Dr. Angela Maye-Banbury, Keith McKoy and Kieran Whitehouse NCCU (2013)

Introduction The presentation highlights the background, structure and early findings in the following sections: 1. The research context 2. Necessity of the research 3. International and National Issues 4. Researcher Background 5. Objectives 6. Structure and Progress 7. Early Findings 8. Conclusion

1.Research Context The Project examines the international student experience in the department of Architecture and Planning. It focuses on student’s academic experience amongst the following : Their perception before arrival Academic goals Physical and electronic navigation Cultural understanding Student voices Future course improvements

2. Necessity of the project The project will comprehensively explore academic experiences of overseas students It will be the first time such a project will be conducted Valuable research for the department Provide key changes to maximise potential of overseas students and department

3.Current International Issues USA, UK and Australia top destinations for overseas students – these countries acquired 1.2/2.7 million overseas students (Verbik et al, 2007) Government funding reductions promote international diversification Over reliance of overseas students reduced quality of education Non home students UK (15.3%) Aus (21.5%) in 2011 (Choudaha, 2011) Sultankinsh Blog (2012) Leiberum V. (2007) XPS (2007)

3.Current National Issues Closure of Post Work Study Visa lead to a 26% decline in student visa applications Jan-Sep ‘12 (Sherrif, 2012) Home Secretary fears ‘bogus 'students hinder the economy University leaders fear economic instability for the £9bn industry (Churm, 2012) Indian students in particular have been dissuaded from UK study due to visa changes LSE (2013) BBC (2012)

4. My Experience Undergraduate degree in BA Human Geography (First) Masters in MSc Sustainable Communities and Environments (Merit) Previously worked in both Sheffield Hallam Union and Hallam University Established the concept for the current project

4. International Classmates, Colleagues and Friends Vector World Map (2009)

4. Angela’s Experience of Overseas Students and hopes for the Research "As a team in Architecture and Planning, we want every student to have a fulfilling, stimulating and valuable educational experience. Our international students have distinct and diverse needs - and we want the LTA funded project to reveal those needs. That way, we can work more proactively with students and staff alike to ensure an excellent learning experience at SHU". (Angela Maye-Banbury)

5. Objective 1 To assess their ‘Hopes and Fears’ before arriving at Sheffield Hallam University

5. Objective 2 To understand their academic and employment goals

5. Objective 3 To identify their ability to navigate the university’s physical and electronic learning environments.

5. Objective 4 To assess the extent of cultural understanding and communication between their tutors and peers

5. Objective 5 To understand how students may be given more of an input and further advice on academic issues

5. Objective 6 To highlight possible strategies for continued support for international students

6. Project Structure Introduction – Identify the Issue Literature Review – Highlight issues in the wider context Methodology – Review and Analyse the preferred methods of data capture Analysis – Assess and analyse data and relating it to objectives Conclusions and Recommendations

6. Completed and upcoming tasks We have spoken to and provided information to students We have conducted 7 interviews We hope to conduct 12 interviews 2 Focus groups are hoped to be completed The literature review has begun Univ. Gloucestershire (2013 Univ. Gloucestershire (2013)

7. Early Findings Little advice from previous institutes Navigation ability good around university Some have difficulty with UK students, all happy with overseas students Some miss the induction due to visa issues Advice from tutors excellent, understanding in lectures a concern.

7. Early Findings Majority have not been informed about student reps Classes on academic advice would be fully welcomed Students learn more from group than individual work Most would benefit from a pre-induction meeting Overseas student rep group would be appreciated

8. Conclusion It is essential to understand and maximise the potential of International students both current and future. The project aims to highlight outstanding issues and promote course improvements Students generally happy with learning and their goals but would prefer more individual advice and input Findings will go on to propose improvements to courses

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