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

SabbaticalOfficers

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 (3rd Year International Student) onCourse 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

integration.union@newcastle.ac.uk