The International Office Sandra Morris 25 th October 2006

Introduction The University of Edinburgh and internationalisation International student demographics The role of the International Office Who’s who Changing nature of international recruitment Appointed representatives International Student Barometer The coming year

The Scottish Executive’s Strategy Draft document –an International Strategy for Scottish Further and Higher Education Strategic priorities: Increase awareness and use of Scottish education and research in international markets Improve global employability of Scots Improve quality of experience and employability of international students Support Lisbon agenda and European competitiveness

The University’s Strategic Plan, Aim –To be truly international across the range of the University’s activities Objectives –further raise the University’s international profile and reputation –promote international collaboration in education, research and knowledge transfer –promote a two-way cultural exchange between Scotland and the rest of the world –attract and support greater numbers of international students –create an enriched environment for the University community

The International Office’s Operational Plan strategic objectives To ensure that the University is recognised in key markets as being a leading academic institution To achieve an increase of 500 additional overseas FTEs by 2007/08 To enhance the International Office’s role in overseas student welfare To assist Colleges and Schools with the identification of key overseas markets and the development of recruitment strategies

International Office International student recruitment –Supporting schools and colleges –Information and advice –Inward and outward visits –Publications Student exchanges –International –Socrates/Erasmus International student welfare –Welcome and orientation –Social programme –In-year support –Immigration advice

International student demographics 65% increase from to Over 5000 international undergraduate, postgraduate and visiting students 135 countries 80% of students come from 14 countries targeted by International Office

International students by country CountryNew Entrants CHSS Totals Total Population USA China Canada Malaysia India Taiwan Japan Hong Kong Norway Singapore South Korea Russia Mexico10936 Thailand131836

Who’s who - Student Recruitment Rebecca Gaukroger –USA/Russian Federation Katrina Hastings –Malaysia/Singapore/Int’l students in Europe Liz Lister –Thailand Alan Mackay –Middle East/Emerging markets Catriona Shannon –India/Canada/Mexico/Norway Matthew Wortley –Japan/Hong Kong/Korea/Taiwan Nini Yang –China

Who’s who - Student Exchange Sandra Morris –Co-ordination and Policy Lesley Balharry –Outgoing ERASMUS students and ERASMUS contracts Helen Leitch –Outgoing International exchange students and contracts Clare Swindells –All incoming exchange and visiting students applicants

Who’s who - Student Support Sandra Morris –Co-ordination and Policy Ann McKay –Student advisor/immigration advisor Mark McGillivray –Induction activities and student support

Student recruitment International recruitment is changing –More competitive: students with more options –Technology has raised student expectations Relationship-building with high schools and universities Overseas representative networks Emphasis on conversion In-country pre-departure briefings Turn-around time Maintaining (personal) contact

Appointed Representatives 20 legally-appointed representatives Experienced Quality control and training Extension of the International Office Range of services Better applicants; better conversion rates

International Student Barometer ALL international students surveyed 40+ institutions participating i-graduate 3 census points Information on student priorities, expectations, behaviour, experience, etc. Informing change

Action from ISB (to date) Autumn WaveSpring WaveSummer Wave Findings* Poor meet and greet service Access to Setting up a bank account Processing applications/Response times Accommodation value Findings Careers and employability dissatisfaction (but students expressed satisfaction with the Careers Service itself) Accommodation value and quality Visa advice and information Findings Quality of learning spaces criticised Cost of living and accommodation were criticised Campus eating places Accommodation Service Actions New meet and greet programme introduced in 2006 Pre-registration in 2006 allowed immediate access to IO liaised with Banks but accommodation leases in 2006 created other problems Colleges reviewed processes/SPGSC review/ FSB Accommodation Office advised of problems Actions Careers Service advised Accommodation Service advised Appointments service set up for visa and immigration clinic. Increased hours provided each day. Actions Quality of Learning spaces – action yet to be taken Accommodation service advised of problems Campus eating places – KB?

New for Representatives’ Zone of website –Keep official representatives up-to-date with relevant information –Provide applicant data –Cut-down on repeat enquiries Country-specific entry requirement recommendations and student tracking Masters programme information sheets –Accompany Concise PG Prospectus –Detailed information Future Student Barometer –Why don’t students choose Edinburgh PGT Study Orientation Day –University-wide

Contact Sandra Morris International Office 57 George Square Tel: Useful website addresses: office.ed.ac.uk/Uoe/News/october2006.htm