UKCISA Conference 2010:
Parallel sessions E - Tuesday 13 July, 2.30-3.30pm
Parallel sessions 3 - Single slots
E3. Comfort Zone
This session will update UKCISA members on the 2010 results from the Creating Confidence safety survey for international students.
Presenter: Helen Clews, British Council
E4. Raising awareness of employability among international students
In May 2009 the International Student Advisory Service hosted the first International Student Conference: Next Steps to Further Success, a multi-service event.
Through a lively mixture of workshops and presentations, students were offered an insight into working in the UK. Careers Advisors presented information about career possibilities in an economic downturn. International Student Advisors presented information about working options in the UK, including the post-study work visa. Students had the opportunity to network with colleagues and many dressed in business attire for the event. A second International Student Conference is scheduled for May 2010.
In PBS-heavy times, it’s useful to illustrate the benefits of remaining in the UK after graduation for international students and universities, and to offer an event that celebrates student’s achievements.
Session suitable for all levels and audiences.
Presenter: Emma Jordan, University of Plymouth
E5. Internationalising student unions
Students’ unions are vital in delivering a rounded student experience whilst studying. Key to this is the engagement and participation of international students in activities and structures.
NUS is leading a two year PMI funded project into establishing students’ unions as truly international organisations to remain relevant and effective for their students.
This session will look at some of the barriers affecting international student participation and how they are being addressed by innovative strategies being developed by students’ unions in partnership with this exciting project.
It aims to:
- discuss some of the barriers to international students participating in students’ unions
- show case-studies of good practice from students’ unions taking part in the project to stimulate discussion
- explore further improvements in engaging international students in activities
- provide a sounding board for new ideas for practitioners to discuss with each other
The project will be of particular interest to those universities whose students’ unions are taking part in the project (40 in total).
Presenters: Ben Ward & Joanna Purkis, National Union of Students
↑ Back to topE6. The heart and soul of challenge
This participative workshop will explore creative ways of surviving and thriving in difficult situations at work.
We will reconnect with personal values, our own emotional responses to stress and develop effective intra-personal and interpersonal skills for handling difficult colleagues and developing self-support. An opportunity to reflect on yourself and what you need to maintain a sense of balance and joy at work.
Presenter: Belinda Harris, University of Nottingham
↑ Back to topE7. Batch scheme surgery
(Repeated as F7)
An opportunity to meet staff from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) Student Batch Scheme face-to-face.
The session will include a presentation from staff managing the scheme, and a question and answer session.
You are invited to raise any issues about the operation of the scheme that it would be useful and productive for advisers to discuss with the staff managing it.
Please note that this session is not appropriate for you if students at your institution post their applications to UKBA themselves, rather than through the Student Batch Scheme.
Presenters: Staff from the UKBA Student Batch Scheme
↑ Back to topE8. Working together for excellence
The AoC International Charter provides a framework for UK FE colleges to work together to achieve excellence in international education and training and it is being developed into an internationally recognised kitemark.
During this session, colleges which have been working towards the Charter standard will share elements of their journey towards globalising their institutions and the way in which the student experience sits at the heart of this.
Presenter: John Mountford, Association of Colleges
↑ Back to topE9. Entry Clearance correction schemes
(Repeated as F5)
This is a session for new advisers, and for those who would like a refresher, about the process of Entry Clearance correction.
The Scheme is one whereby errors that have occurred at the entry clearance stage can be reviewed and amended. This includes errors such as an incorrect Sponsor License number, omission of work conditions and the inclusion (in error) of the requirement to register with the police. This is a free service run by the UK Border Agency for advisers to use on behalf of students. The scheme benefits many students who might otherwise have to apply for further permission.
This session will look at the purpose and remit of the scheme, as well as the various administrative processes involved in using the scheme.
Presenter: Christine Stevenson, UK Border Agency
↑ Back to topE10. How are UK institutions preparing their international students for the academic transition?
The PMI-funded development of Prepare for Success (PfS) has opened the door to institutional delivery of enhanced pre-arrival preparation of international students for UK academic culture. A UK-wide survey of institutional usage of learning resources available through the PfS website has revealed considerable HE and FE engagement and a range of implementation methods. Moreover, international students from over 185 countries have used them independently.
This presentation will outline the survey’s findings, focussing on the various ways in which the learning resources are being utilised by UK institutions. An example of one institution’s approach to incorporating PfS into its own pre-arrival package for international students will also be presented.
The session aims to offer ideas for institutional use of Prepare for Success and showcase one institution’s use as an example.
It is suitable for international office staff and teaching and support staff working with international students.
Presenter: Julie Watson, University of Southampton
↑ Back to top