UK Calling

Tom Rhodes, head, international relations, University of Sheffield (UK), on how universities in the UK are taking an interest in making a long-term commitment to their graduates

As head of international relations, I am aware that many of those who make the journey between India and the UK are students – talented young people who often experience life in another country for the first time.
Today, approximately 30,000 Indian students come to England to study each year – the second most popular destination after the United States. But what kind of welcome will they find in Britain today? 

A few weeks ago, I joined my university’s ‘meet and greet’ delegation as they awaited international students arriving at a local airport. We were not alone. All around us were ‘student ambassadors’ holding up welcome signs and recording arrivals on clip boards before escorting tired but excited new students to awaiting buses and a new chapter of their lives. 

This is a common sight at international airports across the country. Universities realise that the decision to study in another country is a momentous one, and over the years have developed high levels of care and support for those who may be leaving their homeland for the first time to study overseas. Many universities conduct orientation progammes and social events for international students to help them learn not only about their new educational environment, but also the culture of the country while putting them at ease. 

International student support services also include mentoring, personal tutors, financial advice and support, health services, careers guidance and, together with our student unions, a range of social and sporting activities. Additionally, universities are taking a keen interest in making a long-term commitment to their graduates and the communities they come from via alumni associations and through initiatives such as the ‘Tier I Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme’. This scheme allows graduates the opportunity to stay back in the UK for up to two years to set up in business. There is also the recently introduced ‘Doctoral Extension Scheme’ which gives PhD graduates the chance to work in the country for a year after graduation. The desire to welcome talented Indian students is also seen in the range of scholarship opportunities, including those co-funded by universities and the British Council, offered under the GREAT campaign. 

Our communities are international and determined to address global challenges. In 2012, over 5,00,000 international students from 200 countries studied in the country. Indian students who come to a university in the UK meet not only English students, but make friendships with peers from across the world – an experience which will also prepare them to engage confidently in their future careers with people of many different nations. 

An Indian student who arrives at a UK airport has the potential to be part of a story of personal achievement within a higher education system. It is the duty and pleasure of universities to respond to that trust with an experience of student life which will unlock their potential for the benefit of both the UK and India.

(Source : Educationtimes)