This session took place as part of the 2020 Conference. The presenters were Eddie Cowling, Wanting Gu, Wei Sun.

Abstract:

Recent figures show almost a fifth of university students are from non-UK domiciles (Universities UK, 2018), and here at the University of York well over 3,000 students are from overseas. The economic, cultural and intellectual benefits that international students bring to local communities and HEIs are invaluable. However, international students face a multitude of challenges when embarking on study at a British university such as York, be it academic, cultural, linguistic, or social. Such benefits and challenges in turn can inevitably shape other students’ and staff experiences.

The International Pathway College prepares students from a wide range of linguistic and educational backgrounds with the language and study skills needed to operate within a British university, along with an introduction to academic content related to their chosen discipline. Part of this talk will hear from two Chinese students who are currently studying at the University of York. They will discuss their experiences of life at the IPC and we will explore the challenges they now face in their department as they work towards their degrees. We will give an overview of how IPC students are prepared both linguistically and academically, and the rigorous processes involved in assessing international students’ ‘readiness’ for university study.

You can access the recording of this session at this link here:

International students’ pathways: the journey and the challenges (UoY Panopto log-in required)