience and I encourage eligible international students to apply!”
Lindsay Nygren, 2022-2023 cohort
“As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, a highlight for me has been speaking on behalf of international students in the UK at various conferences. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting and connecting with other international students in the UK and sharing our experiences. It has made my time in the UK so meaningful because I have been able to extend beyond the University of Glasgow and form relationships that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I have gained confidence through the impact we have all made as we continue to work to enhance the international student experience in the UK.”
Juan Ramon Candia, 2021-2022 cohort
“Being part of UKCISA as a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador has been a very rewarding experience. I have had the chance to speak at high-profile, national education events about how international students can tackle the climate crisis, which is my area of professional development.
We have worked closely with UKCISA staff and participated in dozens of training sessions, workshops and meetings with various organisations, aimed at shaping policy and improving the international student experience while in the UK; all of which have substantially enriched my own experience as an international student. Highly recommended!”
Nebu George, 2020-2021 cohort
“I joined the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme with one thing in mind: employability! Through this programme, I have met and worked with influential, passionate, and inspiring individuals in the higher education sector, working to achieve the goal of better employability for international students. From being able to influence their conversations and campaigns to providing student perspectives on various policies, I have developed my voice, our voices, as powerful drivers for change to enrich the international student experience in the UK.”
