International Student Advisory Service International Departures: Preparing Global Students to be Global Graduates Euan Fergusson Head of International Student Support Ali McDonald Assistant Head of International Student Support

International Student Advisory Service Content Background Current situation Summary of research IdeasProposalConclusions

International Student Advisory Service International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) Assisting International Students through their transitions at Edinburgh… Transition INTO the University  Providing immigration advice to all non-UK students, assisting with their study visa applications

International Student Advisory Service ISAS…  Guiding our new international students through their transition from their home country to their new life in Edinburgh  Blogs  Arrival Guide  Airport Welcome / International Arrival Lounge / International Day

International Student Advisory Service Transition THROUGH their programme  Provide on-course immigration advice  Visa checking service  Drop-in clinics  Offering an informed and supportive advice and referral service on welfare issues to students and their academic contacts  Providing further opportunities for social and cultural integration and engagement through student led events and activities

International Student Advisory Service Transition OUT of University  Currently no ‘outduction’  How do we support our students to prepare for their exit from the University and into whatever plans they have beyond?

International Student Advisory Service Preparing Global Students to be Global Graduates  A conference that will provide an opportunity for both practical guidance and support as graduates enter the workforce or further study, but also a time for reflection and celebration of their time and achievements as they m.ove on from the university

International Student Advisory Service Induction… to Outduction IO collaborates in gateway induction events: International Day, PGT orientation day, PGR orientation. Large scale, general overviews: practical matters etc. International induction progresses from practical overview into localised inductions.

International Student Advisory Service Induction University Gateway Overview College Specific Second level induction School / Subject inductions Detailed School / Programe

International Student Advisory Service What do we mean by “outduction”? “Outduction” originally used to express final year experiences leading to the conclusion of studies (Layer 2007). Need for a ‘reverse model of induction’ – from the specific to the general? Process or an end in itself? Expectations vs Requirements Timing

International Student Advisory Service Higher Education Academy, 2007

International Student Advisory Service What is there to reflect on? Contacts / Network Experiences to draw upon Aspects of a person’s time that has defined their experience Personal development Resilience Qualifcations New skills… AchievementsChallenges MemoriesHighlights

International Student Advisory Service What dimensions are there to an international student’s outduction? Careers / “Employability” Understanding the qualification Academic Advice Continuing links with institution / Alumni Practical and ‘life’ transition

International Student Advisory Service Outduction activities 10 minute group: a)Considering your own area, what outduction activity currently exists: that is, activity which encourages students to reflect on or actively prepare for for the end of their programme, currently exists? a)Considering your own experience/perception, what do you think international students will find useful?

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International Student Advisory Service Next steps  Focus groups with students  Designing of a replicable gateway event  Linking to current outduction activities  Redesigning of events to make them smaller scale and interspersed throughout the year

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