The International Experience team recently hosted their first ever Virtual Exchange event bringing together 40 participants from Universities across the world.
It replaced the annual International Exchange Week which was due to be held in May but was, of course, cancelled due to Covid 19 restrictions. It was decided to move to Zoom and a virtual delivery, participants came from every corner of Europe, Canada and even two participants from La Trobe University Australia.
The day included sessions about the various projects and initiatives developed to support international students and give all students an international experience at Sheffield Hallam. There were a variety of information sessions including ones about our International Student welcome services, Culture Connect mentoring scheme and Prepare for Success initiative. The day included lots of opportunities for participants to share their own best practice and discuss how student support services may be developed in light of the Covid 19 regulations.
The day was well received by participants and helped us to think of ways in which we can deliver future sessions to colleagues and students. One participant from Germany commented, It was great to get a behind the scenes glimpse into how and what you do. I loved the content and presentations but also the enthusiasm with which your team talked about your work for the students. It gave me new ideas that I will be “taking home” for managing and further developing my own peer to peer projects with students. One participant in a breakout room said about the day: “I feel more connected and European” – and I can’t agree more. Stay healthy and I hope to see you in Sheffield next year.
