UKCISA Fest 2021

Last modified: 22 July 2022

Welcome to UKCISA Fest: a three-day event series for UKCISA members and international students in the UK

15-17 November 2021

Last year, over 400 international students across the UK took part in UKCISA Fest, to inform policy and practice through their lived experience. This year, we are going further!

From Monday 15 November to Wednesday 17 November 2021, we invite both UKCISA members and international students to participate in virtual webinars and workshops, alongside sector partners and policy makers – to celebrate International Students’ Day and International Education Week.

Member bookings are now closed.

Student bookings are now closed.

Promotion

You can download our UKCISA Fest 2021 Promotional Pack which contains several assets to share across whichever platform you desire.

In partnership with

 

 

Booking

Last modified: 18 November 2021

UKCISA Fest 2021 will be delivered via:

Cvent Platform: exclusive webinars and content for registered delegates 

We are inviting a limited number of members and students to participate in workshops and seminars on the Cvent platform.

As members of UKCISA, your Primary Contact has been contacted to nominate your international student(s) to attend for free. Bookings for students are now closed.

 

Facebook Live: free and accessible for all students

Download the event poster here to share Facebook Live event links with your students 

 

Parliamentary Reception: celebration of International Students' Day 

After careful consideration in light of current Covid rates, we regret to announce that the Parliamentary Reception as part of UKCISA Fest 2021 will no longer take place at the House of Commons on 17 November. Instead, our celebration of International Students’ Day will be digital, ensuring members and international students can be Covid-safe to return home for the holidays. This online session offers parliamentarians the opportunity to meet and engage with members and international students from all over the UK.

Programme

Last modified: 18 November 2021

From 15 – 17 November, each day will focus on a different selection of themes and topics. Discussions will be led by our #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors, developing a deeper understanding of international students’ experiences at every stage of their education journey.

Day 1 Monday 15  November  2021 

Day 2 Tuesday 16  November  2021

Day 3 Wednesday 17  November  2021

Speakers

Last modified: 19 November 2021

Andrew Humphrey, Adviser, UKCISA

Anna So, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA 

Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive, UKCISA

Barry McHale, Student Liaison Officer, Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA)

Claudia Yanez, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Doug Little, Senior Project Manager, International Student Mental Health Project

Fran Shollo, Lecturer in Business, University of Chester Business School

Gemma Slade, Provider Liaison Officer, Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA)

Ginelle Greene-Dewasmes, PhD student at University of York

Helen Atkinson, Careers Consultant, Newcastle University

Ilona Myllyniemi, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Jim Campbell, Assistant Director (Career Management), Careers Centre, University of St Andrews

Joana Korley, International Students’ Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union

Jonathan Withey, Head of Business Development, Planet Mark

JR Candia, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Julie Allen, Director of Member Services and Policy, UKCISA

Lord Karan Bilimoria, President of UKCISA and CBI

Katie Crabtree, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Lewis Savin, International Student Project Officer, International Student Mental Health Project

Mary Wanjohi, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Meg Baker, Director of Education at Students Organising for Sustainability-UK

Melody Sequeira, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Dr. Mohamad El-Ansari, Chair, LEARN (London Embassy Education and Research Network)

Natalja Nassonova, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Nebu George, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central, and co-chair of APPG on International Students

Reese Chamberlain, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Robert Young, Advice & Training Officer, UKCISA

Sarah Cooper, Careers Consultant, University of Bristol

Simran Mahajan, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Siqi Jia, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, UKCISA

Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive, Institute of Student Employers (ISE)

Taylor Ogle, International & Community Officer, University of Sheffield Students’ Union

Yinbo Yu, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, UKCISA

Official Partner - iUK Academy

Last modified: 09 November 2021

UKCISA is grateful for iUK Academy's generous sponsorship to support UKCISA Fest 2021.

iUK Academy offers entrepreneurial programmes to ambitious individuals from around the world,  helping them to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses in the UK. The Entrepreneur Experience programme is an intensive 12-week programme designed specifically for graduates looking to acquire the essential skills, knowledge and work experience to begin their entrepreneurial journey in the UK. Combined with mentoring and industry expert support we’ll help prepare you to successfully start your business in the UK.

The Entrepreneur Experience programme is the ideal pathway for international graduates wishing to set up an innovative business in the UK under the Start-up or Innovator visa programmes. Our comprehensive programme will help you determine whether your idea is innovative, viable and scalable and prepare you to meet the criteria and apply for visa endorsement in the UK.

Teaching modules are taught live and online over 8 weeks by successful UK entrepreneurs and market leading industry experts. We cover all aspects of starting and growing your business, from initial idea validation through to finding advisors and exploring financing options. Our unique programme also includes a four-week virtual internship at a successful UK SME. By combining experiential learning with the entrepreneurial process, you will have the opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge, gain hands on work experience and learn the secrets to building a successful company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last modified: 18 November 2021

What is UKCISA Fest? 

UKCISA Fest is a three-day event series for UKCISA members and international students studying at UK institutions, to celebrate International Students' Day and International Education Week. Taking place from 15-17 November 2021, each day will focus on different themes and topics and explore international student experiences at every stage of their journey.  

I am an international student, what do I need to pay for? 

Absolutely nothing! You have free access to all UKCISA Fest Facebook Live events. Download the event poster here to sign up to these events.

However, you need to be nominated by your institution to have access to Cvent platform for exclusive workshops and webinars as part of UKCISA Fest. 

UKCISA also operates a free and confidential advice line for international students and our members - find out more here

I am an international student, but I do not have any policy knowledge; can I still attend UKCISA Fest? 

Of course! We welcome all international students in the UK to join UKCISA Fest. There are many informative sessions which provide useful tips and advice to help you navigate student life, such as support services available if things go wrong, and looking after your mental wellbeing. 

We also invite you to join discussions to inform policy and practice through your lived experience on topics such as academic experience and graduate employability. 

I work at a UKCISA member institution or education provider; can I attend UKCISA Fest? 

This year, we are opening UKCISA Fest to members too!


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