The experiences of disabled International Students at SOAS, University of London

1. The experiences of disabled International Students at SOAS, University of London Deb Viney, Diversity Advisor Innsbruck conference, June 2010 Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 1

2. About the survey • Conducted on-line using www.surveymonkey.com • The link was circulated via email and the International Students Officer’s social networking site • Survey period was 14th – 30th June 2010, just after exams and around the end of term • Respondents who chose to provide an email address were offered chance to win £50 of book vouchers in a prize draw

3. Survey questions Questions covered: • expectations about coming to London • expectations about studying at SOAS • how the reality differed from those expectations? • experiences of various services provided by SOAS And: “if you had a postcard to send to an international student coming next year, what advice would you give them?” (response limit 30 words).

4. The survey respondents • Of 65 respondents who were all international students, six were disabled people • The disabled respondents included one African, one North American, one South East Asian, two East Europeans and one person with dual nationality (British + western European) • three disabled respondents were mature students • two disabled respondents were under-graduates; two were on taught Masters; one doctoral student (and one did not provide this information). Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 4

5. Overall experience ratings Of the six disabled students: • Four rated their experiences at least “good” (one “excellent”) • One disabled student rated her experience as “average”. • One disabled student rated her experience as “below average”. Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 5

6. What were you expecting when you came to London? • “Cultural diversity and easy access to other countries and institutions such as museums, embassy, and a variety of places.” [female, SE Asian, disabled, under-graduate] • “To go to a good school and to experience a multicultural environment.” [male, South American, taught Masters] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 6

7. Aside from your studies – experiences of London • “It is definitely very convenient to get around with public transport in London, but it is also quite expensive. Though, overall, I think it is very exciting to live in such a cosmopolitan city.” [female, SE Asian, disabled, under-graduate] • “....the major thing is the parks for me... they are really great areas for relaxing... cinemas and theatres are the other experiences for me in order to develop english and human relations.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, Masters student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 7

8. More experiences of London • “Despite the very high cost of housing (disproportionate to the quality of housing), disgustingly dirty means of public transport and occasional feeling of lack of safety, London is an incredibly exciting city to live in.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, under-graduate student] • “Transport for a city of this size is expensive and can be a challenge. However, there is so much that can be enjoyed free of charge, from museums to foyer events at concert halls (free of charge). Housing is expensive and is one of my bugbears in London.” [female, mature, European, doctoral student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 8

9. How did the reality of studying in London differ from your expectations? The positive (1) • “Academic standards were much higher than I expected, but the teaching style was something I expected but slightly tougher than I expected as there was so much that I have to do on my own, such as readings.” [female, SE Asian, disabled, under-graduate] • “[I expected a] First-class education. They met my expectations.” [African, female, disabled, Masters student] • “Studying in London is more flexible than the other systems and this flexibility give students to study more and make researchs relating to their careers and the departments are so specific and different from the other universities and countries ... SOAS has really great academic standard.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, Masters student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 9

10. How did the reality of studying in London differ from your expectations? The positive (2) • “[I expected] a challenging academic environment in which free thinking was not only desirable, but an absolute requirement.... Academic standards more than met my expectations.” [female, mature, European, doctoral student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 10

11. How did the reality of studying in London differ from your expectations? The negative • “[I expected a] high quality education. [But there were] limited study resources available at my university.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, under-graduate student] • “[I expected] a chance to study my subject in an environment that was safe for me with my disability. [But there was] no effort AT ALL to accommodate my disability, unresponsive, lazy staff, etc.” [female, mature, North American, hidden medical condition] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 11

12. What would you change about your experience if you could?Changes to self / situation • “I would like to change my attitude towards study since I found it hard without a strong motivation and great effort.” [female, SE Asian, disabled, under-graduate] • “...my health problems.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, Masters student] • “Never study in the UK.” [female, mature, North American, hidden medical condition] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 12

13. What would you change about your experience if you could?Changes to the institution • “more efficient and dedicated international students welfare events regarding jobs“ [African, female, disabled, Masters student] • “I would try to find better and cheaper accommodation.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, under-graduate student] • “Better and affordable housing.” [female, mature, disabled, European, doctoral student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 13

14. Comments (1) • “Improve the quality of coffee in all the cafeterias and snack shops in the Russell Square campus.” [female, mature, European, doctoral student, not disabled] • “Maybe the department could arrange a school trip in Britain in the middle of the semester in order to have a chance to all the students on this course to know each other better and to build a team spirit.” [female, mature, South East Asian, Pre-Masters course, not disabled] • “SOAS is all about getting foreigners' money.” [female, mature, North American, hidden medical condition] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 14

15. Comments (2) • “I suggest that the pages on the SOAS website dedicated to each MSc be more explanatory and more clear as to the load of work to be expected, the type of examinations, and more details for other students to be better informed.” [female, Middle Eastern, Taught Masters, not disabled] • “MAKE IT A POINT TO SEND COLLEGE INTRODUCTION BROCHEURES IN ADVANCE, not a week before academic session starts. It is helpful for preparing before coming to UK, not when somebody has already learnt and found things in a hard and stressful way.” [female, South Asian, Taught Masters, not disabled] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 15

16. Comments (3) • “Keep the international students' day during the orientation. I found it very useful.” [female, East European, taught Masters, not disabled] • “The academic requirements for MSc degrees in are high, very high. I think many students that come here don't realise that, especially when you are from a country with a different academic tradition. Perhaps it should be made even more clear in the Prospectus for Masters students that a majority of students work way more than 40 hour work weeks.” [female, Scandinavian, taught Masters] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 16

17. Comments (4) • “I like the country and the study atmosphere, apart from the housing system.” [female, South East Asian, Foundation course] • “SOAS is the most accommodating and the liveliest place that I have ever been in my life. I feel totally at home and even feel home sick when I am away from SOAS! (even when I am back home!) SOAS is a truly democratic institution which guarantees freedom of speech. It is such an honour to be a member of SOAS community.” [female, Middle Eastern, research doctorate] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 17

18. Postcard to a prospective International student (1) • “Think very carefully about why you want an MA - don't do it by default. Consider your geography. In my opinion, an MA is most impactful if you can stay on in the country and capitalise on the relationships and knowledge you have built. If you can get a quality one for cheaper in your home country - do it!” [female, South Asian, mature, not disabled, taught masters] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 18

19. Postcard to a prospective International student (2) • “I'm afraid I don't have any advice since I feel like I still need to learn a lot more about my life in London.” [female, SE Asian, disabled, under-graduate] • “Racism is not extinct, be prepared. London can be loads of fun with friends but can be extremely unfriendly, be prepared.” [African, female, disabled, Masters student] • “Don't come. They won't support you and they prefer hiring EU /UK students anyways. Not worth the effort.” [female, mature, North American, hidden medical condition] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 19

20. Postcard to a prospective International student (3) • “not too worry too much about your studies in the first few weeks, you'll soon get used to how everything works.” [male, South American, Taught Masters, not disabled] • “Be ready to meet lots of interesting students and bring your party shoes!” [female, mature, South East Asian, Taught Masters, not disabled] • “This experience will change the way that you see yourself and the world, come to London, now is the perfect time to do so.” [male, South American, Taught Masters, not disabled] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 20

21. Postcard to a prospective International student (4) • “SOAS will be the best place to study and to have friends.” [female, Eastern European, disabled, Masters student] • “Welcome to London - bring an umbrella and be prepared to think outside the box.” [female, European, doctoral student] • “Studying in London IS an amazing experience, despite the occasional difficulties- make the most of it!” [female, Eastern European, disabled, under-graduate student] Deb Viney Disabled International students at SOAS 21