As part of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, Prime Minister's Initiative for International Education, this integration project has looked to develop more social integration between the home and international students.
This website is continuing being developed and up-dated, as more reports and information become available. Please continue to check back.Integration Activities
Boat TripA pilot event to promote integration by inviting both British and international first year undergraduate students on a 3 hour boat tour of the Norfolk Broads. Read the full report here.
Treasure Trail
A self-guided quiz around Norwich city centre, answering questions which can be found at major landmarks of the city. This is a great way to involve new
British and international student, as well as help them orientate them around the city. This can be easily repeated each year for the new students arriving. We developed a list of questions for students to answer from around the city. The questions also provided clues to help find where the answer can be found. An example question: 'A famous Norfolk sailor attended the cathedral school. His statue stands in the grass area near the cathedral front entrance. Who is he?'
We promoted the event and arranged to meet student in the morning on a weekend. They divided themselves into groups and we encouraged groups to have both an International student and a British Student in order to qualify for a small prize. The quiz should take about 2 hours, but there is no time limit. Completed questionnaires can be returned for a drawing to win a small prize. See our Treasure Trail form and questions from last year here.
Integrating British Students in the Social Programme
A key factor is to examine what will interest both International students as well as British students. A good group of British students to target are the non-local students. Are there any local or regional attractions? Are there any activities or attractions that cannot be done easily by students themselves?
We have found by not focusing on culture or the international aspects has caused a better interest in both British and international student. This creates the opportunity to meet and interact in an organic manner, which relationships will hopefully develop over time.
Games Nights
We have organised simple game nights for students to get together to play. We have found locations away from the busy social areas, which tend to involve alcohol, thus creating a relaxed atmosphere that is not focused on drinking. The night is informal and there is no structure. We have provided board games, playing cards and other games. We have also started to develop a reference book where we are collecting games from different countries that can be played. These can be card games, or dice or any other group games. Students can add to this, but full details are needed (rules, how to play, etc.).
Christmas Party
Organising a party at the end of year, which includes British students. Inviting families and children help to attract British students, but also adds to the atmosphere. A visiting Father Christmas, catering with nibbles and soft drinks, presents for the children, carols, and a lucky dip draw for the student to win a nice prize make for a Christmas party that all students can enjoy.
Human Library - International Focus
The Human Library is an informal chat between a human book (a person who is willing to talk about themselves) and a reader (or listener). An individual can take a book out on loan and the book will talk about what their book title is, and the reader can ask questions and input in the conversation.
The Human Library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging the most common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner. It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding. To find out more about the Human Library visit human.library.org.
Along with other Human Library events we have trailed an International Focus event to try to break down misconceptions of international students and of different cultures.
Reports
PMI Report - Making Connections: enhancing International students' integration with their UK peersPMI 2 Funded Pilot Project Report - International Alumni Career Case Studies
View the full video and the individual International Alumni Career Case Studies here
Related Academic Articles
To transition and beyond! Strategies to assist international students’ throughout their university experienceWeekend Break Program: Encouraging intercultural community connections
Investigating Attitudes toward International Students: Program and Policy Implications for Social
Integration and International Education
Effect on Multicultural Interaction on International Students
Swinburne University of Technology Internationalization and Integration Project
