Top UK honours for University of Bradford's international support
Two members of staff at the University of Bradford have scooped national awards for their work to support international students.
Sue Baker and Michael Allhouse were honoured at the NUS/UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) Internationalisation Awards 2015.
The awards reward best practice within universities and students’ unions and recognise some of the hard work that unions and officers put into supporting international students.
Sue, International Adviser, took top prize in the category International Student Adviser of the Year. Highlights of her work include establishing events such as International Arrivals Week that supports international students during the vulnerable early weeks, counselling and supporting, and developing an international and diverse campus, setting up activities and ensuring international students’ voices are heard.
Michael, Student Engagement Manager, won Excellence in International Student Support (Higher Education) for the Room 101 initiative. Room 101 helps students to adapt to British culture, engage with students’ union activities, gain employability skills, enhance their academic and intercultural skills, improve their English and other languages, and fully engage in student life.
Michael was also runner up in the Innovation in Internationalising the Student Experience Category.
Dr William Mitchell, Director of International Development, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Sue and Michael and what they have achieved. Our international students are vitally important to us and make up 20 per cent of our student community. When they first arrive it can be a difficult and vulnerable time and colleagues like Sue and Michael work tirelessly to ensure their experience in Bradford is the best it can be. This national recognition is fully deserved.”