Student Ambassadors

The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme is UKCISA's student network of global future leaders. An education policy and leadership development scheme that has been running for six years, there are now over 50 ambassadors from around the world in the network.

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About the programme

The programme empowers international students to be key partners in shaping a quality student experience, using their knowledge and first-hand experience of studying in the UK to influence policy, lead the #WeAreInternational campaign and develop an inclusive global student community.

International students are at the heart of everything we do at UKCISA. We are proud to work with and learn from our student ambassadors to help deliver our vision of a world-class international student experience. 

Applications to be a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador 2026-27 are now closed.

Work with our student ambassadors 

If you would like to work with any of our student ambassadors, please contact us. 

Get in touch
  • ambassadors in the network
  • countries included
  • events attended
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Hear from the Ambassadors

  1. IMG 1349

    Let's make things truly global – together

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  2. SGB 41118

    Taking care of your mental health as an international student

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  3. SGB 40106

    Experiences of managing mental health through grief

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  4. Cocoren Article

    The international education strategy needs to deliver better experience, belonging and employability

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  5. 20241118 131710000 Ios

    How my experiences outside of the classroom helped inspire my future

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  6. Minister Jaqcui Smith, Matt Western

    From cultural exchange to community impact: my journey to the West and beyond

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  7. WAI Collage Blog Nov 2024

    Commemorating International Students’ Day 2024: inspirational stories from inspirational individuals

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  8. ukcisa-fest-2024-vartika

    Empowering global talent: a journey of contribution on the Graduate route

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  9. Christmas Image

    Spending Christmas in the UK as an international student

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2026-27 Student Ambassadors

  1. Aaina Mohapatra

    Aaina Mohapatra, University of Manchester, India

    Aaina is a first year Economics student, who is undertaking a sabbatical year as Activities and Culture Officer at the University of Manchester Students Union, where she supports 500+ societies and advocates for international students. She is passionate about recognising the strength of diversity and being global. She aims to further this narrative as a #WeAreInternational Ambassador to ensure that every student receives an education along with community cultural exchange, Currently, her policy interests concern the Immigration White Paper and its subsequent changes, and following this crisis, her goals include continuing to advocate for equitable international student experience.  

  2. Amina Headshot

    Amina Manal Zidi, University of the West of Scotland, Algeria

    Amina Manal Zidi, is a PhD candidate at the University of the West of Scotland researching international student mobility and the reintegration experiences of Algerian doctoral returnees. Her policy interests centre on international education, student transitions, and improving support systems for global learners. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador she hopes to contribute evidence-informed insights, represent diverse student voices, and advocate for fairer, more inclusive policies. 
  3. Navin Shirodkar

    Navin Vinod Shirodkar, University of Sheffield, India

    Navin is a PhD student in Physics at the University of Sheffield. He previously completed an integrated master’s degree (MBiol, Genetics) at the University of York, where he served as an International Student Ambassador for four years and as a final-year Departmental Student Representative. Through these roles, he supported international students and advocated for student needs within departmental discussions. Drawing on his journey from undergraduate study to doctoral research, Navin hopes to contribute to national conversations on policy areas related to the Graduate Visa route and the support available to international early-career researchers in the UK. 
  4. Saba Mohaved Nia

    Saba Mohaved Nia, Queen Mary University of London, Iran

    Saba is an LLM student in Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London. Throughout her studies in bachelor's in law at Coventry University, she has been actively involved in student union work, served as a School Representative, and contributed to pro-bono legal clinics and legal education outreach, alongside wider volunteering supporting migrant and refugee communities. Her undergraduate years strengthened her commitment to inclusive student support and advocacy. Saba’s policy interests center on fostering belonging and improving mental health for international students. Through #WeAreInternational, she hopes to promote equitable wellbeing policies and create environments where international students feel valued and empowered. 
  5. Serin Headshot

