international students newsletter spring 2010 - coventry university, uk

International Students News

Spring 2010In this issue:l The new look welfare team

l Horizon Volunteering

l Hints and tips from current students

l The Coventry University Chinese Students and Scholars Association

1 International Students News

Welcome to all new students who have joined the University this January. For the rest of you I hope that you had a great holiday and are refreshed and ready to start the new term.

In this issue we welcome new members to the International Office Welfare team – read all about the services they offer and what they can do to help you.

We also look at volunteering – a great way of helping you to gain invaluable work experience and improve your CV, the Student Union and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Remember that you can also visit the CU Portal, where you can get lots of helpful information and advice and also view and share photos from trips.

Please feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any suggestions for the newsletter or would like to review a trip that will be printed in the next newsletter.

Enjoy the new term, take advantage of the trips on offer, get involved and create good memories of your time at Coventry.

Laura Wright

CUTVThe CUTV channel has lots of information about Coventry University. Including videos about news and events, student life, our applied research and the huge variety of courses we offer to help you in your future. It also has films about our vibrant city and what you can expect from an education at Coventry University.

CUTV is produced with the help and support of our devoted students at Coventry University.

Check it out and tell us what you think – Access it via the home page on the University web site or directly through www.youtube.com/user/covstudent

Have a look at Tim Hunt, Regional Manager Africa and Middle East being interviewed on Ghana’s breakfast TV show Sunshine: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rScCjWb77s0

A word from the editor

www.coventry.ac.uk/international 2

Keep up to date and share your experiences

Join the International Facebook GroupThe International Office has its own Facebook site – go and have a look – share your experiences and see what other international students have to say.

Have a look at the photos from the recent FoundationCampus student welcome dinner. Go and join: www.coventry.ac.uk/international-facebook

CU on ITunes UDid you know that Coventry University has become one of the few universities in Europe to distribute multimedia content in conjunction with Apple’s new iTunes service, iTunes U.

Access it via the home page on the University web site or directly through www.coventry.ac.uk/itunesu


The International Welfare team, located in the student centre helps over 100 international students a week. Take a look at the services they offer and meet the team.

Throughout your time at Coventry the welfare team is here to help you. Whether you just want to chat, have questions about employment regulations, accommodation, immigration, finance or travel, we are here to help.

International Student SupportGot a problem? Want some advice? Not sure who to talk to?

We can help with:• UK visas and immigration• Police registration• Advice working in the UK during and after your studies• Social programme and trips• Tuition fees payment plans• Referral to other support services within the University• And any other problems that you may have


Who are we?

Kavita CassidySenior International Student Adviser“I lead the Welfare Team at the International Office and have worked in the team since January 2006. I manage the team to ensure that we work together to assist international students before their arrival, during their studies and after they graduate.

I previously worked as an immigration solicitor. My experience of working in the welfare team and meeting international students for the last 3 ½ years, has given me a wealth of knowledge about what an international student needs to have an exceptional experience of life in the UK during their time at Coventry University.”

James MoranInternational Student Adviser“My name is James Moran. I have a background in immigration law and joined the welfare team at the end of September. Within my role I help international students with any problems they may have in regard to visas, finance and many other areas.

I studied History and Chinese Studies at the Universities of Nottingham and Sheffield and am able to speak a bit of Mandarin Chinese. Since I started at Coventry I have met many international students from as far apart as China and Bulgaria and have very much enjoyed the experience so far!”

Hazel EnglishInternational Student Adviser“I joined the welfare team in the international office, as an International Student Adviser in Oct 2009 and have already gained a variety of knowledge concerning Coventry’s international students. As part of this team, I can help with issues ranging from visas,

finance, housing or any other problems students might need to discuss.

I previously worked in the telecoms industry, but went back to university to take my career in a different direction. At university I studied History, which included a period of study in Norway. This experience gave me some knowledge of living and studying in another country. From this I also spent time working with American students studying in London, making their stay here as enjoyable as possible. These experiences set me up to work in Coventry University’s international office.”

