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Latest news
August 2010: From January 2011, graduates of the Wales International Study Centre could be studying in the brand new city centre campus of the University of Wales, Newport.
A select group of students who will be amongst the first students to study in the new state-of-the-art facility were taken on an exclusive tour of the campus last month. Amongst the chosen students was Fashion Design student and Graduate of the Wales International Study Centre, Khadijah Eniafe:
“The building is very modern with lovely views across the river. It has much bigger lecture theatres and a lot more space,” said 21-year-old Khadijah who comes from Nigeria. “The fashion space is bigger than we currently have and all three years of fashion students will be sharing it, enabling us to help each other and exchange ideas.”
The futuristic new City Campus, which will be home for Newport Business School and the design, film and digital media aspects of the Newport School of Art, Media and Design, is on schedule for its opening early next year. Designed to attract people and transform the city centre by becoming a magnet for cultural activity along the riverfront and a centre for enterprise, it will be a very public space with exhibitions by artists and photographers, an events area and a public coffee bar.
Students joining the International Foundation Year in September 2010 will be able to progress on to a range of courses based at Newport’s futuristic new campus. There are still places available for the September intake, apply now and be amongst the first WISC students to study at the new campus!
(left to right) Fashion Design students Khadijah Eniafe and Sophie Mason, Pablo Riesco who is studying Economics and Accounting, and Performing Arts student Bethan Edwards
June 2010: Wales International Study Centre (WISC) is now two years old and to celebrate, the University of Wales, Newport threw a spectacular evening event of dinner, drinks and entertainment.
The event was hosted by the university in celebration of the contribution that Wales International Study Centre has made to the student community in Wales and the excellent degree preparation it provides. Dr Peter Noyes, the university’s Vice-Chancellor said:
“We opened the International Study Centre in 2008 in order to properly prepare international students for Higher Education study throughout Wales, and we’ve seen a direct correlation in the WISC preparatory programmes and increased performance from international students, throughout undergraduate programmes at the university.”
Last year 60 students from WISC progressed to undergraduate degrees in universities across Wales. 30 remained at the University of Wales, Newport and the others went on to other Welsh universities such as Cardiff and Aberystwyth.
Nineteen year old Raisa Mia from Kuala Lumpur is studying the Business Foundation at WISC, she said of her experience:
“I’m the only Malaysian at the ISC but it hasn’t stopped the feeling of extended family that I have become accustomed to. All the teachers act as personal mentors as well which makes it really easy to settle in and progress with your studies.”
Find out more about the Foundation routes offered by the Wales International Study Centre.
Head of Wales International Study Centre, Vernon Dando, Celebrating with students including Raisa Mia (second left)
May 2010: Khadijah Eniafe, a first year Fashion Design student at the University of Wales, Newport and graduate of Wales International Study Centre, showcased two of her designs in the university’s annual Fashion Show last week at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
The annual event shows collections by third year Fashion Design students. They also invite some first year students to feature one of their garments. Khadijah however, was invited to feature two of her designs in the show, in both the first year and second year sections (see picture).
Khadijah, originally from Nigeria, studied the Business, Law & Social Studies Foundation at Wales International Study Centre before progressing on to the degree in Fashion Design at University of Wales, Newport. She said of her time at WISC:
“Completing my foundation course at the WISC has projected me forward and prepared me for my future aspirations and present course, which is BA (Hons) Fashion Design. In addition, I was also given an opportunity, by the university to attend fashions shows in London during the duration of the foundation program."
If you would like to know more about the university pathway Khadijah studied, see the Business, Law & Social Studies Foundation page.
Khadijah with her designs on the Riverfront at Newport. Photograph by Phil Mansell.
May 2010: The number of international students studying in Wales has reached a record high. Over the past six years, Wales has seen a steady rise in the number of overseas students coming to the country to study, and this year the figures increased by a huge 19%.
According to Wales International Consortium (WIC) there are 11,374 international students currently studying on full-time courses in Wales and a further 400 students on part-time courses. Read the full article here.
