CitySA AGM 2024

Should the Students' Association campaign for further support and opportunities for international/ESOL students?

THE ISSUE

Our international students play a crucial role in our community at CitySA. As a member of the Students' Association, I have observed that our international students require further support. They face difficulties adjusting to life in Scotland and are impacted by the high cost of living. Our Festive Fund survey results revealed that international students experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, during our discussions on the Student Mental Health Agreement, some international student class reps expressed that cultural factors make it challenging to seek support. On top of that, we have noticed a significant increase in engagement with our student pantry among international students.

THE IDEA

I strongly recommend that CitySA establish a comprehensive "Home Abroad" Program to provide much-needed support to international students coming to Scotland to study. This program should be designed to help these students settle comfortably in their new surroundings and feel at home. To achieve this, the program should include various societies and events catering to international students' specific needs and interests. For instance, the Multicultural Exchange Society and the Refugee Society would be ideal societies to include in this program, as they can offer support and advice to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, organising events like the Glasgow tours enjoyed by our ASN students would also be an excellent way to help new international students get to know their new city and feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Finally, I would like to suggest the reintroduction of Shipmates or a similar program that provides a platform for our cadets to network and connect. This program would provide an opportunity for our students to build relationships with each other and support each other throughout their time at college and on the ships.

THE IMPACT

This campaign is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students as they begin their academic journey. I want to ensure that they feel connected to the Students' Association and have access to the support they need to thrive. The SA’s commitment to representing all students will be reflected in the efforts to provide international students with peer support and foster a sense of community that aligns with our SMHA action points. I believe this initiative will help us achieve our goal of creating a more supportive and inclusive academic environment for all students.

EXTRA INFORMATION

There were other student submissions to the AGM process that mentioned support for ESOL and International students. Although these did not meet the criteria for an AGM motion alone the Students' Association would like to recognise the ideas put forward by these students. Ideas included an ESOL social club and a mulicultural celebration event.