McGill University in Montreal in Canada are offering a 3 week summer school. This is non-credit bearing in a range of subject areas, for a fee.
Download their brochure to find out more.
Working in the UK after studies
At this time of the year, you are probably thinking about your plans for finding a job after completing your studies. The following announcements are important for international students who wish to stay in the UK after graduating and want to find out about work visa rules.
Special Working in the UK after studies – internships
On Friday 7 April we hosted a fantastic event on the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa scheme. The session was attended by over 50 international students. This visa scheme enables international graduates to work as interns in the UK after graduation.
The event featured Zenia Chopra from the company “Access Tier 5.” We also had a great talk by a SHU international graduate, Castor Merino. He shared his experiences of working in the UK under the Tier 5 GAE scheme and with a Tier 2 (General) visa.
The slides from “Access Tier 5” presentation are available here.
We filmed the event and we will update this post with a link to the film shortly.
Special Working in the UK after studies – Tier 2 (General)
When: 23 June Time: 4-5.30pm Where: Adsetts 6620
This is a special and unique event focused specifically on the Tier 2 (General) work visa rules. Tier 2 (General) is one of the most popular visa categories for international graduates who wish to work full time.
We will concentrate specifically on the Tier 2 visa rules and explain eligibility rules. We will cover topics such as salary thresholds and eligible jobs. There will also be a Q&A session. We will also have SHU international graduates who have successfully got Tier 2 work visas. They will share their tips and experiences. You will have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have.
This promises to be a popular event so book your place now!
Working in the UK after studies – All work visas
When: 31 May Time: 3-4pm Where: Owen 942
This is a presentation covering all the main types of work visas which are relevant for international graduates including: Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme, Tier 2 (General), Tier 5 Youth Mobility, Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange. It is relevant for international students who are currently here on Tier 4 visas and wish to learn more about the range of work visas available, and the eligibility criteria. The presentation will look at each visa criteria in detail and there will be time for a Q & A session at the end.
We will also launch our new online resource all about work visas! We will showcase the interactive materials, which includes case studies, videos and tips to maximise your success.
Easter events calendar
Even though SHU Fest has come and gone, it doesn’t mean that we’re finished with organising things for you to do!
Our new Easter events calendar is here, and we’re excited to share with you all the brilliant events and activities that we have lined up for you! There’s a trip to the beautiful market town of Bakewell, free ice skating sessions, the last Conversation Club of the year and much, much more!
Check out the calendar below, or drop into the Student Services Reception on level 5 of the Owen building for your copy now!
SHU Fest 2017 – a fantastic week of events and performances!
It always comes and goes so quickly – it’s been the best week of musical performances, cultural celebrations and events!
Over the five days, we’ve seen performances from across the world by both staff and students, showcasing the diversity and talent that we have at our disposal at Sheffield Hallam.
We’ve seen Indian dancing, Indonesian Angklung demonstrations and a whole host of musical acts from both home and international students.
We’ll be posting more pictures and videos as we get them, but here are a few acts from the first couple of days!
More can be found on our YouTube channel and on our Facebook page in the next few days!
Why you should join HOST by Dana Hasan, MSc Web and Cloud Computing student
“My first HOST visit was in May, last year and it was a weekend visit to a place called Thirsk. I didn’t know about the place at the start but I did some research about the place before travelling and found that it was such as a nice place!
I was matched with Michael and Sue, a retired couple who used to be primary school teachers. They were ever so nice to me, I was shown around the town which is in traditional English style and also I stayed in their home. I did a spot of gardening and help my host, Sue to plant a pot which she placed in the front garden. Michael took me hiking, a hobby which I enjoy and we went to Abraham Rocks, a local landmark and the views were amazing! They were also interested in asking me about my home country, Jordan about my family and life over there.
I still keep in contact with them and it thoroughly enjoyed the visit and their hospitality.
When you apply for a HOST visit, apart from the visit cost you will need to set a travel budget too. Both of my trips were under the amounts I budgeted for and the HOST co-ordinator was helpful and guided me all long to be able to meet them and they will ask you for feedback too. HOST will allocate you to where you are going which may seem nerve racking at first, but if you treat the visit as an 
adventure and to explore you will feel much more comfortable. It’s important that you do some research about the location. You can also apply for HOST visit with another International student too.
“I would recommend everyone to join a HOST visit to experience UK home life and families, and you will have more chance to visit the small towns and villages that are interesting and full of history too”
My second HOST visit over Christmas and I met Kathryn and Mike in Leyland. I experienced Christmas properly for the first time as I don’t celebrate it back in my home country, Jordan.
I arrived at their home on Christmas Eve and they took me to a traditional Christmas Church service which I found interesting.
On Christmas Day I was so excited to receive my first ever present with my name on! I found it was such a sweet gesture from my hosts and I was surprised how much British people eat for Christmas Dinner! I learnt so much about Christmas traditions, such as Christmas trees and displaying Christmas cards around the house plus I played Jenga and watched Christmas movies on the day. It was such a warm feeling and I managed to go for a walk with my hosts too.”