    Serin Baek, University College London, South Korea

    Serin is a third-year MSci Pharmacology student at UCL. Her diverse background, rooted in Korea and Cambodia, fuels her dedication to improving the international student experience. She is committed to advancing policies that ensure talented international students successfully transition into the UK workforce. Her primary interest is tackling the structural barriers that hinder job security and maximizing the utility of the post-study work visa. She aspires to take part in the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme to directly advocate for changes in employability policy and drive tangible support. 
  6. Taveesha Karunaratne

    Tamie (Taveesha) Karunaratne, University of Bristol, Sri Lanka

    Tamie is a final year Pharmacology student at the University of Bristol. She was elected as the International Students’ Network Chair, where she proposed successful policy motions on further funding support and postgraduate graduation dates affected by visa restrictions. She also organised inclusive events that strengthened the international student community. Tamie now serves as the EDI Officer for the Women in STEM Society. She hopes to join the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme to advocate for improved funding opportunities, a review of work-hour restrictions, and stronger career support for international STEM students across the UK.  

2025-26 Student Ambassadors

  1. Alice

    Alice (Tianjie) Liu, University of Birmingham (PhD), China

    Tianjie is a PhD student in Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. After having completed her master’s in international business, she also served as the International Officer at the Guild of Students in UoB for 2 years. She has been involved in several national policy campaigns including ones focused on the Graduate Visa and the cost of living crisis. As a multilingual individual, she is interested in language inclusivity and support for international students, as well as improving living conditions and employability for international students.

  2. Anando

    Anando Ghosh, University College London (PhD), India

    Anando is a PhD researcher in Global Health and International Development at UCL. His policy interests focus on leveraging education to address mental health and climate challenges, with initiatives like embedding sustainability projects into academic and social life to enhance international students' well-being, employability, and sense of belonging. As a UKCISA Student Ambassador, Anando aims to draw from his academic background in anthropology and work experience as a student representative of the UKRI-funded UBEL DTP to advocate for culturally sensitive and evidence-based Higher Education policies that improve academic satisfaction, foster career readiness, and strengthen social engagement among international students.
  3. Arya

    Arya Nur Güneş, Royal Academy of Music (UG), Turkey

    Arya Güneş is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Türkiye, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance at the Royal Academy of Music. Furthermore, she is in her first year at the National University of Distance Education of Spain, studying business. Her main objective as a UKCISA ambassador is to challenge the rapidly rising tuition fees for international students and advocate for more funding to be made available, especially for students of lower economic backgrounds. She is particularly interested in influencing policymaking through collaborating actively with fellow students to make sure everyone’s opinion and voices are heard.  
  4. Coco

    Coco Ren, London Business School (MBA), China

    Coco is currently in her second year of the Executive MBA program at London Business School. Her journey as an international student began in 1999 when she pursued a BA in Accounting in London. Since graduating, she has held various positions within the education sector across China, Africa, and Germany, working for UK companies to assist international students in navigating their path to studying in the UK. As a second-time international student, Coco aims to leverage her experiences to advocate for the international student community, promoting inclusivity and support in the development of policies that enhance their educational experience.  
  5. Humphrey

    Humphrey Kasale, Manchester Metropolitan University (UG), Zambia

    Humphrey is a graduate law student at Manchester Metropolitan University. Passionate about access to justice, human rights, immigration, and equality, as an International Student Representative and Business and Law International Council Member Humphrey has worked to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, he aims to advocate for policies that create a true home away from home for international students. His focus is on improving support services, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering community integration to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and empowered.  
  6. Lauren (1)

    Lauren Bouvier, Queen Margaret University (PhD), USA

    Lauren is in the fourth year of her PhD programme at Queen Margaret University. Her research takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore how people remember their festival experiences. Before her PhD, Lauren completed her MA in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management in Scotland and her undergraduate degree back home in the USA. When Lauren is not studying, she works part-time for an arts and cultural programme in Edinburgh and enjoys participating in various community dance groups. With the transition of the Visa platform, Lauren intends to create a dialogue to help students understand the new processes and create a space for support. Additionally, she hopes to aid work in generating policies to establish housing stability for international students.  
  7. Saida

