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Study Group welcomes the launch of the #WeAreInternational Student Charter

A student on campus

Study Group welcomes the launch of the #WeAreInternational Student Charter

Study Group is delighted to welcome the #WeAreInternational Student Charter launched today by the U.K. Council of International Students Affairs, the UK's national international students advisory body supported by the Department for Education and the Scottish Government.

The #WeAreInternational Student Charter is a student-led document, drafted by UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational student ambassadors and developed with the input of staff and students from across the international education sector in the UK. It aims to provide guidance on the delivery of a world-class student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation and focuses on shared values of inclusivity, collaboration, sustainability, and support.

Welcoming this initiative, Study Group Chief Executive Emma Lancaster said:

“We are delighted members of the Study Group team are joining the U.K. Council of International Students Affairs at its annual conference this week for the launch of this important Charter.

“The U.K. has long been a prestigious and popular destination for international students, and we recognise the vital importance of listening to and working with students themselves to ensure the highest standards of education, guidance and support and that the U.K. remains a respected destination of choice for pathway, undergraduate and postgraduate study.”

U.K. International Education Champion Professor Sir Steve Smith added:

“The voice of international students is vital to ensure that their needs are at the heart of enhancing the international student experience. The #WeAreInternational Student Charter outlines what we’re all striving for in the UK — a world-class educational experience.”

Study Group is a member of the U.K. Council for International Student Affairs and has supported #WeAreInternational since its inception. The campaign was cofounded in 2013 by former Vice-Chancellor and Study Group U.K. Chair Sir Keith Burnett working closely with students. It was extended to include over 100 universities, students’ unions, higher education sector bodies and partners across the U.K. and played a key role in advocating for welcoming policies on issues like post-study work. In 2014 #WeAreInternational was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) International Student Strategy award and in 2017 it was named Marketing Campaign of the Year at the PIEoneer Awards.

In 2019 #WeAreInternational was fully adopted by the U.K. Council of International Students Affairs and its Chief Executive and longstanding #WeAreInternational supporter Anne-Marie Graham. Led by UKCISA, #WeAreInternational aims to:

  • Support the UK education sector to deliver a world-class student experience for international students.
  • Value international students’ perspectives and voices.
  • Demonstrate how international partnerships benefit communities across the UK.
  • Connect students across the world to forge lifelong connections – through friendship, research, work and volunteering.