Laura WrightInternational Student Co-ordinator“I joined the welfare team as the International Student Co-ordinator in September 2009, just in time for the September enrolment. Since this time I have learnt a lot about Coventry University and its international students. My job is very varied, which I

really enjoy. I organise the social programme for our international students which includes day trips to cities around the UK and wednesday trips to places which are closer to Coventry. In the next term we will be visiting Edinburgh, Oxford and Alton Towers to name just a few. Please see the trips booklet for more information. I also see students about welfare needs relating to post-study work applications, visa extensions, general queries and tier 4 visa compliance. I hope that you make the most of your time in the UK and I hope to see you on one of the trips!”

Contact us:Email: [email protected] us: We are based in the Student Centre


Laura Wright, International Student Co-ordinator is responsible for pulling together the packed International Office trips programme. The new programme for trips from February 2010 – June 2010 is now available.

This will include;

Date Event Price

Saturday 6th February Liverpool £25

Sunday 14th February – Wednesday 17th February

Edinburgh £150

Saturday 27th February Stonehenge and Salisbury

£20

Saturday 6th March Bristol £25

Saturday 13th March Gloucester £25

Saturday 20th March Oxford £25

Saturday 24th April Cardiff £30

Saturday 1st May Alton Towers £40

Saturday 22nd May Leeds and Harewood House

£25

Saturday 29th May Windsor and Eton £20

Saturday 5th June Brighton £20

There are also free trips on Wednesdays to places within a 50 mile radius of Coventry such as the Worcester, Bicester Shopping Village and Coombe Abbey Country Park.

The International Office Social ProgrammeSee more of the UK, experience British culture and meet new friends.

International Office TripsFeb-June 2010

Stonehenge

Edinburgh

Oxford

Birmingham

Alton Towers

Brighton

Gloucester

Liverpool

“Absolute delight, amazing

experience, Superb!”

London/Lion King Musical

“Interesting, Informative, Cold, Fun, Worth it!”York

“Loved the London Eye”

London

“Great place, great tour”Bath

“The Lion King was awesome”London

“Lovely old buildings,

good guided city tour”

Chester

Chatsworth

Cotswolds

Stratford

Clifton Bridge

Look out for the new trips booklet.

Write your own reviewHave you recently been on a trip and would like to write a review or send some advice to new students who have never been on one before? Email Laura, [email protected] with your review and we will publish them in the next newsletter.

”“


On the behalf of CUCSA I would like to deliver my warm welcome and faithful friendliness to those international students who come from China.

First, I want to give all of you a brief introduction about CUCSA. As I implied above, it is funded by the senior Chinese international students and scholars. It is a sort of non-governmental, non-profitable, non-political and non-religious organisation with the aim of helping those students who have the difficulties in aspects of life here at Coventry.

We also make a feature of organising various fascinating Chinese type activities and parties to make more and more Chinese background students get together. This will include day trips to places around the UK, meetings and social gatherings to celebrate together Chinese New Year and other significant dates in the Chinese calendar.

We have also set up our own official website for providing the free-membership internet community to the student who wants to know more about us and finds an easy way to make new friends. In there you could find out a mountain of interesting topics and useful information. Go and have a look and see what you think www.cssacoventry.org/pbbs/

Introducing the Coventry University Chinese Students and Scholars Association, CUCSA Qin Weng (Kevin) from the School of Art and Design a MA CCM (Culture, Communication and Media) student, explains what CUCSA is and how they aim to help Chinese students.

Additionally, our team is looking for enthusiastic and reliable people to join us for developing the whole society. No matter whom you are, what course you are doing, we welcome you to come to meet us and have a little talk.

If you would like to find out more visit the website or email Kevin at [email protected]


Hints and Tips

Managing Your Money

1. Open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving. To open an account, you will need:

• A letter from the University confirming that you are enrolled on a course here. This letter is available

on request from Student Centre Reception

• Your passport

• Evidence of your address overseas e.g. your offer letter

• Evidence of your address in Coventry e.g. a letter from accommodation office, tenancy agreement

• Your university identity card

2. Allow plenty of time for transferring money from your country to your account here.

3. Don’t walk around the city with large amounts of cash on you.

4. Always check and keep your bank statements.

5. All fees must be paid on time to the Finance Office.

6. If you run into difficulties, you must come and see the International Office immediately.

A piece of advice for new students starting this January:“It is going to be very cold when you people will come, so please bring warm clothes with you.