    Saida Alimdjanova, University of Warwick (UG), Uzbekistan

    Saida is studying a Master of Science degree in Predictive Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Warwick. She is passionate about fostering equity for international students from underrepresented minorities and promoting intercultural dialogue. Throughout her studies, she has led political debates, collaborated with UK policymakers, and encouraged political exchange. Her leadership extended to managing language exchange programs for 160+ students, promoting diversity and cultural understanding. Joining #WeAreInternational, Saida hoped to advocate for minority-inclusive funding opportunities and contribute to the realisation of international students’ full potential.   
  8. Suchi

    Suchi Mazumdar, University of Glasgow (Mres), India

    Suchismita has graduated with an MRes in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Glasgow. Her policy interests centre on inclusivity and mental well-being, especially for international students navigating cultural transitions. As someone who has overcome the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, she aims to promote interactive events and policy-driven initiatives that foster belonging and empowerment. In joining the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme, Suchi wants to amplify diverse voices, build bridges between cultures, and advocate for a supportive academic ecosystem where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential.  

Student ambassador alumni network 2024-2025

Anastasiia is currently pursuing a degree in International Business at the University of Greenwich. Prior to this, she studied at Uxbridge College, a Further Education provider. As a Student Ambassador, she wants to ensure that all international students have an equal chance to excel academically and enjoy their studies, regardless of their background or circumstances. Being a former tutor, she hopes to achieve this vision by advocating for standardised learning support resources to be available to the public online and in person. She believes that helping overseas students adapt to the UK educational system in a faster and less stressful way will significantly impact their future success and their ability to give back to the community.

Assanatou is a master’s student in international security at the University of Bath. Engaging as a Student Ambassador and gaining experience in international student recruitment during her gap year ignited her passion for enhancing the wellbeing of international students in the UK. She aims to advocate for policies that enhance academic and social support services, promote inclusivity, and provide targeted support for underrepresented groups among international students. Joining the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme, Assanatou seeks to integrate her insights as an international student with her professional background in recruitment to foster an inclusive environment for fellow international students.  

Pedram has a master’s in law and is currently studying a leadership course at the University of Law. He has been a student representative and is currently representing his fellow students as their students’ union co-president. He has personally experienced the high costs of obtaining a visa, substantial tuition fees, difficulties in finding accommodation guarantors, finding job/placement opportunities and the attainment gap in international student degree outcomes. He’s also received feedback from fellow international students about these issues. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, he wants to raise awareness on a national level about the issues him and his peers are facing. 

Philippe is a Masters student in public health at Imperial College London. He completed his veterinary degree at the Ludwig-Maximilian’s University of Munich and has been an international student in France, Denmark and the United States of America. Through various roles at the International Veterinary Student’s Association, International Student One Health Alliance, Erasmus Student Network and the World Organisation for Animal Health, Philippe has served the international community on many levels. His focus lies in equitable access to higher education, equal employment opportunities for international graduates, and sustainability, and he aims to use his experience to best serve international students. 

Salome is pursuing a PhD in socio-legal studies at the University of Kent Law School. Salome holds three postgraduate degrees in insurance law, anti-corruption compliance, and international trade law, which she obtained from the United States of America, Austria, and South Africa. Salome also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from her home country, Malawi. She considers herself an experienced international student with a lot of insights to share, and, as a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, Salome plans to focus on policies on inclusion and diversity so that international students, regardless of their background, can be heard and seen, and she hopes to encourage mentorship within the international student community. 

Yi Ling is currently studying Postgraduate Law at the University of Law, Leeds. Prior to this she studied Law at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland where she has been consistently engaging in international initiatives advocating for education and inclusivity. Her growing interest in policy change reflects her desire to foster a more welcoming and supportive international student environment. Her policy interests include introducing more financial aid and visa-related support for her fellow international peers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. She aspires to amplify the voices of international students through the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme to make UK institutions the best place for international students to thrive academically and personally. 

