Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Network committee members actively support Student Officers that convene their network, and assist with the over-all decision making processes within the network.
To nominate/vote for this role you must be an International student.
For full details about the role please click here.
If you have any questions about this position, please contact [email protected]
Category
Candidates
Anam Eijaz Ahmed Choudhary
(She/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As the Student International Officer for the Student Union at UCL, I will bring a mix of leadership experience, cultural understanding, and a genuine passion for advocating for international students.
In roles like class representative, Public Relations Officer, and Women Development Cell Officer, I’ve had the opportunity to manage events, engage students, and address their diverse needs. Having co-founded a startup and worked with international teams, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges international students face—both academically and socially—and I can relate to their experiences on a personal level. : Being an international student myself, I know what it’s like to adjust to a new academic system, find your place, and navigate life in a new country. My aim is to ensure every international student feels supported, whether it’s through better access to resources, mental health services, or creating opportunities for cultural integration and community building.: I pride myself on being empathetic, adaptable, and a good listener. I’m dedicated to turning concerns into practical solutions and making sure that every international student feels heard, valued, and empowered during their time at UCL. My commitment is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong.Together, I believe we can make UCL an even better place for international students, and I’m excited to help make that happen!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected as the Student International Officer, my primary goal would be to make UCL feel like a true home for international students by enhancing their overall experience. I understand the challenges of being far from home, so I would focus on improving support systems to ensure international students have easy access to essential resources—whether it’s academic guidance, mental health support, or visa assistance.
I also want to foster greater cultural integration by organizing events that bring both international and home students together, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and meaningful connections. Representing the voices of international students is a priority for me, and I’ll work hard to advocate for their concerns and challenges at the university and union levels, ensuring they are heard and respected.
To keep everyone informed, I’ll push for clearer communication channels, so students stay up-to-date on important issues like accommodation, tuition fees, and immigration policies. I also believe in helping students prepare for the future, so I’ll advocate for career development and networking opportunities tailored to international students, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed beyond their time at UCL.
Ultimately, my aim is to make the international student experience at UCL not just supportive, but truly welcoming, inclusive, and fulfilling. I want every student to feel they belong here.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Students should vote for me because I genuinely care about making the international student experience at UCL feel like a true home away from home. As an international student myself, I’ve faced the challenges of adapting to a new environment, from missing home to navigating unfamiliar systems and cultures. I know how overwhelming it can be, and I want to make sure that no one feels like they’re going through it alone.
With my leadership experience, I can advocate for real change, whether it's improving access to resources or helping to create a sense of belonging and community. I’m passionate about connecting students, learning from each other’s diverse experiences, and ensuring that everyone feels supported and heard. For me, this role isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a personal mission to help every international student feel like UCL is not just a university, but a place where they belong. I’ll work hard to make sure your voice truly matters.
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Nitant Gupta
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I will bring a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of international students and understanding their unique challenges. My previous experience in student representation has equipped me with effective communication and advocacy skills, enabling me to listen to and address the concerns of my peers. I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where all international students feel valued. Additionally, my organizational skills will help me coordinate events and initiatives that promote community engagement, mental well-being, and cultural exchange.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I hope to create a environment for international students that addresses their unique needs. My aim is to enhance communication between students and university services, ensuring that everyone is aware of available resources and support. I plan to organize events that encourage cultural exchange and build community, helping students connect with one another. Additionally, I want to raise awareness of mental health resources and create initiatives that promote well-being. Ultimately, I strive to ensure that every international student feels valued, supported, and engaged in campus life.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Students should vote for me because I am dedicated to improving the experience of international students. I understand the challenges you face and will actively listen to your concerns to represent your needs effectively. My strong communication skills will help bridge the gap between students and university services, ensuring you are aware of all available resources. I am committed to organizing events that promote community and cultural exchange, making it easier for you to connect with others. Together, we can create a welcoming environment where every international student feels valued.
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Yalan Wang
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Hi, I'm Yalan Wang! I'm from Chongqing, China. And I'm studying for an undergraduate degree in Education at the University of Birmingham (2021-2024). I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Policy Studies in Education at IOE.
I love being at UCL, it's the one place where I really feel at home and have the opportunity to represent our diverse student voice again. As I'm an international student myself I understand exactly what it's like to be in a foreign country and I hope I've been able to help!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
My familiarity with the Students' Union, IOE and international students has helped me develop 2 realistic goals for 24/25 as an INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' NETWORK WELFARE OFFICER:
1. Create a WhatsApp group/team space specifically for international students to facilitate regular communication and build a strong chain of communication between students → welfare officer → university
2. Develop a wider sense of community amongst all students using the group, allowing us to organise more social events for international students and build NETWORK relationships
Maybe more goals will be added later :)
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I believe that a person has to be honest and trustworthy, if I am nominated as the INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' NETWORK WELFARE OFFICER, I will do my best to complete everything I said!
