London Higher and UUKi have today published guidance for higher education institutions to help in cases of international student hardship, based on best practice that already exists within the sector.
The guidance, produced in collaboration with institutions across the country, through an international student taskgroup, highlights the hard work already carried out by institutions to support domestic and international students, and makes a range of suggestions as universities continue to adapt to new and unexpected situations. The guidance highlights some challenges unique to international students and makes recommendations for how to best support international students through any hardship experienced.
The full guidance can be read on UUKi’s website.
Dr Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher said;
“The past year has been tough for a lot of people – not least students, who have had to come to terms with new modes of learning, reduced social interaction and disruption to traditional income streams. International students may have been particularly affected during the Covid-19 pandemic, being separated from their families ‘back home’ and, perhaps, unsure who to turn to when personal circumstances change.
“At London Higher, we are keen to show the capital’s universities remain supportive of both domestic and international students’ situations. That’s why we have been pleased to work with Universities UK International (UUKi) and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) to produce a new set of guidance for UK universities committed to supporting students who may find themselves experiencing sudden hardship.
“At a time when the nation is looking to build back better after Covid and cement its credentials as welcoming and ‘open to the world’ after Brexit, it is more important than ever that we get things right and show the world we care. As such, we hope this guidance will facilitate the Government’s ambition to attract more international students to our shores through the course of the decade and strengthen London’s status as a warm and rewarding study destination of choice.”
Professor Amanada Broderick, Vice Chancellor and President of University East London, and member of the international student task group said;
“We recognise that all students face difficulties at some point throughout their degrees, and the past year has been even harder than usual. Yet when students put their trust in us, we owe it to them that we do all we can to ensure that they have the best possible student experience.
Through sharing the best practice from institutions in ensuring that student needs are met in this difficult time, this framework highlights some challenges unique to international students and makes recommendations for how to best support international students through any hardship experienced.
I look forward to seeing this guidance used across the UK’s universities, making sure that London and the UK remain the global destination of choice as we look towards our recovery.”
