A conference paper from the 2009 Annual Conference on using work placements and volunteering to support international students' integration into the wider community
This study was instigated with the specific aim of seeking ways in which the university can enable the students to feel more 'rooted' through 'branching' into the local community.
The work comprised surveys of students which investigating their aspirations and initial experiences in part-time paid and voluntary work. Alongside this surveys interviews and a liquid cafe with local employers community groups and voluntary organisations have been conducted to examine their experience of working with international students and the particular strengths and skills gaps that they have identified. The findings from these are discussed together with the draft strategy for an improved framework of support for both international students and those who work with them as employers mentors or colleagues.