As an international student, I'm eager to meet many students who don't speak English well and interact together.
I enjoy meeting people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds and hearing everyone's opinions on how we as international students can come together to effect change.
Thanks for reading and international students from all countries, including non-international students, are welcome to vote for me~
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Francis Deng
(He/Him)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I'll bring approachable and effective leadership and active communication from my time as VP of my high school's Student Union and leader of several clubs. My degree in politics and sociology and negotiation skills attained from my MUN experiences equip me with teamwork, problem-solving, and organisational skills to address International students' needs effectively and be aware to stand firmly to advocate for their interests. With my experiences of internships in education and starting up a study abroad company, I also possess skills in organizing resources and teams.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I will focus on enhancing the cooperation of the international students' societies by organising more events between them, raising awareness of the Union’s welfare campaigns and ensuring they are tailored to the specific needs of international students. I aim to work closely with other Welfare Officers to coordinate efforts that promote funding to mental health resources, financial, and career resources, to reduce the waiting time. I will also advocate for the increased visibility of Union resources through events and online to ensure that all are informed and supported.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I’m vote-worthy because I understand the unique challenges faced by international students such as homesickness and not knowing where and how to make friends to start with. I am committed to making their university experience more positive and inclusive. My leadership experience, communication and organization skills make me well-suited for this role. Since I am a doer, not just a talker, I will continue to work hard to ensure that intl. students feel heard, supported, and represented in all aspects of student life, actively collaborating with other Welfare Officers to drive meaningful change.
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Yiming Yao
(Minnie)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a student representative for the IOE PASHE program, I built trust and ensured that everyone felt understood and that their voices were heard. I thoroughly reviewed meeting records, extracted key points, and shared them with my classmates, becoming a reliable link between students and faculty. As Vice Manager at the Communication University of China’s Radio Station, I gained insights into teamwork and sharpened my organizational skills through 140 live broadcasts. I also led national-level projects, which enhanced my leadership abilities. My six internships allow me to share practical tips.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected as student representative, I will focus on improving communication within our faculty, especially among international students who may lack prior experience in engaging with faculty. I plan to create regular opportunities for students to share their thoughts, such as online feedback forms or casual meet-ups.
Additionally, I aim to enhance academic support accessibility by advocating for better resources and promoting peer networks. I also want to encourage dialogue between students and staff about curriculum and academic structures, ensuring every student’s feedback is heard.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I ask for your vote because, as an international student myself, I can truly empathize with you. As a PASHE student representative, I deeply understand that ensuring every voice is heard creates a significant impact. I will take my responsibilities seriously by sharing key meeting points with classmates and effectively communicating with professors.
I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their opinions. I am committed to transparency and making our time here as positive and fulfilling as possible, ensuring that everyone has a voice that truly matters.
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James Brown Scopas
(Him/His)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
UCL is a global vibral social, academic and as an inspiring International Students’ Officer, my hope is to make it great again.
Have worked as international students advicer in my former school for the past year, I have knowledge of organizational workings which will help me compherned what is necessary to prioritise and improve after consultation with the students body.
As a international student myself I respect that everyone's experience is unique. I am friendly and responsible hence I am easy to connect with everyone who needs my assistance.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I would prioritized on the following well designed plans.
Will connect with freshmans Individual mentorship for those eligible for financial assistance, disability support and for scholars who may need advice on creating student acount. This last point may sound sarcastic by it's true, out of experienced it's really ensential to know how to mintigate the process.
Connecting to international students commencing studies late, missing induction due to visa or logistics issues by helping them get on track with, tutorial, academic and social life at UCL.
Visa information sessions for students with Visa renewal and enrollment difficulties by referring them to relevant departments for support.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Been in the UK was thrilling experienced and at the same time doubting too. The helped I received gave me confidence and enabled me adjust into the UCL community thanks to Dr Martina and Vivien. It is this warmth support that I aim to extend to any international students who may need such services.
Absolutel I am eager to implement these plans I have suggested above and develop more during my tenure.
With sincere passion and desire for leadership, I believe I can perform and we can explore new charter with vivid experiences at UCL.
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Mulan
(she/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As the Head of my high school’s Global Education Programme, I liaised with ten schools worldwide to discuss current global issues and concerns. This experience equipped me to navigate diverse perspectives, and also gave me a good understanding of international students' needs through interacting with them.
My involvement in the executive committee of my high school's student union also gave me the opportunity to organise large-scale events and work collaboratively with students to address their concerns.
You can trust me to build a strong, inclusive community for international students at UCL.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I will implement:
- Increased accessibility to financial resources for int. students (I understand how expensive university, especially in London, can be)
- Pre-departure and arrival information sessions for students with firm offers, addressing issues like student accommodation applications, visas, BRP , etc.