Bangor University has seen the greatest increase of all the Welsh universities. Cardiff University, Glyndwr University, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Swansea Metropolitan University and University of Wales Newport all saw record increases in their international student intake.
Alan Edwards, International Welfare Officer at Bangor University said, “Our universities recognise that the key to ensuring international students continue to choose Wales is about ensuring that the international student experience is the best in the Wales. The best ambassadors for Welsh education are the students who return to their countries telling others about their great experiences in both study and life in Wales. The award winning international student support teams in Wales are key to the increasing numbers of international students choosing Wales.”
The Wales International Study Centre (WISC) is confident that these figures will continue to increase over the coming years due to the fantastic academic standard and safe learning environment of our partner universities. By joining the international foundation programme at WISC, international students can integrate in to university life in Wales and secure a place on one of the world-class undergraduate degrees provided by Wales’ universities.
David Rutter, Maths & Physics Tutor at WISC recently took time away from his post to journey to India with Raleigh, leading a team of young people, to help build a new school for a tribal community. Below he comments on his trip.
"I spent the whole Autumn term away from my post at Wales International Study Centre, on a Raleigh expedition to India. I was managing a group of young people aged 18-24 on two projects.
One involved living in a village with a tribal community, helping to build them a school to replace the plastic sheets and sticks that had previously housed their lessons. I was there for nearly two months.
We worked with local craftsman and the whole community, and were impressed by their stamina and strength. The community were from a tribe which had lived in (and from) the forest for centuries, but had been displaced when the forest became a national park. They are now one of the poorest groups in India, with few facilities and little prospect of continuous income.
When the school was finished we attended the opening ceremony, and appreciated what this meant to them and how much they valued our partnership.
The other project was a 3 week (240km) trek through the Western Ghat Mountains – often away from roads and supplies for several days at a time. A physical challenge for the whole group (some of whom had to carry very heavy packs to support slower members of the group).
I found working with the young people very rewarding – they were the same age as my WISC students! They responded to new situations, strange cultures, and major physical challenges admirably. They were also very supportive when I collapsed with exhaustion and had to spend a few days in hospital!"
Photos from David's trip can be found on the WISC Facebook Page here.
On Saturday the 21st November 2009, old and new students came together to celebrate the graduation of Foundation students from 2008/2009.
It was a wonderful day for the staff and students who attended. It was great to see the end process of a busy academic year for everyone!
In total 13 students graduated with their International Foundation Certificates from the University of Wales. All 13 students have progressed onto their chosen universities.
International Students, Taha Bahubayshi and Raisa Mia from the Wales International Study Centre were guests at a reception in Cardiff to celebrate St David’s Day, Wales’ National Day, with the First and Deputy First Ministers of Wales on 2nd March.
The reception held at the Senedd, home of the National Assembly for Wales, was for international students in Welsh Universities. The students spent their evening celebrating St David’s Day with Welsh food and drink along with the opportunity to meet the Ministers and other international students.
The students, who are currently studying the International Foundation Year had a great evening. "I had an enjoyable time. As well as everyone else, there was a happy atmosphere and everyone seemed to do the same. I have gain new friends and a new experience that will definitely help me in the future" said Taha.
Raisa concluded "It was a great opportunity for me, and I was very thankful to have been there. I met many new people and shared some really amazing and inspiring experiences with people from different countries and backgrounds. All in all, it was definitely a night to remember. I would love to repeat the experience."
View photos from the evening on our WISC Facebook Page.
Monday 10 August 2009: Essay competition winner Adel Shutova, 17, returned to Kazakhstan this week after enjoying four weeks free English lessons courtesy of Wales International Study Centre (WISC) at the University of Newport.
The competition, run earlier this year, asked students to write an essay and personal statement on why they think Wales is a good place for study. Adel's winning essay impressed the judges with the research she had undertaken into the education system and subjects offered.
Commenting on her time studying in the UK, Adel said "I'm very sad that today is my last day at WISC and the UK. I really enjoyed these four weeks at the Study Centre. These were the best days of my life!! I met here different students from all over the world and it was the best time to make friends and I really liked it. Also I improved my English language skills that would be useful in my future. I liked all the teachers at the study centre but my favourite teacher was Jane Park because I spent most of the time studying from her."
