Show, Tell and Talk – International student experience

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What are the barriers that international students face? There is a variety of research happening across the University exploring how we can improve the experience of international students and discover the common issues that arise for them. Whether this is intercultural communication, working in groups or just a feeling of not ‘fitting in’; we want to learn more about these obstacles and how they can be overcome.

If you have experience of successful (or even not so successful!) interventions that have been tested out in your school or department please come and share your insights. We are keen to discuss key themes and to explore possible solutions so that the transition to university life in the UK – both academically and outside the classroom – is as smooth as it can be.

This 90 minute in-person workshop, hosted by Maxine Gillway, Polly Barr, Fiona Hartley, Catriona Johnson and Ivory Wang, with additional contributions from Claire Spencer (Senior Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance), takes place in Room 1.20, Helen Wodehouse Building, 35 Berkeley Square. The session will give a brief overview of our BILT-funded research projects which are focused on understanding how our approach to teaching and assessment and the content of our curricula impacts the international student experience. The session will also explore with attendees what we can do to ensure international students thrive in their learning and feel a sense of belonging while at Bristol.

Facilitators:

• Maxine Gillway – Director, Centre for Academic Language and Development
• Polly Barr – Lecturer, School of Psychological Science
• Fiona Hartley – Lecturer in Academic Development, BILT
• Catriona Johnson – EAP Tutor, Centre for Academic Language and Development 
• Ivory Wang – Student Fellow, BILT

The session includes a presentation, group discussion, and will end with a chance to mingle with fellow attendees over tea and biscuits.