Our final 2016 Members’ Forum raised a range of topical issues, from how to demonstrate to other colleagues/departments the work of the international student adviser, to integrating home and international students. We heard updates from University of Worcester and University of Sussex about their UKCISA Grants, both of which are running pilot projects about engaging international students.
While over 80% of our delegates agreed that the UK offers international students a fantastic experience, one prevalent theme was whether we’re putting students off from applying because of the complicated immigration process.
Our student panellists were on-hand to share their own experiences with the Home Office as well as useful feedback about integration with home students, reverse culture shock and insight into their personal student journeys. The 'tripwire' one student mentioned was when discussing navigation of the immigration rules.
Grace is from Australia and is studying FdA Hospitality and Event Management at City College Brighton and Hove. She said:
"Before I applied for my Tier 4 visa FE students were able to work part time in the UK. But when I returned home to apply in August, I didn’t realise that the rules had changed and so I didn’t know that FE students could no longer work. I hadn’t noticed when I got my visa in Australia that it said work was prohibited and I only realised this when I arrived in the UK and they pointed it out to me at Heathrow."
Grace talked passionately about how the international team at City College Brighton and Hove have really supported her – even before she was enrolled. The panel highlighted the vital role all our members and colleagues play in supporting international students and helping them to have the best possible experience from applying while abroad to graduation.
And it seems that you’re doing a fantastic job, we asked our panel if they’d recommend the UK to their friends back home. The response? “Yes, hands down.”
To find out more about our Members' Forums, read our review of the Manchester Members’ Forum.