You might also feel a little depressed and down due to climatic conditions in the weather at that

time because it gets dark very early. You might also feel lonely and isolated. Do not hesitate to

talk to any of the staff members or IO people as they are very helpful in such situations.

Try and make as many friends so you are never alone :) and start you studies with a bang!!!!”

Pulakit Pathak from India

MSc Automotive Engineering

Favourite place to eat: Indian - Stoney Stanton Social Club, Coventry,

Chinese - Noodle Bar, City Centre, Coventry

Lebanese - Fairuz (K2), Coventry

Favourite food: Indian, Italian, Lebanese

Best place to meet up with friends: Phoenix Club near University, Club 54

Top 5 things to do in Coventry:

1. Pubs (Varsity, Phoenix etc)

2. Clubs (Lava, JJ’s, Kasba, Demand etc)

3. Restaurants (Indian, Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, Chinese etc)

4. University Library

5. Various surrounding places like Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon,

Birmingham etc

Can I get a letter inviting someone to visit me in the UK?Yes – come to the Student Centre. We can do a letter to invite your parents/friends to visit you in the UK. You will need to fill in a form with the name of your guest as it is written on their passport, their passport number and their relationship to you. We need at least 3 working days to produce letters.


Can I work in the UK?Yes but you must NEVER exceed more than 20 hours if you are on a student visa. If you do, when you come to renew your visa your application could be rejected.

You should obtain a National Insurance Number when you take up employment. To obtain a NINO you should telephone the Contributions Agency at Cofa Court on 024 7623 2200.

Diana Stefanescu from Romania

BA Communication, Culture and Media

Favourite place to eat: Wetherspoons

Favourite food: Chicken BBQ

Best place to meet up with friends: Phoenix (also known as the Campbell -

you’ll hear the 3rd year students or locals calling it that)

Top 5 things to do in Coventry:

1. Go to open mic nights...there is one almost every night in different pubs

2. Go for a walk in the memorial park

3. Look out for posters and flyers about performing arts student shows.

Always so interesting (they usually take place in Ellen Terry)

4. Go to the Transport Museum and Herbert Media and Arts Museum

5. Go for a walk at Cathedral square, behind the Cathedral and at Transport

Museum at night...best sights you can see

Qin Weng (known as Kevin), from ChinaMA CCM

Favourite place to eat: Cosmo (various types of buffet) China Express (Authentic Chinese dishes)Favourite food: Filet Fish in hot chilli oilBest place to meet up with friends: Lava (really popular club in Coventry)

and Starbucks (world famous coffee bar)Top 5 things to do in Coventry:1. Visit the historical cathedral 2. Visit the transport museum3. Visit the Herbert gallery4. Go shopping around the city centre5. Go clubbing with friends

A piece of advice for new students starting this January:

“Coventry is a vibrant city full of historical relics. You can find out dozens of interesting stuff

which you probably haven’t seen before, such as the medieval architecture. Moreover,

Coventry also has really convenient transportation for easily accessing the other big cities like

Birmingham. You can also explore the multi-cultural elements in this city. Be free to join in any

cultural background group to broaden your horizon. Coventry is a good choice for you to start

the journey in the UK. Coventry University is an extraordinary place to lead you to the way of

success. Hope you all enjoy the life at Coventry.”

A piece of advice for new students starting this January:“Socialise as much as you can, make the most of your university experience but don’t forget about the main reason you came here, which is to learn. Also, don’t forget some winter clothes...it gets quite chilly here.”


The Schengen Visa allows you to visit the following 24 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

What kind of Schengen Visa would I need?There are four types of Schengen Visas, you should think carefully about which one would be most suitable for the trip you are making;

• Short stay or travel visa: This allows a visit of up to three months in a six month period. This is the most popular type of visa and can be used for tourist visits to one of the 15 ‘Schengen countries’.

