international students
The Students’ Union values the representation of international students throughout their education.
As a result, every year, students elect an International Officer. For the academic year 2021-22, Anuolowapo Adegbola (known as Anu) has been successfully elected in the role of the International Officer. You can email Anu here or you can join the International Students Microsoft Teams Team.
Anu is a Postgraduate student from Nigeria who speaks English and Yoruba fluently. She enjoys making friends, travelling and learning new languages. Many of our societies such as the International and Language Exchange societies provide an excellent opportunity for this. Check out our Clubs & Societies here, it really is the best way to meet new people.
Anu wants to arrange events, draw on her own experience to support students to settle into life at Stirling and build on the success and popularity of the International Festival, an event which has been organised by the Union and International Officer in recent years. 2020/21 saw the event taking place entirely online. Check out some of the sessions from that here and stay tuned for details of our 2022 #StirInternational.
our priorities
Our priorities for supporting the experience of international students here at Stirling include:
A warm welcome and continued support throughout your whole time at Stirling. From application to graduation and beyond...
Freshers & Refreshers- You can join the Official Freshers Facebook page at any time of the year for all the most up to date info. Many clubs use this space to advertise events and campaigns and individuals often find group chats, flat mates and other helpful tips on here too.
Join a club- Don't forget to check out our Clubs & Societies and Sports clubs to see how you can make your time at Stirling the best. Our International Society is a good place to start. It's never too late in the year/your time at Stirling to join a club. As well as their spot on the website, make sure you search around their social media channels to see what cool things they get up to.
Peer support- As a new student at Stirling you're encouraged to apply to our STEER Peer Support programme. You'll be matched up with one of our wonderful Captains (a current student) who will be happy to assist you in settling into life at Stirling and how to make the most of what Stirling has to offer you. Historically, STEER is very popular with our International community and you can even apply before you make your way to Stirling, allowing you to make campus connections early!
Representing you during your studies
Stirling Students' Union is always on hand to represent you during your studies. We have a comprehensive student representation system that seeks to support you through your studies and empower student voice. If you are having any difficulties or need support, consider reaching out to the following people:
Module Reps: If you are an undergraduate student, each module will have one or more students who volunteer to be the representative for that module. This person will work closely with the module coordinator to make sure that the module is running smoothly, so if you have any issues with a specific module, your module rep is a great first point of contact. You can find the module reps listed on the module’s Canvas page.
Programme Reps: If you are a postgraduate student, each program will have one or two volunteer representatives. As with the module reps, if you are having any issues with your program, your respective programme representative will be a great first point of contact. Again, you can find your programme rep on Canvas.
Faculty Officers: The module reps and programme reps will be supported by the faculty officers who work very closely with the faculty staff. At the undergraduate level, each division will have their own faculty officer. At the postgraduate level, each faculty will have an officer for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students. If you are having any issues with your division or faculty more generally, or have a concern that affects more than just one module, the faculty officer may be a good contact point.
VP Education: At the top of the student representative system is the VP Education, who leads and manages the Faculty Officers, Programme Reps, and Module Reps. The VP Education Officer is in a key position to advocate and represent students at the University level, and will often take the issues identified by module reps, programme reps, and faculty officers to these University level meetings. However, you can always come to the VP Education Officer if you need anything or have any concerns or suggestions. This year (2022/2023) the role is currently being filled by Calum Brown, and you can contact him at education.union@stir.ac.uk whenever you need support or representation!
Advocacy and Inclusion Development Coordinator: Lynn Maher: If you are having any more personal challenges, Lynn can provide professional, non-judgmental, confidential, one to one, support, guidance and advocacy that is independent of the University. It is free of charge and can be accessed by contacting her directly (lynn.maher@stir.ac.uk - 01786 467188) or inquiring through the Union email (theunion@stir.ac.uk). She can assist with exploring options for course changes, extenuating circumstances, appeals, complaints, disciplinary matters, academic misconduct and the rights of our students within the University, supporting students on professional programmes and more. She can signpost to appropriate services in and out of the University and other representation within the Union. She will always be there for ALL students!
Developing cross-cultural links and amazing opportunities through volunteering
Volunteering is a huge part of our culture here at Stirling. This can be here on campus with our Environmental Projects team or leading Sports Clubs or Societies, but also extends to the local community of Stirling and further afield. For more information about volunteering, check out our Employability page on the website where you can register for TARGETconnect, the Careers & Employability service's one stop shop for opportunities, both paid, unpaid and internship.