Beyond Borders
The first stage of the project was delivered in 2009 – 2010 and involved detailed research regarding how well international students are engaged as class reps within student unions and university structures.
This resulted in the Beyond Borders research report which was launched in May 2010. The report focused on four key areas: pre-induction, induction, representative structures and feedback. Download a copy of the report here.
International student consultancy
This academic year, 2010 – 2011, Sparqs with NUS Scotland are delivering consultancy to five universities or colleges across Scotland. This will allow institutions to better support international students to engage in representative structures, and better allow institutions to tailor their services to the needs of these students.
In addition to the consultancy work, NUS Scotland are offering students’ associations the opportunity to participate in the ‘Internationalising your Students’ Union’ audit, a tool that has been developed by NUS UK and is currently being rolled out in 20 institutions across the UK including the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University.
A series of training events will be offered to complement the work of the project. This commenced with a Cultural Awareness training delivered in partnership with UKCISA, the UK Council for International Students on 6 October at Edinburgh University Students’ Association.
Students Without Borders Facebook Group
The SWB Facebook group is a new forum where home and international students, and student officers, can stay informed on SWB opportunities, information and training which supports student mobility, and greater internationalisation of the student experience in Scottish HE.
It also provides an outlet for anyone interested in study abroad or international student affairs to voice their views on campus developments, and media coverage of these issues.
We are particularly keen on study abroad case studies and posts which highlight, celebrate and help cultivate an internationalising agenda on Scottish campuses. You can join up here
International Student Officer Training
NUS Scotland and sparqs are currently developing training, and an accompanying toolkit, to student sabbatical officers representing international students on key international student issues. As well as your success stories, we would like to hear from you on what key issues and challenges you are currently dealing with. Contact helen.o’shea@nus-scotland.org.uk
Links and Support
Download the NUS Internationalisation Charter to find out more on helping your institution become a global university.
To find out how internationalised your students’ association is, have a look at the NUS Internationalising Your Students’ Union Audit.
Contact Joanna.Purkis@nus.org.uk for more details.
Find out more about NUS's Global Futures Campaign.
For more information, email NUS Scotland Policy Officer Helen O’Shea or call the office on 0131 556 6598.