All posts by Samantha Jane Logan

Editor of the International Students' Bulletin.

How to apply for Culture Connect on Blackboard

  1. Go to shu.ac.uk/cultureconnect and scroll to the ‘Apply today!’ section and click on ‘Self-enrol’1
  2. Access will be denied if you are not logged-in to shuspace. You can log-in by clicking the ‘Log In’ button 2
  3. Log-in to shuspace using your usual student username and password details 3
  4. After you’ve logged-in, self-enrol by clicking the ‘submit’ button 4
  5. Press the ‘OK’ button 5
  6. You should now be taken to the Culture Connect Blackboard site homepage. If this does not happen, please email cultureconnect@shu.ac.uk with your student number and request to be manually enrolled.

6If you are manually enrolled, you can access the Culture Connect Blackboard site homepage via your shuspace homepage.7

 

  1. Via the Culture Connect Blackboard homepage, click ‘Culture Connect Online Application Form’. 8
  2. Then click on the ‘Open online application’ link 9
  1. You should now be able to view the online application. It is important that you follow all the instructions listed on t
    he online application – and read all the information! 10
  1. When you get to the induction slide, click on ‘Book your induction on UniHub’. 20
  2. Log-in to UniHub using your usual student details11
  3. If it’s your first time logging into UniHub, you will need to register your preferences first before you can see the inductions. 12
  1. Once you have stated your preferences, you will see the list of Culture Connect induction sessions available. Click on to the most convenient one. 13
  2. Click on the ‘Book in’ button. 14
  1. Go back to the Culture Connect Blackboard online application and continue to work through the sections by click the next arrow. 15
  2. When you get to the ‘Finalise your application section’, click on the intake you are applying for. 16
  1. You must now enter your personal details and partner preferences on SUMAC. Read the information carefully. 17
  2. Once you have entered your personal details and partner preferences, don’t forget to tick ‘I’m not a robot’ and press the ‘submit’ button. Only press it once! 18
  1. Wait a few minutes then check your inbox for an email confirmation (to the email address you registered with on SUMAC). Check all your personal details and preferences are correct. If you need to change anything, log-in to SUMAC following the instructions in the email.

If it’s not in your main inbox, check your junkmail. If you still can’t find it, email cultureconnect@shu.ac.uk with your student number and ask the Scheme Coordinator if she has received it. Do not submit another application. 19

  1. Congratulations! The only step now is to attend your Culture Connect induction in person, which you have already booked on UniHub.

How to access the Culture Connect online application

You must be logged into shuspace.

  1. Self enrol onto the Culture Connect Blackboard site.
  2. Access the online application via the Culture Connect Blackboard homepage.
  3. Follow the 3 steps outlined in the online application

Upon completion you will receive an email confirmation.

Please note: You may not be able to access the online application form using your mobile phone. Please use a PC, laptop or tablet.

If you have followed the instructions above carefully and have any additional questions, please contact Sam Logan at cultureconnect@shu.ac.uk

Opportunity for new and returning students

SHU_GG_JUNE16_1295Deadline to apply 9 October

Culture Connect is our cross-cultural peer mentoring scheme that helps new students settle into university life and meet friends from around the world.

Why you should become a mentee or mentor
It’s a great opportunity to

  • get to know someone through a one-to-one supportive mentoring relationship
  • develop your cultural awareness and learn about different traditions
  • attend social activities and regular soft skills training with other members
  • reflect on your learning and monitor your own behaviour
  • prepare for work in diverse organisations and add to your CV
  • gain eligibility for the Hallam Award which is recognised by employers

Additional support 

You will also be allocated a Super Mentor and a mentoring group – with whom you can discuss challenges and share helpful advice during your time on the scheme. Your group will be made up of different nationalities which enables you to gain a wide range of perspectives. 

Find out more and apply

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) awards over 900 scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate study and professional development to Commonwealth citizens each year and they’ve got some fantastic opportunities that are currently open for applications!

Commonwealth Scholarships – New Zealand

The first scheme open is for doctoral study in New Zealand starting in early 2017. The following universities in New Zealand are offering to fund one Commonwealth Scholarship each at varying values:

Click on the links above for information about the universities. Info about how to apply and eligibility for this scheme are available here.

Commonwealth Scholarships in low and middle income countries

The second scheme is the CSFP endowment fund, which supports Commonwealth Scholarships hosted by low and middle income countries. In 2016, Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s level study are being offered in the following countries:

Click on the links above for information about the universities. Find out more about how to apply and your eligibility for this scheme.

It’s time for SHU Fest

Sheffield Hallam University will be bustling with music and dance!

