what the SU team feel as the biggest challenges international students face when preparing for life beyond university
After introducing my project to UAL Student Union and establishing contact, Chloe from the SU Team shared with me the most significant challenges that international students face within the student union experience. Student unions are known for their practical assistance to students and their commitment to amplifying student voices, making Chloe’s insights extremely valuable.
Chloe highlighted the following points:
- The risks international students encounter when seeking accommodation in the UK.
- The considerably higher cost of studying in the UK for international students, nearly three times that of domestic peers, which can lead to significant financial difficulties during university and post-graduation. (This financial sustainability concern was also a significant issue identified in my discussions with stakeholders.)
- Challenges in accessing healthcare support for mental health or disabilities after graduation.
- The environmental factors of being far from family, friends, and coping with cultural differences and challenges that international students face.
Chloe also provided additional expert resource recommendations, which are immensely valuable and offer me further avenues for research access. This exchange has opened a valuable channel for me to connect with the SU, and I plan to share my findings with them during my continued research. I look forward to further developing my project with their insights, and also provide valuble voices from my stakeholders to SU.