How the Foundation for International Education is transforming the international student experience
May 13, 2026
5 minute read: Learn about how the Foundation for International Education’s Visa & International Support Team has built a service based on personalised guidance, proactive problem-solving and a genuine student-centred approach.
Understanding that applying for a visa can be a daunting experience for international students, the Foundation for International Education developed a model that puts the individual first, combining compassionate one-to-one guidance with proactive advocacy and personalised problem-solving.
In recognition of this exceptional work, the Visa and International Support team has won the #WeAreInternational Outstanding Student Support (Visas and Immigration) Award 2025.
Read on to discover how they built this award-winning model, and tips they offer to other institutions looking to strengthen their support.
Reassuring and empowering international students
For many international students, applying for a visa can be one of the most anxiety-inducing steps in their study abroad journey. Concerns about compliance, fear of making mistakes and uncertainty about changing immigration rules all have an impact.
At the Foundation for International Education, two dedicated advisors provide one-to-one guidance across all immigration-related matters, from visa applications and documentation to complex procedural questions. Students can rely on advisors who know their individual circumstances and reply with empathy and clarity. Alongside this, digital guides and videos offer detailed, step-by-step information.
Accessible communication is central to this approach. Students are encouraged to email for a swift, same-day response, while a dedicated WhatsApp channel ensures urgent queries are answered promptly. This combination of responsiveness, expertise and personalised care helps students to feel informed, reassured and confident.
Anna Lozhkina, Director of Administration says:
“Students frequently tell us that having a dedicated advisor who understands their individual circumstances significantly reduces stress, particularly during high-pressure periods such as preparing visa applications or arriving in the UK.
This increased confidence often extends beyond visa matters, positively influencing academic engagement, attendance, and participation in the wider student community.”
Balancing peak periods with high-quality, personalised support
FIE told us that the biggest challenge has been providing individualised, high quality support during peak-periods. They’ve addressed this by:
- Investment in staff training and continuous professional development, ensuring advisors remain confident and fully up to date with frequently changing immigration rules.
- Clear, targeted guidance materials, from step-by-step application guides to informative webinars that address common queries and concerns.
- Regularly reviewing student feedback, enabling the team to identify where guidance can be simplified, clarified, or better sequenced.
This proactive approach helps streamline routine enquiries and frees up staff time to focus on students with more complex needs. Providing a personal, student-centered service without compromising on accuracy, accessibility, or compliance.
What other teams can learn from FIE
The Visa and International Support Team shared these tips for other teams who may be looking for ideas to improve or optimise their immigration support for international students.
- Invest in people, not just processes. Trusted, knowledgeable, and approachable advisors make a significant difference to the student experience.
- Embed immigration support within wider student support framework. A holistic approach ensures consistent messaging and comprehensive care
- Be proactive, not reactive. Identifying potential risks early and addressing them before they escalate is key
- Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication is essential. Students value reassurance and understanding just as much as technical accuracy.
Living the values of the #WeAreInternational Student Charter
FIE proudly aligns its work with the #WeAreInternational Student Charter, which champions inclusion, respect and belonging. These values shape every aspect of their support.
Anna Lozhkina, Director of Administration added:
“The Student Charter directly informs our approach to supporting international students. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in which international students feel valued and supported.
All advice and support services are delivered with respect, empathy, and cultural awareness.
We actively advocate for international students’ rights and wellbeing across the institution, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are embedded within institutional practice.”
If you’d like to find out more about embedding student voice in your institution, explore UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational Student Charter.
You can also connect with peers and learn about how they are supporting international students at the UKCISA Annual Conference 2026, 23-25 June in Glasgow.
And don't forget that nominations for #WeAreInternational Awards 2026 are now open, so do take a look at the categories and find out how to enter.
