Enhancing Internationalisation & Integration for Students Heather Milburn, Colin Bryson & Ashley Williams

Project Background  Internationalisation agenda  Results from the International Students’ Barometer  Feedback from students at focus groups & forums  Integration  Internationalisation

Project Structure Integration Project Extra-Curricular/ Union Curricular/ University Societies & Clubs Global Chat Sabbatical Officers Group Work Handbooks & Course Literature Induction processes

Discussion: International Welcome Week Pros and Cons

International Welcome Week  Recommendation: less of an emphasis on ‘International’ specific activities during induction phases.  Sheffield University & Exeter Universities: ‘early bird’ week; activities that are open to all on campus pre-Freshers’ Week.  Changes to the social programme are underway.

How important is arrival to integration?

Sophia (3 rd Year International Student) on Course Inductions: “When I first arrived at Newcastle, it was very difficult to take everything in at one time. It was hard to get information about literally everything all at once. I don’t understand why we [international] were being given course information without the rest of our classmates [the UK students] there. When they did arrive, the international students I knew didn’t go to the ‘general’ induction, because they’d already been to a smaller course induction for international students. I really think that made us [International students] stick out and it made it harder to meet and make friends with my UK peers”.

Key points for integration (Adapted from M. Barker ‘Orientated for Success’, 1990)

Pre-Induction Information  International students given lots of preparation for study in the UK; expectations of Higher Education set up by UKCISA; International Office.  UK students ‘unprepared’ for the amount of diversity on campus. Difference between ‘being aware of’ and ‘being prepared for’.  Recommendation: Change the emphasis placed on diversity.

Student Involvement in the Curriculum  127 (UK and International) students asked about their experiences. 95% believed group work/ seminar material to hinder integration.  There needs to be more opportunity to  Allow international students and UK students to see the intellectual opportunity that diversity brings with it.  Allow students to explore broader perspectives in a meaningful way.  Colin Bryson: Proposed ‘extra’ module option for students.

The Intercultural Dimension

Close: Discussion/ Questions