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Attracting international students: equitable services and support, campus cohesion and community engagement
ECU and the Scottish higher education sector are investigating the benefits of placing equality and diversity at the centre of the international student experience
For: Student services, international offices, students' unions, equality and diversity teams, governance and management
When: January 2011 – April 2012
In an increasingly competitive market, higher education institutions (HEIs) are adopting varied strategies to attract talented students from overseas. Offering a high quality experience for international students is paramount to attracting prospective students.
In response to consultation with the Scottish higher education sector via ECU's Scottish HEI liaison group, ECU is working closely with the Scottish higher education sector to investigate how progressing equality and diversity can improve the quality of the student experience and help institutions to compete in the global market.
The research
A team from the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES), Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, and the Centre for Remote and Rural Studies, University of Highlands and Islands, undertook the research which was guided by an advisory group including representatives from UKCISA, NUS Scotland, Universities Scotland, British Council Scotland, BUILA and AMOSSHE.
The research investigated three areas:
- Equity of support and professional services for UK and international students
- Campus cohesion and the relationship between domestic and international students
- Community engagement between host communities, international students and institutions
It involved interviews and focus groups with UK and international students and institution staff at the University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow School of Art, Robert Gordon University and Heriot-Watt University.
Publications
Common issues, areas for development and examples of good practice have been identified from the findings of the research and a report including case studies and recommendations will be published in May 2012. An executive summary will also be produced.
Launch event
A conference will be held to launch the findings at the University of Edinburgh on 28 May.
Primary contact
Freya Douglas
Senior Policy Adviser (Scotland)
Telephone: 0207 438 1027
Email: freya.douglas@ecu.ac.uk