Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Read about what the International Students' Officer is responsible for.
In order to vote for this position you must be a student whose normal place of residence is outside of the UK.
Category
Candidates
Peter Zhang
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I believe that your voice matters, and I will pursue to represent the international students’ community within UCL and UCLSU. As a current academic representative in the department of Computer Science, and a past Prefect and Head of House at my high school, I have accrued extensive experience in leadership, especially as a representative of a cohort of peers. I strive to remain approachable, whilst being closely observant within UCL to raise any potential issues within the community, and to improve the representation and quality of life of international students at the University.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I wish to broaden the incorporation of the international students’ community within UCL and break down the barriers that we face in a foreign environment. I plan on holding open discussions for international students within UCL, held on a weekly basis, so they can voice their concerns in a friendly environment.
My aim will also be on improving the support given to international students, both current and prospective, at any level of study – this will include events such as virtual open day tours, workshops, and the establishment of more facilities specifically for international students.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Being an international student, I will have our collective interests as the forefront of my agenda. I would like to create a robust platform by which students can maximise their potential, and time at UCL. Through representation and integration, I hope to see our international student community prosper in all areas. I feel that I am an approachable person and will happily discuss anything if you happen to see me on campus! I am motivated to commit to this role and promise to bring change for the better.
Together, you and I, we can make UCL a better place to study, to work, and to live! :)
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Shria Jindal and Ivaana Mitra
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As international undergraduate students, we empathize with the struggles of adjusting to a new environment and resonating with a community. Our leadership positions in high school and involvement in UCL societies prepared us with skills needed to facilitate a seamless transition of international students. With our first-hand experience of working with diverse individuals, we can consider the unique backgrounds of international students in our roles.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
We have a three-pronged manifesto which we plan to achieve. Firstly, we aim to facilitate smooth communication between the students’ union and international students and become approachable representatives of the SU for international students. Secondly, we wish to become first point contacts for all international students to aid them navigate lifestyle and academic changes of London. Lastly, we propose an annual international student’s festival showcasing various cultural shows, conferences, and cuisines to help students nurture and celebrate their heritage and values with others.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
We aim to build a cooperative and compassionate environment where all international students can thrive. We do this by advocating for their best interests to the SU and helping them integrate into the university. Our goal is to create a community that guides international students beyond their academic life. We do this by holding frequent networking conferences that provide them with ample opportunities to apply their academic skills in the outside world. With prior experience in leadership positions, we are accustomed to handling unique and challenging situations quickly and efficiently.
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Antara Basu
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As the Ethnic, Racial Diversity Student co-lead for UCL SPP, I have experience with liaising between students and staff and maintaining open channels of communication. As a transition mentor, I also have experience with dealing with student concerns and providing timely support as a first point of contact. In my role as a UCL Ambassador, I am regularly in contact with international students, showing them around campus and helping them get more familiar with life at UCL. As an international student, I understand the concerns and strive to offer my assistance in any way possible.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I want to create a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to safely express themselves, their concerns and their issues and work collaboratively to solve them.
I want to increase communication among international students and spread more awareness about all the UCL-wide resources that students in general and international students, in particular, have access to including but not limited to mental health and counselling support.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am an International student from India. I have firsthand experience with how overwhelming the transition to university life can be coupled with moving abroad. In my past two years at UCL, I have built a robust network of friends and colleagues and gained invaluable knowledge regarding resources to aid in this transition easier. As a transition mentor, I strived to create a welcoming environment & prioritized giving them information about available resources. I plan to adopt the same approach in this role, ensuring that students feel comfortable reaching out to me for support and guidance.
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Lola Wang
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I can offer experience and the capacity to eagerly embrace change. I'll collaborate with my peers to ensure the safety and welfare of all students under the promise that I will constantly take steps to improve and grow in this role.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I hope to provide a safe and inclusive community for international students (and all students) in London. This includes emphasis on improving mental health and breaking down language barriers.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I will do my best to ensure that my goals listed above are reached. :)
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Jason Huang
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I have volunteered to teach overseas, including in Cambodia, and studying abroad in the US; I have a better understanding of international students' needs through interacting with global students. As a student representative in my high school, SCIE, helped me learned how to represent the student body and communicate with the school for students' needs. Moreover, as the club leader of the Red Cross, I am experienced in engaging students in society and organizing social events such as first-aid day and mental health awareness week.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Helping students settle down and engage in college is my goal. I hope to tackle the following pain points for international students:
1. Housing: Provide guides and resources for housing issues among international students
2. Engagement in societies and activities: Help advertise and engage students on what's going around the campus and get involved
3. fostering a close relationship between the international students and the union by collecting student feedback and communication.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Being an international student at UCL is an exciting journey but, at the same time, challenging. I will listen to the needs of international students and actively represent our students' voices to make a change. Whether it is housing problems, having difficulty finding things to do in college, or minimizing disruption of strike on our education, I can allocate resources and opportunities for a better college experience.
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Manaal Tariq
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
The International Community at UCL is the crux of its social and academic vibrance and as the International Students’ Officer, it is this that I aim to enhance.
Having worked closely with the Union in the past year as Hall Representative, I am aware of its inner workings which will help me push for the changes we wish to see.
Aware of the intricacies involved in studying abroad, I respect that everyone's journey is different. I am approachable and innovative which will allow me to connect with new people with ease and use the resources we have to work towards our best interests.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I would implement the following ideas:
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Emergency Housing Support System for students without accommodation at the start of the year (having noticed many in this situation)
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Individual mentorship for those eligible for financial assistance & for scholars to prevent late entry
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Acclimatisation sessions/events for students starting late to help get on track with academic and social life at UCL
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QNAs & campus visits for applying/admitted students
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Visa information sessions for students with firm offers, connecting to relevant departments for support
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Coming to the UK was a unique experience, one that was not as smooth as I had expected. The support I received helped me adjust into the community. It is this support that I aim to provide to both incoming and continuing international students.
I am open to feedback, appreciate achievements, can prioritise tasks, and absolutely love to connect with new people. I am eager to implement the ideas I have suggested above and come up with more in my tenure.
With the enthusiasm and drive I bring to the role, I believe I can truly deliver and transform the International experience at UCL.
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Eshaan Saigal
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a focused and motivated first-year student at UCL, I believe I possess the necessary skills to excel as a International Student Officer. My participation in a variety of extracurricular activities and my leadership roles have helped me to understand the value of accountability, teamwork and communication. As the ISO, I would support a welcoming atmosphere and collaborate closely with the group to cater to the needs of these students. I am thrilled about the chance to use my leadership skills, dedication, and enthusiasm for student advocacy to positively impact the UCL community.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
My goal would be to prioritise the needs and concerns of international students. Initiating programmes that support inclusion and integration is one of my goals. My main objective is to help overseas students feel inspired, valued, and prepared for success. I would accomplish this by hosting events specifically aimed at them. As their international student officer, I pledge to help and promote international students in every way I can.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I have a strong commitment to representing and supporting the needs of international students. With my past leadership experiences, I am equipped with the skills to create initiatives that promote inclusivity for international students. I'll fight for their rights, give them tools for success, and promote greater awareness of cultural diversity among university students. Overall, I think I'm the best candidate for the International Student Officer post because of my commitment, abilities, and outlook, and it would be an honour to work with and for the international students at UCL.
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