International Student Experience Journey Chris Cutforth Sport Department International Student Experience Lead

Context  Academy of Sport and Physical Activity  International Strategy  My role - International Student Experience Lead  International student recruitment

Research methodology  Online questionnaire survey to all international sports students  International student focus groups - countries of origin  Academic staff focus groups  Student Support Officer focus groups  Quantitative and qualitative data collected over 3 academic years

Lines of enquiry  Views and experiences of the induction programme  The quality of learning, teaching and academic support  Student Support services  Cultural awareness, accessibility and approachability of staff  Awareness and use of other student services, including social and cultural activities  Key difficulties and challenges faced by international students and the staff teaching them  Ideas for improving the international student experiences in the future

Key findings  Mixed quality of experiences ranging from very positive to very negative  Significant variations in experiences between cultural groups and between courses  International students from ‘western’ countries tend to have the more positive experiences  Students from China and the Far East often experience the most significant challenges  Significant scope to improve the quality and consistency of teaching and academic support  Need to improve careers and employability opportunities, advice and support  'Cultural separation'

Successes  CRM  Induction  University services  ISSO/academic staff relationship  AWP time allocations  Social events  Student interactions research

Areas for development  Teaching assistants  Staff CPD  Careers/employability research project  Course team action plans  LTA practice improvements  CDA

Supporting Kurdistan students  4 Kurdistan students – MSc Sport and Exercise Science  3 months notice of arrival!  Major issues adapting to the academic culture  Smart and hard working students  Self punishing  Individual approaches to their studies  Mutually supportive in the informal learning environment

The response  Weekly meeting with Course Leader  Drop in sessions (academic skills)  Open door policy  AWP time for teaching team  SSO contact and support  Assume no prior knowledge  Check knowledge and understanding (again and again!)  CDA – 15 credit study and lab skills modules  Preparations of new intake (CRM)

Opportunities and challenges  Internationalising the curriculum  ‘Global academics’  Inclusive LTA practice  Balancing international recruitment with delivery of a quality learning experience

The vision Sports graduates equipped and motivated to make a positive contribution to a global industry and challenging world

Contact details... Chris Cutforth Sport Department International Student Experience Lead Extension 5626