The UK removing obstacles that make the experience of international students difficult

UKCISA organized a week-long online event for international students enrolled with UK institutions. One of the many activities included was a speech by Sir Steve Smith, UK’s appointed International education champion, who highlighted a key realization of government that international students are important for the future of the whole country.

When the UK government axed post-study work rights in 2011, the numbers of Indian students dropped massively. This was not the right signal to send out when the UK were restricting international immigration to come to universities.  Thanks to persistent work by the sector  institutions the government listened and lifted the restrictions.

He asked the students watching to use the #Weareinternational ambassador programme, which is run under the protection of UKCISA, to ensure the government can listen to the concerns and views of its international student community. During these times when things are changing and developing quickly, the institutions would act on them swiftly and with the best intentions but not every time they can make the right decisions. The students are prompted to help by sharing their experiences and views on the situation.

The education sector institutions aim at removing obstacles that make the experience of international students difficult, but they need to know what these obstacles are.

Another point made by Sir Smith, addressed to all students, was the strong need of the international student community.

Anne-Marie Graham, chief executive of UKCISA, expresses a positive attitude towards the new policies set out by the government, new strategies to allow welcoming international students.

This session was chaired by Nebu George, who is an international student ambassador. He called for more support and guidance in career for international students to ensure the new graduate immigration route can result in a meaningful opportunity for students.