Zach is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Nottingham and is working towards his Bachelor of Laws. Coming from the United States of America, he was unfamiliar with the new environment that he was thrust into and, as a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, he intends to help produce spaces for inclusivity, where other international students can feel at home in a new environment alongside students in a similar situation. He also wants to improve ways universities can help make this transition easier and more accommodating, and help provide students with assistance in dealing with the stress of being an international student.  

Student ambassador alumni network 2023-2024

Aditya is a PhD researcher in the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds. Previously, he studied sociology and religion as an undergraduate at Emory University, and global health as a master’s student at Duke University. Aditya has conducted multidisciplinary research in Somaliland, India, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. On behalf of the international student community in the UK, Aditya is committed to advancing discussions on English proficiency requirements, cultural sensitivity training, challenges in navigating the housing market, and barriers in accessing banking facilities.

Gino is studying for his master’s in social innovation at Glasgow Caledonian University. As a result of his involvement with Common Good, he is the postgraduate ambassador and the postgraduate taught representative for GSBS. His main policy interests include housing and promoting successful international student integration both during their time as students and after they graduate.

Loan is a master’s student at the University of Hull. As an international student studying TESOL, she understands that it can be difficult to speak up in a country whose native language is not your own. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, she is keen to connect with people from all over the world and contribute to policy-making decisions.

Miranda is a student at the University of Glasgow. Her previous study abroad experiences have helped her to understand the complexities and challenges international students experience. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, she wants to increase awareness of housing and employment rights which directly impact international students’ wellbeing. She also wants to advocate for more financial aid for international students with low-income backgrounds and disabilities, and carers.In addition to her role with UKCISA, Miranda is involved with several community development projects in Glasgow.

Vartika is studying for her master’s in investigative and forensic psychology at the University of Liverpool. She holds a BSc in psychology from the University of Nottingham Malaysia and has over 10 years of leadership and public speaking experience across four countries. Vartika is keen to contribute to improving policies on mental wellbeing of international students and transparent communication between the university and its students.

Xiaoxiao is a PhD student in dementia research at the University of Liverpool. As a student ambassador and member of the EDI committee at her university, Xiaoxiao has been devoted to student experience – in particular, understanding and meeting the needs of international students. Outside of her research, she is also an accomplished Chinese zither performer who has won many awards and performed in music halls across the UK. As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador, she wants to see more productive and progressive international student policies.

Student ambassador alumni network 2022-2023

Un Ieng (Annie) is a final-year undergraduate student studying Economics and Statistics at the University of Edinburgh. Coming from Macau, a small city in China, Annie has realized that more support could be provided for students who come from less well-known places who may need help getting involved in different circles. Annie is passionate about enhancing welfare support and cultural exchange between societies within her International Students’ Representative role at university, and she hopes to build more connections with representatives from other universities to create greater impact together for all the international students in the UK

Diana came into the UK in 2016 as a Romanian international student and is currently doing a PhD in Physics at King's College London. After working for the past 3 years as a Resident Advisor for International Students House, she wants to upscale her efforts to help current international students make the most of their time in the UK. By becoming a student ambassador for UKCISA, she wants to contribute to policymaking affecting the integration of international students within the UK’s job market, as well as maintaining a diverse community by influencing post-Brexit policy agreements with the EU.

Ilo Unuigbe is a postgraduate student studying an MSc in Business Intelligence and Analytics at the University of Huddersfield. She is the President of the Nigerian Students Society and is passionate about building communities that empower black people to achieve their academic and career goals. She is also interested in improving the learning experience of international students and works part time as an Academic Representation Assistant with the Students’ Union of University of Huddersfield; this role allows her to interact with students across the university while working to remove barriers to learning that students face. Her experience with building inclusive communities and representation informs her passion for improving policy for international students in the UK.

Originally from Arizona, USA, Jayden Bookout is a Criminology and Psychology Student at Royal Holloway. She is very passionate about volunteering and social action opportunities. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in social work and enter the social care sector. Housing is of particular importance to Jayden - it is crucial that international students are aware of their rights as tenants, and she believes that changes can be made regarding guarantor and deposit requirements. With UKCISA, she wants international students to be supported throughout the housing process and be able to have a safe, comfortable place to call their home away from home.

