International Student Enrichment the University of Wolverhampton Robbie Roberts Senior International Officer, International Office 25 th June 2009

Internationalisation – What and Why? Definition Internationalisation is … ‘the process of integrating an international/intercultural dimension into the teaching, research and service of an institution’ (Jane Knight, 1995) Why internationalise? ‘UK universities and the UK as a whole benefit greatly from international activities and, particularly, from the opportunity to educate citizens of other countries. This provides the UK with significant geopolitical and cultural benefits as well as broadening the educational experience of students and ensuring the diversity of the student body’ (Universities UK’s international strategy, March 2005)

Internationalisation and UoW University Strategic Plan All universities, their staff and students, benefit from engagement with international issues, and from the contribution of international partners and students. Internationalisation as a perspective, however, must go wider… Strategy Statement key themes: Internationalisation including curriculum, teaching and learning, student life and staffing Student recruitment and transnational education Building in-depth relationships and maximizing the contribution of international links to research, consultancy and knowledge partnerships

International student recruitment/TNE The international student experience Internationalisation and home students Staff capability International partnerships Internationalising teaching, learning and research Knowledge Transfer & Commercial Enterprise

The international student experience Pre Arrival Effective, efficient communication & support In Wolverhampton Arrival: welcome events and Induction During: language support, cultural events, trips, advice, local community events, integration, enrichment programme After Wolverhampton Ongoing communication and Alumni relations Avoid : “over-promise under-delivery”

International Student Enrichment Programme 8 June – 30 July 2009

What’s involved? CV Enhancement Interview skills Presentation skills Career management Employability Leadership Enterprise 3-week work-placement

Student Benefits Employers are looking for experience. Graduate job market is very competitive Do justice to students’ abilities (CV, interview skills) Add value to their degree Academic and employer reference. Personalised certificate on completion complete with explanation of experience and skills acquired. Differentiation in the job market

Last year’s students "A great opportunity to shadow three different managers" Rachael Edionhon - studying MA Marketing Management "It was different, exciting and an attitude changer" Ejiro Ogboru - studying MSc Environmental Management "The organisers took the students' requests on board and provided very good placements" Romero Okikade - studying MSc Environmental Technology

University Benefits Differentiation / USP Strengthen links with local employers and wider community Utilises ‘Summer Semester’ (excess capacity) Produce more employable students Learning more about our International Students skills and needs Home student potential?

Thanks for listening!