As part of a week-long celebration of the arts, cookery and comedy, to name a few, SHU Fest showcases the talent and diversity of the University’s students and staff.

SHU Fest is now in its sixth year and with more than 40 events planned, SHU Fest 2016 promises to be an extravaganza.

Thai dancing, a Brazilian carnival and a Portuguese language class and are just some of the exciting events on offer to the public from Monday 29 February until Sunday 6 March.

Three Sheffield Hallam professors will kick off the festival with their unique take on some rock, pop and folk music favourites while showcasing their talents on the guitar, mandolin, bass and ukulele.

Meanwhile, the University will transform into the beautiful island of Sri Lanka where staff and students can learn to write their name in Sinhalese, taste traditional home cooking whilst enjoying Baila music and games.

Lessons in salsa dancing and a baking demonstration are just some of the activities taking place on Tuesday while on Wednesday, a stand-up comedy show by the Improv and Comedy Society is set to bring some hilarity to the festival.

The Cocklebread Band made up of Sheffield Hallam staff will provide a treat for the ears of folk and bluegrass fans on Thursday, while the Five and Dime Picture Show returns to host a free screening of Ingmar Bergman’s Persona on Friday, a film that critics have described as ‘one of this century’s great works of art.’

One of the organisers of SHU Fest and Sheffield Hallam’s international experience officers, Yat Fai Tang, said: “Sheffield Hallam University has an amazing range of student talent from around the world. SHU Fest is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved in something extra alongside their studies, showcase their cultural traditions from home and abroad, and gain additional experience to make their CV’s stand out.

“SHU Fest is one of the many exciting SHU GoGlobal projects which aim to broaden our students’ horizons and foster a feeling of community amongst our 34,000 students.”

Download the events programme at www.shu.ac.uk/shufest

SHU Fest introduces James Barnett – a classical piano performance

Article written by journalism student Emily Fitzgibbons:

jamesbarnettePianist James Barnett is set to perform live at SHU Fest, Friday 4 March.

He said: “I’m a little bit nervous but no more than I would be playing anywhere else.”

James, who started playing aged six, said the piano has always been important to him. “I forget about everything else when I’m playing the piano. I remember the first time I heard my teacher playing. It gave me goose pimples and I just thought it was the best thing ever.”

He was classically trained at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and is part of a choir and plays at church services.

James, who admits to not performing solo as much as he used to, is now a professional piano teacher. “Everybody has got music ability. It helps if you start when you’re a kid but I do teach a lot of adults who haven’t had lessons before.

Debussy, a French composer, is James’ inspiration.

Watch his performance at 1pm in Heartspace, Level 2 of the Owen Building.

Baking demonstration by Paul Benson

Article written by journalism student Chloe Botham:

Baker, Paul Benson will be showing off his talented baking skills in a demonstration at SHU Fest on Tuesday 1 March.

SHU staff member Paul, has been a keen baker ever since he was a small boy after watching his mum on baking days, encouraging him to try it out for himself.

With the rise in popularity in baking ever since The Great British Bake Off aired, Paul explained that people are getting a real sense of achievement from baking themselves. He said: “The pleasure is in the doing, seeing the end result and filling your home with a beautiful aroma.”

Paul took his love of baking even further last year, when he started making wedding cakes for loved up couples. He said: “It was a real test of what I had learned and practised over the years. It was a challenging project, but very rewarding when I handed over the finished cake. It was a great feeling.”

With years of experience under his belt, Paul still has the occasional disaster occur in the kitchen, ones which he hopes don’t happen on demonstration day! He said: “It’s all part of the learning experience. Many bakers who have been baking for many years still drop the occasional clanger; it’s what keeps you sharp. Never give up, just keep on baking.”

Paul will be sharing his special recipes for shortbread and ginger biscuits, for all those attending the baking demonstration, which may even include a taster of the sweet treats.

The event will be held at: Kitchen, level 12, Owen Building at 12-1.30pm.

Welcome from your International Experience Team

We offer specialist advice, guidance and activities to help you make the most of your time here. We won the Sheffield Hallam Award for Outstanding Student Support 2014.

Come and see us if you have any questions. We are based at Student Support Services at City Campus where we offer one-to-one and group support for international students.

Every fortnight we will keep you up to date with immigration, social activities and opportunities to enhance your employability.

Sign-up for the Hallam Award

12039238_10153532471010041_5655890262496162251_nDo you take part in SHU GoGlobal activities such as

  • ICE Club
  • Culture Connect
  • Conversation Club
  • Global Friends
  • SHU Fest
  • And more?

Get recognised for your achievements and reflect on your skills. The Hallam Award will help you practise how you might explain to future employers how your volunteer experiences have helped you become more employable.

Sign up now.