Jie Fei is from Malaysia and a final-year medical student at the University of Aberdeen. She is passionate about sharing her medical journey with other international students by blogging about her experiences on her personal website. She is also the Vice President of the Aberdeen Interprofessional Education (IPE) Society which organises academic and social events to bring together students from all healthcare backgrounds. She is interested to learn more about international students’ access to healthcare and wellbeing services, and wishes to highlight how international tuition fees have been a long-standing obstacle for students from less economically developed countries to gain an overseas education.

Lindsay is a second year PhD student with a joint project between the School of Education and the Adam Smith School of Business at the University of Glasgow. The aim of her research is to create an easier and more approachable way for international students to navigate their employment opportunities after graduation. She is driven to understand how policies at the university and national level impact students throughout their studies, and how universities can continue to support student needs. As a student ambassador, Lindsay is passionate to promote equality of access and inclusion for international students in their host communities. Lindsay is the Co-Chair of UKCISA's Student Advisory Group.

Pannya is a final-year Film, TV and Radio student at Staffordshire University. Born in India but educated and raised in Singapore, she believes that as an ambassador, equipped with the experience of starting university during the pandemic, she can assist international students in adapting to new environments by helping them cope with, and embrace, the new normal that comes with moving to the UK alone. Her policy interests centre on improving information accessibility of the ‘undergraduate to employment’ journey for international students; this would help students create a 5-year plan and feel more secure about their futures, especially in tumultuous times.

Sára is currently studying a masters programme in Cross-Cultural Communication and Media Studies in Newcastle. She is the Co-Chair of UKCISA's Student Advisory Group, and a Student Comissioner of International Higher Education Comission. As a European student, she is passionate about supporting other European students who are currently studying or wishing to study in the UK. Mainly she would like to create clearer guidelines for institutions in the UK and for European students when it comes to their international student experience after Brexit. She wants to support the students in navigating the new rules after Brexit, understanding the changes to their status and/or rights, tackling their personal and academic problems, and raise awareness of what help is available. Likewise, she wants to contribute towards training of universities’ staff across the UK so that there is a better understanding of this particular group of students. It is important that European students don't feel forgotten or overlooked as they still form an important part of higher education in the UK. 

Sharif is a Chevening scholar from Afghanistan studying MA Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy at London Metropolitan University. He is passionate about how policies around immigration and education affect international students. Sharif aspires to influence change in these policies so that access to education is easier for international students, while allowing them to comfortably build on their careers and protect their mental health.

Student ambassador alumni network 2021-2022

Melody is a third-year undergraduate student at the university of Glasgow and is currently working towards a degree in Psychology along with Mathematics. From her earliest academic years, she has had an interest in community inclusivity and aims to promote this as a student ambassador. 

Being an international student can bring a sense of disengagement and feeling of overwhelm about fitting in. As a student ambassador, I want to promote the implementation of interactive integration events and community service opportunities to enable students to rediscover themselves in a new environment.

To my fellow international students: give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far. The journey ahead is going to be a roller coaster ride so remember to hold onto your anchor of family and friends to help you through it. You are not alone; we are with you!

Mary Wanjohi has recently completed her LLM International Economic Law (IEL) at the University of Warwick. Additionally, she holds an LLB and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Her key areas of interest are regulation of donor funding and advancement of economic development in developing countries. As a UKCISA student ambassador, Mary hopes to represent the views of international students and to contribute to policies around career advancement upon completion of studies.

The #WeareInternational campaign is important as it provides a valuable and informed resource for international students. Through inclusivity of international students’ views, the campaign connects diverse students from all over the world and provides a platform to address the challenges they face.

