International Student Experience Journey

Chris CutforthSport Department International Student

Experience Lead

Context

Academy of Sport and Physical Activity

International Strategy

My role - International Student Experience Lead

International student recruitment

Research methodology

Online questionnaire survey to all international sports students

International student focus groups - countries of origin

Academic staff focus groups

Student Support Officer focus groups

Quantitative and qualitative data collected over 3 academic years

Lines of enquiry Views and experiences of the

induction programme The quality of learning, teaching and

academic support Student Support services Cultural awareness, accessibility and

approachability of staff Awareness and use of other student

services, including social and cultural activities

Key difficulties and challenges faced by international students and the staff teaching them

Ideas for improving the international student experiences in the future

Key findings Mixed quality of experiences ranging from

very positive to very negative Significant variations in experiences

between cultural groups and between courses

International students from ‘western’ countries tend to have the more positive experiences

Students from China and the Far East often experience the most significant challenges

Significant scope to improve the quality and consistency of teaching and academic support

Need to improve careers and employability opportunities, advice and support

'Cultural separation'

Successes CRM Induction University services ISSO/academic staff

relationship AWP time allocations Social events Student interactions

research

Areas for development

Teaching assistants Staff CPD Careers/employability

research project Course team action

plans LTA practice

improvements CDA

Supporting Kurdistan students

4 Kurdistan students – MSc Sport and Exercise Science

3 months notice of arrival! Major issues adapting to the

academic culture Smart and hard working

students Self punishing Individual approaches to their

studies Mutually supportive in the

informal learning environment

The response Weekly meeting with Course

Leader Drop in sessions (academic skills) Open door policy AWP time for teaching team SSO contact and support Assume no prior knowledge Check knowledge and

understanding (again and again!) CDA – 15 credit study and lab

skills modules Preparations of new intake (CRM)

Opportunities and challenges

Internationalising the curriculum

‘Global academics’ Inclusive LTA practice Balancing international

recruitment with delivery of a quality learning experience

The vision

Sports graduates equipped and

motivated to make a positive contribution to a global industry

and challenging world

Contact details...

Chris CutforthSport Department International Student Experience

Lead

Extension 5626

c.cutforth@shu.ac.uk