80 likes | 236 Views
MAIN HEADING. • First point • Second point • Third point • Fourth point. Supporting international students outside the classroom. UKCOSA and your International student adviser. About UKCOSA.
E N D
MAIN HEADING • First point • Second point • Third point • Fourth point Supporting international students outside the classroom UKCOSA and your International student adviser
About UKCOSA • The national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them • A national charity founded in 1968 • Supported by the Department for Education & Skills • All UK universities and most internationally active FE and HE colleges are members, giving their staff access to UKCOSA services
Students’ concerns • Before arrival students worried about • accommodation, • finance • adjusting to UK study methods (UG & PGT) • language (social & academic) • During their stay students worried about • language (esp academic, esp E Asians) & study methods • homesickness/isolation (those with UK friends were happier with their stay) • finance • finding work, balancing work & study
Support outside the classroom • Institutions need to offer: • Appropriate pre-admissions advice/info • Comprehensive pre-arrival information • Accommodation on arrival • Orientation programmes (including provision for non-standard arrival times) • On-going advice on practical matters such as immigration, health, housing, finance, employment during & after study • Social activities • International student societies/support networks (esp of co-nationals) • Support for dependants
Who does what? • If in doubt, refer students on (especially for immigration-related issues): • Admissions office • International student/welfare adviser • International office • Accommodation office • Careers/student employment office • Counselling service • Health service • Students’ union
Resources from UKCOSA • Your international student adviser (ISA) has access to resources including: • The UKCOSA Manual & regular updates • The UKCOSA advice line • UKCOSA training & conference • A network of advisers at other institutions • You and your students can access the UKCOSA website including 20 Guidance Notes and FAQs • UKCOSA also operates an advice line for students (but direct to ISA or website first)
MAIN HEADING • First point • Second point • Third point • Fourth point www.ukcosa.org.uk