By Cheryl Yu
International students are coming to the UK in ever higher numbers with over 600,000 reported as studying in the UK by Universities UK in 2020/20211. They are seeking a more desirable qualification with a more desirable language – English - paying higher tuition fees to make this happen.
We witnessed how the international students are used as political tool by the politicians, and even sadly how it became a ‘personal propaganda’ of some senior management of universities.
To study in an unfamiliar environment can be daunting for the international students and concerning for the parents and family, no matter how old their children grow. Any parents will agree. Most international students come from different educational, social and cultural background. Being ‘respectful’ can be perceived as ‘not engaging’. Language barrier can be perceived as ‘not intelligent’ or ‘challenging’ students.
As educators, we must ask ourselves what our responsibility is towards them? How do we ensure they get the university education – and the experience – that they pay for? And how do we debunk the preconceived notions that language barriers, cultures, educational backgrounds, and sheer numbers are a challenge and an additional pressure on Higher Education in the UK? How can we even consider to ‘de-normalise’ the high education?
The UK has met its 2030 enrolment target for international students almost a decade ahead of schedule and the figures are only growing. They are a valuable addition to our university cohorts, not only for the multicultural qualities and perspectives they bring but also because they are, fiscally, important for UK universities to stay financially viable.
By talking to our international students, we can discover more about what makes their university experience valuable, memorable and above all, special.
Speaking to a number of graduates from China, about their university experiences, to gain this vital insight. And what we found is that it was kindness, that made the difference.
Whether it was from their classmates, tutors, or even strangers, kindness helped them build trust and confidence in their local communities and made studying - and life in a new country - so much easier.
One student said ' One day I was having difficulties with my assignment, and one of my classmates, local student, phoned me to encourage me not to give up my hopes. She told me to believe in myself and be positive. It might have been a small deed, but I felt that someone cares about me and I am not alone.'
Positive psychology is often used in education to motivate student but it also works outside the classroom.
John Henry Newman in his book The Idea of a University, stressed the significance of liberal knowledge which helps to create a better society. He promoted that the purpose of university education is the achievement of a particular expansion of outlook, turn of mind, habit of thought, and capacity for social and civic interaction.
Meanwhile, Charles Darwin, who argued that the kindness of strangers of human beings is built upon our social instincts and active intellectual power, wrote in his 1871 book The Descent of Man, wrote that “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye to them likewise; and this lies at the foundation of morality.”
Living in this ever-globalised society, with geopolitics, pandemics, and a realisation of the fragility of life, it feels more important than ever to celebrate and participate in kindness, to create a fairer and more liveable world.
When I left my previous job, I felt like failture. Recently, many colleagues and friends approached me or offered me their kindness. It often made me burst into tears out of gratitude and appreciation for their support, help and kindness. It made things possible and positive for me, despite of the challenge or uncertainty I face.
And certainly, in higher education, kindness matters to create a more inclusive community. Inclusivity and diversity is not simply the written procedures and policies, or some senior staff's 'personal propaganda' but in action and in daily life, small or big. Knowledge diplomacy is a collaborative and transformative goal toward a more peaceful and equitable world.
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