Adel concluded "At the end I would say that I hope to come back again to the UK and study at WISC, my foundation course."
Friday 27 February 2009: We are pleased to announce a Bursary Scheme for the Wales International Study Centre in 2009.
The bursary gives a GBP 2,000 reduction in tuition fees for the International Foundation Year, lowering the price from £8,295 to £6,295 for a full academic year of University preparation.
Combined with the current favourable exchange rates for international students wishing to study abroad at a UK University, and the low cost of living in Wales, this represents an excellent offer. The Wales ISC gives you an on-campus experience combined with a choice of Universities across Wales.
There is a limited number of places on the scheme. Contact us now to apply.
Please note:
- Bursaries are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- Confirmation payment must be made within 2 weeks of receiving an offer of a place
- The discount is applied after all the Foundation Year fees are paid
Monday 15 September 2008: The Wales International Study Centre opened its doors to the first group of Foundation Year and English Language Preparation students today.
We are pleased to welcome students from four continents and 15 countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, UAE, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Vietnam.
"This is a very exciting time to be at WISC" said Centre Head, Vernon Dando. "Our first group of students have arrived and there is great enthusiasm among the staff and among the students. Not only do I want our students to develop the study skills and the knowledge to be successful at university, I want them to be confident students who are fully involved in the life of the university and in life of the community in which they live. I want our students to look back in 10 or 20 years time and think: 'I am so happy I chose to study at the University of Wales. It is the best decision I ever made'."
After settling into their new home in the University's residences, and exploring the campus over the weekend, the students began their induction programme on Monday. Later in the week, classes start and students will need to work hard immediately, with homework and class tests on the horizon.
We wish all the students well in their studies and look forward to seeing them progress through the academic year.
Thursday 5 June 2008: A high profile event at the Senedd, home of the Welsh Assembly Government, marked the launch of WISC. The Senedd is located in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, just 20 miles from the International Study Centre in Newport.
The launch was attended by members of the Welsh Assembly, representatives from Universities in Wales, the British Council, staff involved in the creation and running of WISC, international students and the local media.
Dr Peter Noyes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport, welcomed everyone to the launch and introduced the keynote speakers.
The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, explained that the WISC will "create an opportunity for students to study in a safe beautiful, and cost effective environment, where they can familiarise themselves with the 11 partner universities and make informed decisions." He highlighted the importance of urging international students to consider universities outside London and Oxbridge. "We know they get a great student experience and a very good degree that will serve them well wherever they choose to practise their career, as a result of Higher Education in Wales".
Executive Chairman of Study Group, Arvid Petersen, agreed that WISC will support the promotion of Wales as a quality international study destination in its own right.
This new University access centre for international students launches at a time when Wales is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. It offers low living costs and a high quality of life. The Wales International Consortium calculates an average annual student living cost of only £6,500, compared with about £12,000 a year in London.
Pictured enjoying the launch are current University of Wales, Newport international students. From left to right: Harithriza Abdulrasid (BSc e-Business Management), Isa Wasa Francis (MBA), John Hassan Oyinaka (MBA), Vindya Vincent (MBA).
May 2008: The University of Wales, Newport has been voted first in Wales in an independent poll of international student satisfaction.
The International Student Barometer (ISB) measures the learning, living, support and arrival experience of international students and compares it to those of other Universities throughout the UK. It revealed that international students in Wales are happier than their peers in the whole of the UK in almost every aspect of their university education.
Newport, the home of WISC, was placed 1st in Wales and 13th out of a total of 84 UK universities. The survey was carried out in autumn 2007 and involved over 67,000 students.
The survey showed that areas of the international student experience in which Newport excels include the library and technology facilities, the living experience including earning opportunities, visa advice, friendliness and the quality of university accommodation.
Read more
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- August 2010: WISC Graduate explores University of Wales, Newport's state-of the-art new campus
- June 2010: Celebrating two years of Wales International Study Centre
- May 2010: WISC Graduate shines at Newport Fashion Show
- May 2010: Record number of international students in Wales
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