Achievements of Study Group student, staff and sector colleagues celebrated by leading industry awards
We are delighted to announce that Study Group staff and a dedicated former student are finalists in the 2023 PIEoneer Awards, following a rigorous assessment by a panel of more than 40 esteemed representatives of the higher education sector.
Our former student Dhionis Llanaj and Study Group staff join higher education leaders in receiving this prestigious recognition for their contributions to global education.
Dhionis Llanaj: international alumni of the year finalist
Dhionis Llanaj chose the UK to pursue a career in healthcare. In 2019 he started full time study at the Leeds International Study Centre and secured a job with the NHS.
COVID-19 struck just as Dhionis was preparing to complete his Study Group pathway programme to progress to the University of Leeds.
Showing exceptional dedication to his study and chosen industry, Dhionis completed his Medical Sciences BSc degree while working as Registered Nurse on the front line.
Upon graduating, Dhionis said: “True success is all about working towards meaningful goals and dreams. Working as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse and studying Medical Sciences full-time has been difficult. To attend university, I needed to use my annual leave and request a night shift working pattern. But today I am delighted to say that I finally made it.”
For Dhionis, the UK was the right choice. He finds the UK, and Leeds especially, very welcoming of international students. “I settled quickly,” Dhionis says of joining the Leeds International Study Centre, “because I saw that my peers were experiencing the same challenges but that we and our international study environment created an instant support network.”
Dhionis has been an exemplary international student, inspiring others and now, in his dream job, he teaches thousands of international student NHS nurses annually and continues to showcase his commitment and passion for learning.
Leeds International Study Centre Director, Claire Heke, added: “It makes everything we do so worthwhile when seeing the impact it has had on students.”
We are thrilled to see Dhionis in the final for the international alumni of the year award.
Student support award
Across the higher education sector, there is an increasing commitment to prioritise belonging as a core element of academic success.
The Student Enrichment Programme at Durham University International Study Centre, delivered in partnership with Durham University, demonstrates how pathway provision and universities can effectively co-create student experiences that support international students to succeed in global education, while enjoying a strong sense of belonging in their new communities.
The holistic programme creates deep connections for international students with one another, their local community, important causes, and with students and staff at the University and beyond.
Strong and successful collaboration with the University saw students from the International Study Centre integrating through a wide programme of activities and events, including an all levels sports programme.
Congratulations to our team behind the Student Enrichment Programme and the recognition of your partnership to create a seamless student experience that supports international student progression and success.
Success across the sector
International students make significant cultural and economic contributions to the UK. These awards recognise the dedication and achievements of those that work to increase international student success in global education, thereby enriching the UK and strengthening its reputation and position.
There are many and we extend our warmest congratulations to all this year’s PIEoneer Award finalists, with particular acknowledgement for colleagues and friends across the sector with who we work with.
- UK Council International Student Affairs (UKCISA) - Membership organisation of the year
- Universities UK International - Membership organisation of the year, PIEoneer of the year, marketing campaign of the year
- London Higher's CEO Dr. Diana Beech - Membership organisation of the year, outstanding contribution to the industry
- National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) - Marketing campaign of the year
- Universities UK International’s Assistant Director Andy Howells - Emerging leader of the year
- UKCISA’s Head of Engagement and Partnerships Yinbo Yu - Emerging leader of the year
- The University of Auckland - Employability international impact award