The start of a New Year typically offers time for reflection and setting resolutions or intentions to guide the year ahead. With the continued impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty this is bringing to the UK’s international student community, we asked each of our #WeAreInternational student ambassadors to share their top priority for supporting international students this year.
Adetoun Titilolaoluwa Adebayo
I will work more closely with Student Unions and the National Union of Students (NUS) to ensure that its international members continue to have access to the assistance UKCISA provides.
Anant Rangan
I will continue to work closely with my fellow ambassadors and the student advisory group to advocate for international students. Specifically, I want to improve international students’ access to work experience and volunteering opportunities.
Daniel Matthias Haid
Now that the UK left the EU, I will work on a clear and concise overview for all current and prospective EU students studying in the UK to give clarification on what is new and what needs to be done for a smooth and enjoyable student experience.
Nebu George
I will continue campaigning for the development of careers and employability support services to ensure they are more accommodating to the needs of international students, helping students to thrive during and after their education the UK.
Parvathy Ramesh
I want to raise awareness of free resources, both online and in-person, that are available to international students to improve their wellbeing and mental health.
Yunyan Li
I will work on the International Student Charter with other student ambassadors and engage with the university in their policymaking processes to help develop a more inclusive and supportive international student community.
Ilona Susanna Myllyniemi
This year I will be focused on prioritising student mental health, especially in the context of the struggles international students might face in the current circumstances. I will also be working towards maintaining a welcoming, safe atmosphere for international students by amplifying international student voices and highlighting the importance of international students for our university communities all across the UK.
Reese M. Chamberlain
I will work to bring UKCISA and its members together to improve student communication and increase national awareness of UKCISA and the pivotal services and information that it provides directly to international students.
Natalia Nassonova
I will support the creation of scholarship funds for EU undergraduates to encourage European students to continue choosing UK universities to start their academic journey.
Siqi Jia
I will support the International Student Charter by developing a richer understanding of current international students’ experiences and expectations.
Sagar Singh Grewal
I will work closely with higher education institutions to develop international student specific communication channels which better highlight relevant resources, opportunities, and community buildingopportunities.
Melody Noella Sequeira
I will work with #WeAreInternational and the UKCISA team to help create an environment of cultural exploration, one where us international students can showcase our cultures and traditions.
Claudia Mylena Yanez Ospina
I will raise awareness of the support networks and wellbeing campaigns available to international students at different stages of study (UG, PGT & PGR) by working closely with Glasgow University Student Representative Council (GUSRC) and International Student Support at University of Glasgow (ISSUofG).
Juan Ramon Candia Jorquera
"I will help develop a national #WeAreinternational network of international students studying issues related to climate change with the aim of raising awareness within the international community and also highlighting the contribution of international students to UK Green Industrial Revolution Plan.
Mary Wanjiru Wanjohi
I will work closely with the #Weareinternational team to inform international students on ways to enhance their student experience and ensure increased employability upon completion of their studies.
Simran Mahajan
In 2021, I will work closely with partner organisations to promote awareness of UKCISA’s work, especially amongst prospective international students, in order to ease the otherwise daunting transition into studying abroad. International students should know exactly where to turn for support, advice or even just a friendly face!
The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme is an education policy and leadership development scheme for exceptional individuals from around the world who are currently studying in the UK.
The ambassadors are part of UKCISA’s network of global future leaders, working to shape and influence policy, international student experience and lead on the #WeAreInternational campaign.
To find out more about the #WeAreInternational campaign, visit the website and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date.