Juan Ramon is a PhD Management student. His research focuses on Digital Climate Solutions and new business models developed by UK companies to tackle the climate crisis. JR has previously been an international student in New Zealand, Japan, and Sweden. He is an entrepreneur, a high level consultant, board member of start-ups companies, and an applied researcher on green technologies. He brings his passion about nature, the planet and his love and appreciation of different cultures to the role of Student Ambassador. He aims to improve the overall international student experience in UK, while at the same time connecting this issue of sustainable development within the international community of students, as this group has a lot to offer in order to address one of the greatest challenges of humanity for the 21st Century.

Connecting the international community in the UK through #WeAreInternational is a great initiative, as the UK has a lot to offer students, and the students have a lot to give back to this land that has welcomed us warmly. Diversity, respect, and resilience are without doubt some of the key concepts of humanity for the years to come.

Anna is a third-year student from Hong Kong studying Biological and Biomedical Sciences at University of Dundee. In her role as student ambassador, she aims to reflect the voice of the international students to the university and the government body, with the fresh perspective of a new student. Anna hopes to develop her knowledge in how to influence policies and how different parties take part in making policies, this is a crucial knowledge for me to know how to bring changes in my local communities.

In my role as #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador I want to learn how the current policies are impacting international students studying in the UK. Whilst I can gain valuable experience and skills, I also want to help influence policy to accommodate international students’ needs for a quality student experience.

Simran has recently completed her Masters in Architecture at Cardiff University and is now working at an Architecture firm in Central London, benefitting from the recent Graduate Route visa. She believes that international student employability is stunted by, not just visa restrictions, but also a lack of experience and training opportunities. She is motivated by a need to develop the prowess of international students to better equip them with both the skills and the confidence to thrive in the job market, regardless of cultural barriers. She believes UKCISA student ambassadors are well placed to bridge the gap between international students and the institutions that work for them.

The #WeAreInternational campaign is a huge step towards breaking the invisible barriers that exist for people of different cultures, backgrounds and colours in the UK. Soon international students will be able to see their differences, not as a limitation, but as a value!

Ilona is from Finland and is studying a PhD in Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, following her MA Sociology and Politics at the University of Edinburgh. She has been passionate about making meaningful change in her university community both within societies and now as an elected representative for international and multicultural societies at Edinburgh's students' association. 

She has a passion for understanding how immigration and education policies impact international students and the appeal of the UK as a place to study and live in, and wants to highlight how the mental health of international students is impacted by policy choices.

I didn't know anybody here when I came to Scotland, so it was a big leap - but one that I want to encourage anyone to make. It has been powerful to realize that as international students we are truly able to make an impact, especially when we work together.

Reese Chamberlain is a third-year undergraduate International Relations student at the University of Edinburgh. Hailing from the United States of America, Reese has championed discussions on immigration policy, student mental health, and the equitable treatment of international students upon immigrating to the United Kingdom, amidst a pandemic. His previous experience influencing public policy and youth rights at the United Nations and in state government, form his determination to better the lives of the thousands of international students, that call the UK home. With UKCISA and #WeAreInternational, Reese looks forward to amplifying student voices in government and academic institutions alike.

As a #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador I want to work towards the betterment of the entire international student community. I’m thrilled by the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world on common issues and interests. Together, we will make a difference!

Sumaiyah has been an international student in the UK since 2013 and is an international student ambassador at the University of Portsmouth. She wants to help create a support system to ease the transformation of students moving abroad and enhance their student experience. Her goal is to advocate the importance of mental health to students from cultures like her own where not much emphasis is placed on this, and raise awareness of the various help that is provided by the Universities and that students do not have to suffer alone.

#WeAreInternational is a diverse platform which benefits many international students to prepare themselves whilst they embark in their new journey. This campaign is vital as it will work as a support system to ensure the students that there is always help provided to all of their problems. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Siqi Jia is a final-year undergraduate student at University of Glasgow, majoring in Economics and Politics. As an international student, Siqi has a great interest in supporting students’ mental health as well as enhancing their learning experience and outcome while studying abroad. Siqi has volunteered as a Peer Wellbeing Supporter at university to assist students with mental health issues. She also works as a digital media and marketing assistant, monitoring UofG’s Chinese media channels and promoting communication between Chinese audience and the university. Siqi is keen to voice international students’ concerns on the policies related to Visa applications and graduate opportunities.