- Official housing support for int. students who were not offered student accommodation
- Frequent virtual information sessions and open days, with strategic timings that cater to different time zones
- Increased cultural events across UCL, working alongside various cultural student union societies
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As an international student who has moved from Shanghai to Singapore and now to London, I understand firsthand the challenges of integrating into a new community. I know the significant sacrifices we’ve all made to pursue our passions at UCL. Hence, I am committed to making sure that each day here is meaningful and rewarding for all of us.
You can trust me to be your voice, actively listening to your needs and concerns while ensuring you feel at home. Plus, I love connecting with people and fostering relationships within our diverse community.
I’ll always be down for a chat! :)
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Ammar Khan
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
In the past, I’ve served as Head Boy to a diverse mix of international students. Being an expatriate myself, I had the opportunity to provide pastoral support to many students, so I’m deeply committed to further strengthening our international community here in UCL. I’ve also had experience in bringing people together, having organized several fundraisers in my hometown, so I bring the interpersonal and organizational skills required of a Welfare Officer.
Though I may be busy at times, I’m approachable too, so feel free to say hello!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
No matter how long we’ve been in London, it’s not quite the same as home, is it?
I aspire to foster a strong community in which everyone is able to thrive and retain the sense of comfort that home brings. That being said, I will make the role of Welfare Officer more visible and make myself available to all who need someone to talk to.
I will advocate for our needs by creating regular online surveys and acting on them, so that everyone’s voice can be heard.
I aim to create strong interconnectivity between us international students, so that we are able to make the most of our education here.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As shown above, I have the skills, experience, and dedication to be a great Welfare Officer. If voted in, I will serve you, members of the International Students’ Network, and the Student Union, to the best of my ability. Take no concern, I will not allow for a student to go uncared for, nor a need to go unmet.
Together, we can build a stronger community of assured and supported individuals. Together, we can do great things.
Peace and take care.
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Selina Yan
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As an enthusiastic and experienced student who has just enrolled in UCL, I have good communication skills. Despite the fact that I'm an international student, and English is my second language, I'm able to carry out daily communication without obstacles. I am looking forward to organising online forums, monitoring disrespectful speech, and supporting confused international students by actively reaching out. In high school, I have organised various social and academic events, such as art society. As an international fresher this academic year, I'm looking forward to joining this big community.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
The first thing that came to mind is leadership. I wish to develop my skills in organising online events. By actively supporting the relevant student officer, I could enhance my communication skills by further strengthening my English, especially speaking skills. I hope to collaborate with my fellow classmates. Throughout the exciting progress, I could further develop empathy towards students with a completely different background than mine, contributing to the community. I expect to develop a friendly, inspiring, and thriving network with students from different cultural backgrounds etc.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As an international student who has just arrived in the UK, London, and UCL, I perfectly understand how anxious and helpless it could be at the beginning. With little knowledge of how the UCL network is going to work (Moodle etc.), I proactively reached for help from my student advisor and other trustworthy resources. With roughly an accurate picture in mind, I do not hesitate to share these helpful tips with other new students. With this role, I could assist any international students who are unsure about online policy. I will try my best to ensure that network-ran meetings will run smoothly.
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Weining Pan
(Weining)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As an international student, I understand the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, overcoming language barriers, and feeling homesick. I bring my personal experience, empathy, and strong communication skills to this role, making me approachable to other students. My open, friendly nature allows me to connect with others easily and encourage them to voice their concerns. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive community where international students feel supported, heard, and empowered.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I aim to create more support systems for international students, focusing on language assistance, cultural adjustment, and mental health resources. I will organize regular peer-support groups where students can share their experiences and struggles, especially when feeling homesick or facing cultural challenges. I’ll work to establish more tailored academic support for those facing language barriers and promote intercultural events to foster a sense of belonging and understanding among all students.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Students should vote for me because I understand the unique struggles of international students at UCL. I’ve faced language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness, and I want to ensure no one feels isolated. I’m committed to creating a stronger support network for international students, advocating for better resources, and fostering a sense of community. With my approachable personality and determination, I will ensure international students feel represented and empowered to thrive at UCL.
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Yunhao Chen
(Mira)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with adjusting to a new environment, and I am committed to supporting others in similar situations.
My experience as a Consultant for the British Red Cross, where I developed proposals and led collaborative efforts, has honed my ability to communicate effectively and manage projects. Additionally, my work with AIESEC UK and UCL has equipped me with the skills to coordinate teams and create impactful outreach initiatives.
I am dedicated to advocating for the well-being and inclusivity of all international students.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all international students, ensuring our voices are heard and our concerns addressed.
As an international student myself, I understand the challenges we face and will focus on organizing events and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging. I also hope to increase awareness of available resources, collaborate with other welfare officers, and advocate for policies that address issues such as inclusivity, mental health, and academic support, ensuring a positive experience for international students.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face as an international student.
My experience as a Consultant for the British Red Cross and roles with AIESEC UK and UCL have equipped me with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, advocating for international students' well-being, and ensuring our voices are heard. I will work hard to foster a sense of belonging and help shape policies that enhance the student experience.
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