• Multiple entry visas: This allows you to travel to any Schengen country more than once in a three month period. So for example during the summer you could visit Norway for a week, come back to Coventry for a week then travel to Portugal for the next week using the same visa.

• Airport transit visa: This allows you to transit through the transit area of the Schengen country airport, but not to leave

the airport.• Transit visa: This allows you to travel through a Schengen

country on your way to another country outside the Schengen space.

Schengen VisaIf you’re studying in the UK and wish to take the opportunity to see more of Europe while you’re here, you will need a ‘Schengen Visa’.

Where to apply:Schengen Visas can be obtained from the Embassies of the Schengen country in the UK. However, you should use the following guidelines when deciding which embassy to apply from;

• If you are only applying to visit one Schengen country you should apply at that Schengen country’s embassy.

• If you are going to visit a number of countries you should apply at the Embassy of the country in which you are going to spend the most of your time.

• If you are going to visit a number of countries for the same amount of time, you should apply at the Embassy of the country which you are going to enter first.

How to apply:Each of the Schengen countries has its own website and details of how to apply for a Schengen Visa are supplied on each website.

Applications should be made several weeks before you are hoping to travel so that you avoid any disappointment. You must also make sure that you have plenty of stay left in the UK; some countries require that you have up to six months remaining.

To apply you will need to complete the correct application form and also submit the following documents:

• Passport photographs: The number of photographs the embassy requires varies.

• Original passport: Copies will not be accepted.• Proof of reason for visit: For example a letter from a friend

inviting you to stay, an invitation to a conference, or proof of accommodation booking if it is for a tourist visit.


• Proof of return to the UK: To show that you intend to return to the UK. If you do not want to purchase tickets prior to obtaining a visa you can show that you have made enquiries about the kind of travel ticket you hope to obtain.

• Evidence of funds: This is as proof that you can support yourself during your visit, bank statements and wage slips can be submitted as evidence.

• Evidence of student status: You can obtain a letter from the International Office at the Student Centre.

• Medical insurance: This must cover the entirety of the trip. Please visit us at the International Office for more details bout this.• Visa fee: The fee varies from Embassy to Embassy but is

generally from £25.00 to £35.00. Most Embassies only accept cash and the amount will not be refunded if the application

is Unsuccessful.

If you decide to post your application you should ideally post it by ‘Special Delivery’, ensuring safe delivery of your passport and other important documents. You can also enclose a prepaid Special Delivery envelope so that the Embassy returns your document to you in the same way.

How long will it take to get my visa?The length of time it takes for a decision to be made depends a lot on which Embassy you are applying to. Some decisions are made within 48 hours, others take several weeks.

Amsterdam

Paris


Run on behalf of all students the Students’ Union helps to provide a lot of the social life associated with University as well as student representation and support. We take a look at what they offer.

Sports and Social ClubsThe Students’ Union has over 80 sports and societies which cover all areas from sport, to religion, politics and culture. There are a wide range of societies currently up and running from traditional sports such as Football and Rugby to non-traditional sports such as Cheerleading and Mountaineering. They also offer religious and cultural based societies such as Islamic, African Caribbean and Christian Union.

We have several societies specifically for international students at Coventry including:

African Students:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] Jewish:[email protected] Hindu:[email protected] Sikh:[email protected]@hotmail.co.ukSomali Students:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] Thai:[email protected] Chinese:[email protected] African Caribbean:[email protected] Turkish:[email protected] Islamic:Brothers President - [email protected] Sisters President - [email protected]

Meet your Students’ Union

If you would like to find out more or join or set up your own society email Steve McCarthy the Vice President Student Activities on [email protected]

Student Media‘The Source’ is a monthly newspaper produced by the Union informing students of important student news and forthcoming events. It is available from the Students’ Union and various places around campus and in Halls of Residence. The Source is written by students and they are always looking for contributions. If you are interested in writing for the newspaper, getting involved in the student radio station, Source Radio 1431AM or the student film society CUTV then contact the Vice President Communications, Dez Cutchey, at [email protected]

The Students’ Union Priory Street also hosts a cyber cafe, a snack and coffee shop, the Sisters Prayer Room, meeting rooms you can book, a rehearsal room for musicians, sports facilities for five a side football and volleyball, and a shop with a newsagents. At FiftyFour (Cox Street) the Students’ Union puts on live bands, dance nights, indie nights, discos and special events.

