Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) has won an award for its work in improving the international student experience at Edinburgh and promoting the benefits of being part of a global community among all students and staff.
Staff from the students’ association collected the National Union of Students’ (NUS) Internationalised Students’ Union of the Year Award at a ceremony in Birmingham on Tuesday 13th December. EUSA was also runner up for the International Partnership and Collaboration Award.
Since the launch of EUSA Global in 2010, the association’s internationalisation strategy, EUSA have introduced several innovative projects, including the International Buddy Project for new international students, a Peer Proofreading scheme for non-native English speakers, and a Tandem Language Programme for all students to learn a new language.
Matt McPherson, EUSA President, said:
“We are delighted to win this award. It not only recognises the great diversity of our student body and the positive impact that international students can have in the university and wider community, but it is testament to the hard work of those who have been working to make our international projects a success.
“From running more culturally diverse events during freshers’ week, providing peer support and buddies for international students and sending international students in schools to promote language-learning and Olympics-focused activities, EUSA in conjunction with the university has made huge steps in improving the international student experience at the University.”
Steve Hillier, Vice President of Internationalisation, University of Edinburgh, said:
“In the past year, EUSA Global has made a significant impact on both students and staff, greatly enhancing support for international students. From the University perspective, it provides a much needed dialogue and continuity with the student body.”