Support for International Students in Scotland

The University's Student Advisory Service at the University of Dundee, along with colleagues at the University of Abertay and Dundee College, has been successful in its bid to the Challenge Fund which is part of the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent Initiative.

The three institutions have received £48,500 to help support international students during their studies in Scotland and help them make decisions about whether to stay on in the country at the end of their courses. The award represents the highest of 12 awards from the Fund which is supported by £300,000 of Executive funding.

Irene Donaldson, Head of the Student Advisory Service, said, "This additional funding will help us build on the excellent support already offered to our international community during their education in Dundee. The funds will provide some practical help to ensure that international students are offered the opportunity to get to know Scotland better.

"We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues at the University of Abertay and Dundee College and we look forward to organising a range of activities that will help international students to become more involved with local employers, community groups, etcetera"

The programme of events and activities being organised over the next year will help to bring international students together with domestic students and others in their local communities and provide opportunities to learn about Scotland and Scottish life.

The Student Advisory Service will take the lead in organising a two day main event 'Scotland Alive' which will be held in the Caird Hall on 17 and 18 February 2006. This event will provide opportunities for students to learn more about potential employment opportunities plus work shadowing schemes, as well as support available for those intending to establish themselves in business. The programme will also include a ceilidh, multi cultural entertainment by students and members of the community, and a variety of stalls and displays from multi-cultural craftworkers and caterers. Irene also hopes to be able to arrange talks and presentations from graduates who have settled in Scotland and are now working in the community.

If you are interested in helping to organise this event or feel you can contribute in any other way, please contact Irene Donaldson via email: i.donaldson@dundee.ac.uk