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for everyone who wants to be a global citizen to get a real taste of intercultural communications and taking responsibilities that the 21st century has assigned to our new generations.

Sagar Grewal is a current medical student in Canada, and recently completed a joint-Masters in Health Policy, Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomechanics at the University of Calgary. Having served as an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada through the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, and as President of the University of Calgary Students’ Union, Sagar developed a passion for furthering the accessibility and equity of higher education, for students of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Claudia Yañez is a PhD candidate and a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) representative in Management at the Adam Smith Business School - University of Glasgow. The aim of her research is to address the topic of employee wellbeing and explore employee perceptions when utilising employer-led wellbeing initiatives. Prior to this, she completed a MSc in International Human Resource Management and Development at the same institution where she was a student representative for her course. Claudia wants to use her role as student ambassador at UKCISA to focus on influencing international students’ policies related to employability opportunities and wellbeing.

Hi there, International student. You have made it so far by going through a long application process, but the best is yet to come! Always be curious, seek new opportunities (societies, internships, volunteering), and be confident that you will find like-minded people who will be friends for life.

Natalja is studying Natural Sciences at the University of Leeds. Her policy interests include advocating for the development of EU scholarships for undergraduates and a fair job market for EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. As a student ambassador she wants to contribute to the wellbeing of the diverse community of international students in the UK, and also influence university and governmental policy to implement necessary changes.

The decision to study abroad is a huge step, and the brilliant opportunities it brings are balanced out by new difficulties. #WeAreInternational campaign gives an essential feeling of belonging to a community of people who are either experiencing the same or have already overcome the challenges and are willing to share their experience.

Student ambassador alumni network 2020-2021

Michelle Jideofor came from Botswana in 2018 to study Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol. Initially wanting to gain work experience, she applied for the role of International Student Ambassador and immediately fell in love with it. She later became a Widening Participation Student Ambassador, which entails working with schools to deliver a range of activities and events on STEM related subjects. Her additional role of Student Quality Reviewer awakened her love for policy as she is the student representative in scrutinising the quality and standards of education provision and student academic experience through, for example, course reviews.

I’d love to raise awareness of UKCISA. I think it’s this amazing platform for international students throughout the whole of the UK, but too few students know about the opportunities they offer and the support they can give.

The #WeAreInternational students are important because it’s necessary to have international students represent international students. We know our struggles; we have gone through them, so we better know how to deal with them. Being in spaces where we can influence policy, discussing and representing international students who otherwise would not be able to have their say is critical.

Having graduated from Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany, with an MSc in Sports Engineering, Daniel is now a postgraduate researcher at Sheffield Hallam University, with the aim of improving ice hockey helmets’ impact attenuation performance and concussion prevention. During his Master’s studies, he spent a semester at Luleå University of Technology in northern Sweden. Furthermore, he is engaged in his university’s mentor programme for international students, works as a part of the Student Engagement, Evaluation and Research team, and volunteers as a coach for multiple teams in his university’s ice hockey club. Daniel is the current Vice-Chair of UKCISA's Student Advisory Group.

As the EU representative in the international student ambassador cohort this year, my biggest issue is Brexit. It's a time of uncertainty for every EU student and prospective EU student in the UK and I want to contribute to get the best possible policies for EU students and to ensure everyone feels safe studying in the UK.

The #WeAreInternational scheme is critical because most decisions for students are made by people who have not been international students in the UK and who haven't been students for a long time: they don't have the required knowledge about current international student life.

Anant recently graduated with a first class law degree from the University of Birmingham. He is currently undertaking the Accelerated Legal Practice Course at BPP University prior to starting his role as a trainee solicitor at an international law firm.  Anant is passionate about promoting global interconnectedness through education, as he is himself Indian-born, American-raised, and British-educated. In his time in the UK, he has pursued various opportunities to advocate for his fellow students, including being part of the inaugural cohort of the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme. Anant is keen to use his role to shape policymaking, with an emphasis on international student employability. To that end, he has participated in several policy discussions with government officials on improving international student access to volunteering and work experience roles. Anant is also a member of the cross-sector International Student Employability Group and is Vice-Chair of UKCISA's Student Advisory Group.