Students’ Union Advice Centre (SUAC)SUAC is open Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It is located on the first floor of the SU building in Priory Street. They offer a free, confidential advice service. You can go there if you have any sort of problem including housing, legal or educational problems. If you have any problems or complaints with any part of the University (staff or students) SUAC can offer advice and represent you if you need it.

SUAC offers appointments and has drop in sessions Monday – Friday during term time between 12:00pm and 12:45pm. Closed on Wednesdays. To make an appointment, or for more information about SUAC please telephone: 024 7679 5200 or email: [email protected]

NUS Extra CardThe Students’ Union can offer you an NUS Extra card. This is packed with discounts for many high street and online retailers, entertainment and much more. The card costs £10 and you can buy this during the first two weeks of term in SU Priory Street or anytime online at www.nus.org.uk

Also as a new addition to the card you can also add on an International Student Identity Card for £1 offering even more discounts!

The Students’ Union is also here to represent students on their needs at University. Any student can get involved through the Course and Halls Representative System, and the various roles that make up the Union Council, which is the highest decision making body in the Union.

STUDENTS'U N I O N

COVENTRY

U N I V E R S I T Y

Upcoming events at your Students’ Union...

The Students’ Union will be hosting a wide variety of events throughout the whole year. FiftyFour the only student only venue in Coventry that has regular events for all students to attend. These include:

Mondays – Happy Mondays – karaoke night

Tuesday – Skint! The £5 deal!

Thursdays – Big Quiz and Pool Competition

Fridays – Flirt! The big club night

We also hold regular Detox Acoustic Café events and other special events throughout the year. For full details check out www.cusu.org

CUSU is a campaigning Union and we have the following campaigns coming up for you to get involved with…

January – Anti bullying, Fair Trade Fortnight

February – LGBT History month, Go Green Week, Assessment Awareness Campaign, Housing Campaign

March – Hate Crime, Domestic Violence

For more information email: [email protected]

Becky HillVice President Academic AffairsTel: 024 7679 5203Email: [email protected]

Becky is responsible for representing all students on education related issues, both within the University through the Course Representative System and on the national scale, ensuring that all students are happy with the quality of their education.

Liah MaccallamVice President WelfareTel: 024 7679 5290Email: [email protected]

Liah is here to voice the concerns of students and campaigns on your behalf. She promotes the Student Union Advice Centre, Volunteering and Hate Crime Reporting Centre. She also deals with Security and Halls issues that affect you. She aims to promote equality, diversity and wellbeing on campus.

Rob Wilson

President

Tel: 024 7679 5291

Email: [email protected]

Rob is in charge of the Students’ Union’s

democracy, staff and commercial services but most

importantly he‘s here to make sure all students are

listened to and your Union is active, diverse and of

course fun.

Dez Cutchey

Vice President Communications

Tel: 024 7679 5289

Email: [email protected]

Dez’s job is to make sure that all students know

what is going on through all of the Students’ Union

media which includes The Source newspaper,

Source Radio, www.cusu.org and poster displays.

Steve McCarthyVice President Student ActivitiesTel: 024 7679 5218Email: [email protected] is responsible for ensuring that Sports and Societies are run effectively and safely and to organise trips and activities for students. His job is to increase participation levels across all student activities and to oversee the start up of new ones.



Front row: Ashiver Ikongo – Volunteer, Zoib Zhan – Volunteer, Lord Mayor, Oyinlola Akinde – Volunteer, Fran Brosnan – Horizon Volunteering, Becky Hill – Volunteer Back row: Emma Jackson – Volunteer, Perrine Soler – Volunteer, Pierre Naudion – Volunteer, Tim Beer – Horizon Volunteering, Corinne Gordon – Horizon Volunteering, Phil Dunn – Coventry City Council, Donald Pennington – Coventry University, Chloe Morton – Volunteer

Horizon Volunteering is the volunteering department at Coventry University Students’ Union. Our job is to help you to gain invaluable work experience, develop key transferable skills and improve your CV through volunteering in the local community.

