The BUTEX 12th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016 The role of the English Language Unit at Bath Spa University in supporting Learning Abroad students Sarah Sibley: Academic Coordinator, English Language Unit Hugh Osborne: Senior Lecturer, English Language Unit Bath Spa University

International students Summer 2015

Bath Spa University’s Vision Our vision is to be a leading university in creativity, culture and enterprise. Through inspirational teaching and research, we transform students’ lives. Based in a World Heritage city and connected to a network of international partners, Bath Spa University will ensure that its graduates are socially engaged global citizens.

Who are Learning Abroad students at BSU? 8,500 total number of students 1,118 international students 60 learning abroad students 2015-2016

Key stakeholders Learning abroad students IRO/ELU Academic departments & tutors Other students

What the ELU currently provides Pre-arrival testing BSU Web pages (communication platform) Pre-sessional classes In-sessional support (EAP courses/language surgeries/1-1 tutorials) Raising staff awareness workshops Social events

Our research Focus groups 5 groups 6-15 students more than 10 nationalities represented Interviews 18 students interviewed 12 nationalities represented Data collected between March 2015 and May 2016

What the students said (1) Issues What students say Work load: lack of equity? ‘My friends at other universities just have parties, but I have 5 essay deadlines.’ ‘I haven’t got any assignments. I want to learn more.’ Feedback: Timely? ‘I want a high score. I don’t know if I will fail or get a high score.’ Feedback – This student had been here two months with no assignments yet, no grades to benchmark her academic performance. At home, she had had weekly assignments.

What the students said (2) Issues What students say Academic conventions ‘In my country I never write a formal essay.’ ‘My tutor says my essay is not critical, but I do not understand.’ ‘My English language is not academic.’ ‘What is a presentation?’ Grade conventions ‘I only received 62%. In my country I always receive more than 90%’ ‘I don’t understand what first, second and so on means.’ What country do you think the first quote student is from? Germany!

What the students said (3) Issues What students say First day attending a module seminar ‘It was so nice. My tutor welcomed me and I know all the other student names.’ ‘My module leader did not know who I am. He did not see my name on the class list. I feel embarrassed.’ Communication between link tutors ‘My tutor from home did not respond my emails. I felt lonely and confused. I want to ask questions’

What the students said (4) Issues What students say Continued support with assignments once students have returned home ‘I did not have someone to help with my work when I went back home. I feel worried about this’ ‘It was so good because the ELU said that they can support me by email or on skype tutorials’

What the students said (5) Issues What students say Emotional/confidence issues ‘I can not do the work. I cry all the time.’ ‘I miss my mum so much. I feel sad but I tell her I am happy. She worries about me.’ ‘I have ideas but I am not confidence to talk to other students.’ ‘My English is not good.’ ‘I thought my English will get better but I do not speak much in class.’

The Future Data collection – the student voice – action Develop links Comprehensive training for staff Working group to ensure parity of experience Pre-arrival and arrival - integration for students Website academic language glossary Conversation/fluency classes