Khoa completely a Master’s degree in 2020 majoring in Corporate Communications, Marketing and Public Relations under a Chevening scholarship (sponsored by Foreign Commonwealth Office) and was a Link to Leeds Ambassador. Khoa has taken on the position of Head of Committee for his course’s largest student-led event called Clubs7 – a platform to inspire students to become the best versions of themselves with the theme Connection. Khoa was also the founder of Comms Lab @ LUBS where experienced students can come together and exchange cultural and professional working insights in the field of communications.

I would tell international students just starting out in the UK to keep being proactive, search for opportunities to learn and grow and try to step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid of failure and do not be afraid of asking for help if you need it.

Nebu is a PhD Student of Archaeology at Bangor University researching application of geochemical techniques in archaeology. He has been in the UK since 2013 pursuing his BA and MA, before beginning his PhD at Bangor. Nebu has been working as an International Student Ambassador with the Internal Student Support Office at the University since 2014, where he supports newly arrived students, and is actively involved in dealing with international student affairs within the University. One of his major interests is improving the careers and employability guidance and services, and opportunities available for international students at UK universities. Nebu is the current Chair of UKCISA's Student Advisory Group.

I remember how daunting it was coming here for the first time in a strange land of strangers. I just want to say: it’s going to be okay. No matter how daunting it is, no matter how many issues there are, there are always avenues for help and there will always be people there to support you, as long as you know which door to knock on.

International student ambassadors are necessary because as various policies are drawn up for international students, there is a need for feedback from us students in terms of potential effects and benefits.

Katie Crabtree is a Doctoral Candidate in the Philosophy of Education at Leeds Trinity, University of Leeds. She's funded by Leeds Trinity University, accredited by the University of Leeds. She has a supervisor at Leeds Beckett University and another at the University of Texas. Her research interests focus on the meaning of study and liberal arts education. She serves on the Student Board of the American Journal of Education Forum. Katie holds an MA in the Philosophy of Education from the UCL Institute of Education, an MSc in Higher Education from Oxford, and a BSc in Psychology, French, and Public Administration from Grand Valley State University (MI, USA). Her long-term experience as a student abroad and theoretical interest in university education inform her passion for improving policy for international students in the UK.

As a #WeAreInternational student ambassador and a philosopher of education, the most important thing for me is to keep the question of education open. Oftentimes when we make policy and when we talk about universities we always think we know what they do and what they’re for. But for me, that’s always a question to remain open and alive. I’d also like to bring attention to the fact that international study has always been a part of university and education. Encountering people who are different from you and counter your ideas has always been what universities are all about.

Adetoun Adebayo is studying at Nottingham Law School, after recently completed her LLB (Hons) Law student at the University of Nottingham. As an international student from Nigeria, she is passionate about helping other international students overcome challenges specific to them, ranging from visa applications to graduate job searches. As a result of this, she has undertaken roles as a welcome mentor and open day helper at her university. She also volunteered at the Personal Support Unit, and has been a Brightside mentor to sixth form students. She is the current welfare officer for One Heritage, a student society that aims to educate and facilitate discussions regarding issues of interest in the African and Caribbean Community. Adetoun aims to improve the overall international student experience by using her passion for learning more about democratic processes and policy changes to help others.

Over the years I’ve met many international students from different countries and we all seem to bond over the struggle of being an international student, but I believe that by being an ambassador I will be able to turn those struggles into positives, so that we can actually bond over the joys of being international students.

Yunyan is a PhD student in Social Policy at the University of Bristol. She has run for the positions of faculty postgraduate research (PGR) student representative and Senate member in university governance meetings. Understanding what students need has helped Yunyan to build and develop sustainable networks and working relationships with them, enabling her to support student representation work more effectively. She is passionate about working to build a more inclusive and supportive community for all international students.

 

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