Presentations 10 July, 3.30-4.45pm

D1. The Post Study Work Scheme and beyond… (repeated as C1)

Most advisers will be aware of the Post Study Work (PSW) scheme which is replacing the International Graduates Scheme and will allow international students to stay in the UK after their studies to work for two years. The PSW scheme may be the appropriate route for a student but there are many other options depending on past work experience, qualifications, age and relationship history as well as the student’s long term plans. This workshop will focus on how the adviser can help the student to fulfil their objectives. It will assume some basic knowledge of the PSW Scheme, the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (and its replacement), the full work permit scheme and the switching rules.

Jo Holliday, International Student Advisor, University of Sheffield Union of Students

D2. Preparing for PBS – what’s it all about and what do institutions need to consider?

This session will identify the key aspects of the Points Based System (PBS) and look at models for preparing and planning for the new system in institutions – including “Who?”, “How?”, “What?” and “When?”. Although the presenters will identify processes being used at UCLan, this session will encourage debate and discussion relating to existing systems and/or alternatives. The aim is to highlight the key requirements of the new system which will need to be met and to allow institutions to incorporate these into their own existing policies and processes or to consider and discuss new approaches.

Helen Eastham, University of Central Lancashire and Catherine Marston, Policy Advisor, Universities UK

D3. Batch scheme surgery

An opportunity to meet staff from the Home Office’s Student Batch Scheme face to face. The workshop will include a presentation from staff managing the scheme, and a question and answer session. At the question and answer session, you are invited to raise any issues you think it would be useful for advisers using the scheme to discuss with the staff managing it.
Note: this session is not appropriate for you if students at your institution post their applications to the Home Office themselves, rather than through the Student Batch Scheme.

Staff from the Home Office Student batch Scheme

D4. The unspoken in advice work: a psychodynamic perspective

In any exchange between two people, unspoken dynamics are taking place which both shape and reflect the interaction. In advice work, the focus tends to be on factual information, but I am interested in what else might be being played out in our work with students. This presentation will introduce some central concepts of psychodynamic thinking: transference, counter-transference, projection, boundaries and attunement, and how they are relevant and important in any helping profession. Participants will have the chance to participate in group discussions, but no prior knowledge of psychology or psychotherapy is necessary.

Emma Fleet, Student Advisor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

D5. Demystifying the OISC Code of Standards (repeated as A1)

• What is the Code and what does it mean to me?
• How will my service stand up to the Code?
• Are there any changes I should be making?
• How do I demonstrate compliance?

After introducing the Code and associated guidance on competence we will explore what it really means to the education sector. We will discuss how to run an audit on immigration advice and services at your institution. This is a participatory session in which you will practise an element of the audit process and compile an action plan for compliance with the Code of Standards.

Yvonne Haines, International Student Advisor, University of Birmingham and Duncan Lane, Director of Advice & Training, UKCISA

D6. Coming here and coming out

An exploration of some of the practical, cultural and emotional issues that affect gay and lesbian international students in the UK. For an international student who is gay, or who is coming to terms with the fact, the usual orientation challenges that affect all students can seem even greater. This session will look at how shifts in culture, independence, behaviour, acceptance and expectation, and issues of re-orientation, can be especially challenging for this tranche of students.

Andrew Humphrey, Welfare Adviser, Queen Mary University of London

D7. Capturing student voices: relationships and reliability

When students are able to speak directly to educators, or to fellow students, on film, on-line or in person, the effect is visible, direct and clear. This demonstrates the extraordinary power of the student voice. How should we collect student opinion and use this. What is ‘the student voice’ and how reliable is it?

Meanwhile, internet communication and other digital technologies have transformed, and are transforming the way we communicate with students, how they communicate with teachers, with each other, their friends and family. What is the effect on the quality and quantity of the relationships students have, and does this help or hinder learning? What are the issues for universities if students post their thoughts about studying in the UK on interactive sites and blogs, given that ‘word of mouth’ is seen as a key factor in marketing higher education abroad. Is there potential for universities to use social interactive sites and student voices, to encourage interculturalism and how reliable is feedback which is obtained from students on-line and what are the advantages of using these mechanisms? This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on these issues and their implications for institutions.

Viv Thom, Advisor, Sheffield Hallam University

D8. Assisting international students in making the transition to UK study

International students often report differences between their previous educational experiences and the academic culture of the UK. How can institutions best assist students who are making this transition? This presentation will discuss a University of Glasgow project to develop international student support. Research was conducted into students’ experiences in order to identify some key academic support needs. These findings informed the development of online and virtual learning environment (VLE) materials for pre-arrival and in-sessional support, which will be demonstrated in the session.

Gayle Pringle, Faculty International Office, Faculty of Law, Business and Social Sciences, University of Glasgow

D9. Developing international partnerships

This session will focus on how FE colleges can establish successful partnerships with institutions abroad, particularly making the most of external funding opportunities such as the PMI. It will consider the range of possible activities in which colleges might wish to engage, along with potential benefits and practical issues to consider in the establishment of effective working relationships, including financial issues and managing risks.

Ian Baggaley, Director of International Operations, Bournemouth and Poole College

D10. Internationalisation at home: working with UK students to promote cross-cultural awareness

This session will report findings from ongoing research which suggests that the interaction between UK students and their international peers is often strained. This jeopardises the creation of cross-cultural social networks and limits the scope for enhanced cultural awareness and the development of global citizenship skills. In essence, simple proximity to other cultures does not foster understanding or learning.
The session will also have a practical component and will interactively showcase the training materials which are being developed (with PMI2 funding) to break down the social and academic barriers between UK and international students for both their benefit.

Neil Harrison, University of the West of England, Nicola Peacock, University of Bath, and Kathryn Eade, thinkingpeople

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