Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 10) 10 ADVICE AND INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK A DAY IN THE LIFE UNIVERSITY OF BATH A HOME FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS As well as an impressive academic record, the University scores highly when it comes to the welfare of its students. International Student Adviser, Jessica Scott, says that the University prides itself on the support it offers to international students. ‘We have a solid support system in place because it is important to us that students get the most out of their time here.’ Before they arrive, students are encouraged to make friends by taking part in the international student mentoring group, Amity. Students are introduced to their mentor via email before they’ve left home, so they can find out a bit about each other before they meet. ‘Students get to meet their mentors at the Welcome Party. After this, students meet once a week for six weeks until November to talk about any problems they may have. Many students actually meet up more than once a week and become lifetime friends,’ says Jessica. ‘Our orientation programmes also help students find their feet. ‘The programmes involve a meet-and-greet airport collection service, campus tours, events and talks about living and studying in Bath. We also organise trips into Bath and nearby Bristol to show students around.’ Anna, who now works for the International Office in between studying, says she found the support from the University helpful. ‘I was impressed with the information I received from Bath even before I arrived. We received email newsletters keeping us informed. They picked us up from the airport and took us to our accommodation and there was always plenty of people around to help.’ MAKING FRIENDS ‘Students can make use of the International Office, which provides a daily drop-in service for students to talk to advisers about welfare issues. This can be anything from immigration or employment to how to set up a bank account,’ explains Jessica. ‘Students also receive academic support throughout their course and take part in workshops on how to find employment once they have completed their study. We have a ‘Global Group’, which is a part of the Students’ Union, and is supported by the International Office. This is a social group as well as a support group which aims to bring home and international students together, which is another way for international students to make friends here in the UK.’ There are over 100 clubs and societies, as well as 50 sporting clubs; the University is home to some of the best sporting facilities in the UK and regularly lends these facilities to Olympic athletes for training. MEET THE LOCALS IN BRIEF: ACCOMMODATION All full-time postgraduate overseas fees payers new to Bath are guaranteed University accommodation for up to one academic session once they accept an offer to study at Bath, if they return their application form by the due date. LIBRARY AND COMPUTING FACILITIES The University is home to the first 24-hour library and learning centre in the UK. There are over 500 PCs in this centre and a further 100 installed in teaching labs across the University. Data connection is available in all residences for students with their own computers, enabling free internet access. THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE The English Language Centre on campus offers a range of pre-sessional courses for students who need to improve their English before they start their course. They also offer free English courses during the academic year to support students in their studies and to improve their English. TAUGHT FEES Arts and Social Sciences £9,650 Science and Engineering £12,350 RESEARCH FEES Arts and Social Sciences £9,450 Science and Engineering £12,050 Most international students arrive in the UK on their own with little knowledge about the town or city they have come to and the University recognises that some students may need support throughout their studies. For Anna, meeting local people was the best way to experience British culture. ‘I took part in the HOST programme at Christmas. I stayed with an English family on Christmas Day, which I really enjoyed. The experience is so different to what I am used to but it was great to get involved.’ Bath has good links with local people and the city’s Rotary Club offers international students another way to meet local people. ‘I stayed with a family for the weekend and they took me to local historical sites and introduced me to more places in the UK,’ explains Anna. There is even a voluntary association which was set up by international students for international students to work with people in the community. And, if you fancy a drink after all that hard work, you can have one with the Mayor of Bath at the Mayor’s annual reception for new international students. What more could you ask for? http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK http://www.bath.ac.uk
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