HOST visits are as follows:
- Day Trip £36
- Weekend trip (weekend homestay) £60
Prices do not include travelling expenses
It’s a low cost way to explore the UK and meet new people!
Register by completing a short form on http://www.hostuk.org/application/
Any questions? Email globalfriends@shu.ac.uk
SHU Fest – selfie competition winners!
This year’s SHU Fest selfie competition results….
Student category
- First place selfie – Nikita Mascarenhas and the MSc Advanced Physiotherapy group win a £50 Amazon voucher
- Second place selfie – Hadi Alsagur and friends win a £20 Amazon voucher
- Third place selfie – Zhiheng (Herbert) He wins £10 Amazon voucher
- Video selfie – Por Thanvarat and Emilia Truta win a £20 Amazon voucher
Click the image to watch the video.
Alumni category – Jéssica Neves from Brazil wins SHU Fest T-Shirt
Staff category – Jamie Shaw gains the satisfaction of winning!
Thanks to everyone who entered!
A representative from each category should get in touch with Samantha Logan from the International Experience Team to claim your prize at s.logan@shu.ac.uk
Happy Chinese New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone that is celebrating!
We’d like to wish those who are celebrating a Happy Chinese New Year – we hope you all have a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends.
If you’re unsure what it’s all about, then here are some of the traditions held at this time of year. Saturday 28 January marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. Roosters are said to be the most motivated animal in the Chinese zodiac and always put their careers first. Babies born this year will be well suited to becoming a journalist, soldier or surgeon – according to traditional beliefs.
It is also traditional to give red envelopes containing money to colleagues and family members. The red symbolises good luck and the money wishes the recipient good fortune for times to come. The red envelopes are also used to fend off bad spirits.
Beat the January blues
January is a difficult time of year for many of us, with cold weather, long hours of darkness and the next holiday a long way off. There is a need to recover from the financial impact of Christmas and New Year’s resolutions that are starting to slide.
There are ways that you can beat the January blues and get your year off to a great start!
Eat well
Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds can help combat low mood as can folate, which is found in cabbage broccoli and sprouts. Low blood sugar can affect energy and mood so don’t skip breakfast! Healthy recipes can be found online.
Exercise and sleep
Regular moderate physical activity is effective in managing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. This does not have to be formal exercise and can include going for a 30 minute brisk walk several times per week. It is also important to establish a regular pattern of sleep – maintaining a consistent getting up time will help with this.
Connect
Avoiding contact with others has an adverse effect on mood. Countless studies have found that face to face contact is essential for our wellbeing. Arrange to speak to family and friends regularly.
The following organisations can help you to achieve some of the above as well as offering advice and support in relation to mental health and wellbeing:
Mental Health
Samaritans or email jo@samaritans.org
Prevent Suicide
Big White Wall
Hallam Volunteering
Student Wellbeing
Hallam Active
How to apply for Culture Connect on Blackboard
- Go to shu.ac.uk/cultureconnect and scroll to the ‘Apply today!’ section and click on ‘Self-enrol’
- Access will be denied if you are not logged-in to shuspace. You can log-in by clicking the ‘Log In’ button
- Log-in to shuspace using your usual student username and password details
- After you’ve logged-in, self-enrol by clicking the ‘submit’ button
- Press the ‘OK’ button
- 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.
If you are manually enrolled, you can access the Culture Connect Blackboard site homepage via your shuspace homepage.
- Via the Culture Connect Blackboard homepage, click ‘Culture Connect Online Application Form’.
- Then click on the ‘Open online application’ link
- 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!
- When you get to the induction slide, click on ‘Book your induction on UniHub’.
- Log-in to UniHub using your usual student details
- If it’s your first time logging into UniHub, you will need to register your preferences first before you can see the inductions.
- Once you have stated your preferences, you will see the list of Culture Connect induction sessions available. Click on to the most convenient one.
- Click on the ‘Book in’ button.
- Go back to the Culture Connect Blackboard online application and continue to work through the sections by click the next arrow.
- When you get to the ‘Finalise your application section’, click on the intake you are applying for.
- You must now enter your personal details and partner preferences on SUMAC. Read the information carefully.
- 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!
- 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. 
- Congratulations! The only step now is to attend your Culture Connect induction in person, which you have already booked on UniHub.
Join Culture Connect – January intake
Wherever you’re from, you belong – join our Culture Connect peer mentoring scheme and meet people from all over the world!
This mentoring scheme helps new students settle into university life. It is a great way to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures. You will be matched with a mentor who you will develop a one-to-one supportive mentoring relationship with.
You will share information about your cultures, experiences and traditions, as well as attend social activities and skills training sessions with other members.
Check out this great video from our mentors and mentees, where they talk about the benefits of joining the scheme:
If you’d like to speak to someone about the scheme, then we’ll be at the GoGlobal Fair on Wednesday 25 January from 11am–12pm – book here.
To register your interest, visit: go.shu.ac.uk/ApplyCC