Electronic Precinct - Nov 1997

More international students

The international student community adds a particular dimension to teaching and research in the University, and academic departments are aware of their contribution to the life of the University.

Students are attracted to The University of Liverpool not only for its reputation as long-established centre of excellence for both teaching and reserch but for the social and support services provided by the University.

Some 400 new students attended a special Introductory Conference for international students before the start of the Session, and current students volunteered to act as guides and helpers for the new arrivals. The Conference is organised by Sue Spencer, International Students' Adviser, who advises i nternational students on a range of issues including financial and immigration problems and welfare matters. The International Students' Advisory Service also co-ordinates support for international students and their families, for whom a programme of activities and events are organised throughout t he year.

During 1997-98, the University will be represented at a number of overseas Education Exhibitions, mostly organised by the British Council: South Africa (August 1997 and February 1998), Malaysia (October 1997 and March 1998), Singapore (March 1998), Brunei Darussalam (March 1998) Japan (October 199 7), USA (October 1997), Korea (November 1997), Israel (November 1997), Thailand (November 1997), Hong Kong and Macau (January 1998), Brazil (March 1998), Kenya (March 1998) and Taiwan (March 1998).

These Exhibitions also offer the opportunity to make contact with graduates from earlier years, and to forge new links with individuals and institutions overseas.

The International Liaison Service (within the Schools, Colleges, International Liaison and Admissions Service - SCILAS) has been discussing with each academic department individually during the past year the ways in which international links can be strengthened and developed.

Academic partnerships with colleges and universities overseas have been increasing greatly in recent years. Several of the University's links involve shared teaching for awards of the University: Kidum Colleges, Israel, Shenzhen University, China, Inti College, Malaysia, the Cayman Islands Law Scho ol, and a number of Greek Colleges who provide Foundation Year study. Other partnerships involve exchanges of staff or students for research purposes. The College Studies Unit is always interested to hear from members of staff who wish to develop links with institutions in the UK or overseas.

Further details about current plans for international recruitment of students, or about development of institutional links overseas, may be obtained from Joanna Millward, Director of International Liaison, SCILAS (0151-794-5669, or email joanna.millward@liv.ac.uk) For information about internation al student support contact Sue Spencer, International Students' Adviser, in the Student Services Centre (0151-794-4712 or email s.spencer@liv.ac.uk) or Diane Flanagan (0151-794-4716 or email d.flanagan@liv.ac.uk).