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International Students: More
than a source of revenue
LGoS Advice Service

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‘The UK has over-taken the US as the most popular study
destination for international students, despite their belief
that it is also the most expensive… Market research firm
i-graduate surveyed nearly 12,000 students from 143
countries for its 2007 StudentPulse survey. One of the
most surprising results was that two-thirds of students
select the university first before thinking about which
country they will study in. The quality and reputation of
the course and lecturers was of more importance than
lifestyle, climate and culture’
“What global students really, really want.”
Evening Standard, 29th April 2008

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Introduction
• Current climate of HE
• Fees
• University of Liverpool expansion
• Essential support services
• Enriching international experience of all
students

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UKBA Tier IV
• Re-sit cap if not ‘highly trusted’
• 20 hour working limit
• 6 month dependents limit

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How important were the following factors when deciding to study at this university? (ISB 2007)
Base: 532
New Students

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Learning Experience (ISB 2009)

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Advice: Proportion of PGs 08/09

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Advice: International Students 08/09

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Advice: International Students 08/09

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To note...
1. The majority of international students seen come from
ULMS, Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
2. The majority of international students seen are
postgraduates.
3. The number of international students who seek advice
with regards to impropriety and discipline issues is
significantly higher than their UK/EU peers.
4. English language proficiency.

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Case study
LGoS Representation & Advice Coordinator attended a
disciplinary hearing for an International student on March
09. After returning to the office, she received a phone
call from the Board of Discipline asking if she was
available to represent another student at the next
hearing. This was because the Board felt that the
student’s level of English was not sufficient enough for
her to fully understand what was happening and the
questions that were being asked of her.

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National Context
• Lack of coordination by institutions in resolution
building/sharing
• ISB (International Student Barometer) data
which show dissatisfaction amongst international
students towards assessment and feedback
issues in particular
• Debate over plagiarism link

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Academic Best Practice
• University of Leeds induction period
• Bradford University
- Accelerated MBA courses for students with visa problems
- Budgets for PhD students conferencing
- Summer language courses
- Personal tutor: regularly emails or appointments for
international students
• University of Edinburgh TANDEM Scheme

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English – the international
language
• 370m speak English as native language
• 370m speak English as second language
• 750m speak English as a foreign
language

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English Language Unit
• 750 students on part-time basis – 7
members of staff, buy in teachers on
hourly basis
• IELTS testing centre
• New tests being trialled nationally –
Longman & Pearson test

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Tandem
• Learning languages in a fun and relaxed social
environment
• Supports Uni of Edinburgh strategic target “To
increase the proportion of our students attending
another international institution by 50%”.
• Promotes integration
• Promotes mobilisation

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“With a graduate labour market which is increasingly global,
opportunities for students to develop language skills
alongside cultural awareness and understanding are
extremely beneficial. The innovative Tandem Language
programme provides a valuable enhancement to
students' employability and is an excellent addition to the
already wide ranging personal development
opportunities available to students through EUSA
societies and activities."
Lynda Ali, Director, Careers Service

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What LGoS can do...
• Top rated ISB service
• Student Representatives
- course reps
- SROs
- international student working group
• Police induction
• Buddy systems

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Conclusions
• Importance of international students to
University of Liverpool
• Diverse international student body
• UKBA challenges
• Positive contribution of international
students

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Recommendations
• Compulsory study skills
• Increased provision of international
student support
• Increased provision of language support
• Creation of student-led TANDEM project