Educating global citizens: exploring UK universities
How can mobility professionals best advise assignees with late-teenage children on higher education? London Metropolitan’s Dr Sue Shortland provides some tips for UK university visits.
School Open Day tips
Attending an open day requires forethought and careful planning. There are usually a range of events taking place concurrently, and it is never possible to fit everything into the time available.For example, the open day will usually include a strategic overview of the university’s mission, future and values given by the vice-chancellor or dean of the faculty. This provides a helpful guide to the ethos of the institution. Subject-based talks, exhibitions, drop-in subject enquiry sessions and subject department tours are given. These are critical to understanding what a course offers and how it runs in practice.In addition, general talks on accommodation, finance, student services and disability services are offered. Tours of housing/ accommodation, the library, the campus, and the town or city also take place. It is important to prioritise the most important of these events, and to distinguish between what is critical to the selection decision (typically the subject talk/ drop-in and visiting the accommodation) and what is interesting to do or see if there is time.Take the opportunity to ask questions to ensure the points that matter are addressed, and take notes, as, after visiting several universities, the key differences can begin to blur. Rushing from one session to another can prove quite stressful, so ensure that sessions are planned to allow time to relax and reflect.Choices made in the space of an open day can be reaffirmed or reconsidered at an applicant day. These days frequently cover similar ground, but with greater emphasis on course specifics.The key issue to remember is that the choice of a university is a life-changing one, and it must be made carefully.This article is from Relocate Global's Guide to International Education & Schools 2019/20 which is packed with expert tips and information for those relocating and the professionals supporting them. For volume options, co-branded editions, digital or online licence agreements and advertising opportunities, contact Fiona Murchie at +44 (0)1892 891334 or email fiona@relocatemagazine.comNow available as an ebook on Amazon! Simply download from Amazon onto your Kindle, mobile phone or tablet to read wherever you are!
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