How can we help?We have links with hundreds community organisations, charities and schools, offering hundreds of exciting and high quality volunteering opportunities. We are here to help you to make the most of your volunteering experience by offering information, advice, guidance and support. We also offer ‘Induction Sessions’ and ‘Schools Volunteering Training’ to fully prepare you for your volunteering and help you to make the most of your experience.

Why volunteer?As an international student you will find that volunteering is a great way to learn more about the new community that you are living in. It also gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, meet likeminded people and make a valuable contribution to the local community. It means that when you’re asked what life is like in England, you can speak not only of your experiences as students, but also as citizens of Coventry.

What type of volunteering can I do?Our opportunities are split into various categories such as; health, older people, education, campaigns, fundraising, support and advice, sport, children and young people, culture and media, business, IT, environment and conservation.

Volunteering can be flexible and the time you choose to commit is up to you, because whether you volunteer each week or just once a year, your contribution will make a positive difference to yourself and the community.

All of the projects we offer are an excellent way to develop your English language skills or to share your language with others to benefit communities locally and across the globe. For example, you could volunteer at Coventry Refugee Centre as an interpreter to help refugees and asylum seekers in the Coventry area. You could volunteer at Thare Machi Education to translate English lesson scripts into the languages of overseas partners to create interactive learning DVD’s which convey vital heath messages. The DVD’s are then shipped overseas with portable DVD players. Or, you could help pupils new to the UK from the same country as you, settle into school and support them with their work.

The choice is truly yours and whatever your skills and interests are, we’ll have something to suit you!

How to get involved?You will need to register on-line with Horizon Volunteering online at: www.cusu.org/volunteering or visit the Horizon Volunteering office located on the top floor of Priory Street Students’ Union. Opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday 10am – 4pm, Fridays 11am – 4pm.

How to contact us?Email: [email protected]: 02476 79 5210Facebook: www.cusu/horizonfacebook Twitter: http://twitter.com/Horizon_CUSU

Horizon VolunteeringA great way to develop invaluable work experience and engage with the local community.


Student Volunteering Week 2010 (22nd - 28th February 2010)

This is a whole week of one-off volunteering opportunities and events for you to take part in. Last year a range of activities took place including, volunteer taster sessions such as Paint a Playground project at a local Primary School, Conservation project with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at a nature reserve, a Pizza Party social event, Wear Red Day fundraising event for British Heart Foundation and much more!

The week is ended with the annual ‘Big Challenge’ event which is a day of volunteering in conjunction with Warwick Volunteers. Over 100 volunteers come together to make a difference to many different projects across the city.

Get involved – email [email protected] for more information.

Oyinlola Akinde - One of Oyinlola’s main work experience placements was at the Coventry Refugee Centre where she supported asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring they gained the support and benefits that they were entitled to. When asked why others should volunteer Oyinlola commented that, “As an International Student I have realised that there is no barrier, nothing stopping you, bringing your best (talent or ability) out. Every International student must make sure that their prospective University has a Volunteering provision (Like Horizon Volunteering) because volunteering brings the best out of you.”

Perrine Soler - Set up and ran French language and cultural classes at Stoke Heath Primary School in Coventry. She encouraged a friend to help her with some of the classroom activities which proved a great success. Their impact at the school was huge and the deputy head teacher of the school, Pam Timms, commented that Perrine and Pierre were “Two of the best volunteers we’ve ever had at this school”.

Perrine, who was able to develop her English language, and her general communication skills, confidence and time management, really enjoyed her time at the school and reflected on her favourite memories from her placement. “My favourite moment was when children and I played games that I had prepared. It was great to see children really enjoy playing and making lots of efforts to speak French. We took such pleasure from doing the activities with them and the children did too. When we were in the classroom, we went back to our childhood!”

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international students newsletter spring 2010 - coventry university, uk

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