The Vice-Chancellor and the Students’ Union Welcome International Colleagues.
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This year, the University has welcomed over 2,000 new international students. These individuals, as well as those international students who returned this year, are vital to our University, our city and our region . The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Keith Burnett, and International Students’ Officer, Mina Kasherova, detailed the importance of International students with this statement:
The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Students’ Union are proud to welcome international students from over 136 countries.
As a top 100 University globally, the University of Sheffield draws the brightest and best staff and students from all over the world and is enriched by the vibrant international perspective which results from this exciting mix of cultures and viewpoints. Sheffield graduates go on to be competitive players in the international jobs market, and the skills and cultural experience they develop during their studies is invaluable as they move on to make a difference in a broad range of fields across the world.
Our researchers also work as part of multi-national collaborative teams with other universities and industries, taking on the crucial challenges facing the planet. Sheffield’s focus on its international agenda is reflected by the planned appointment of a Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and in both its Vision, Mission and Identity and its Corporate Plan.
Both the University and Students’ Union are implementing their Internationalisation Strategies, which aim to bring an international aspect to the campus and learning experience of every student.
International students make a vital contribution to the financial sustainability of UK universities, and contribute an estimated £8 billion to the national economy annually. Students from overseas also make a real contribution to the cultural life of a city, and, in Sheffield, annual events such as the International Cultural Evening and Chinese New Year, are well attended by civic dignitaries, while other international students are active in local volunteering or organising events at local cultural festivals.
Beyond University life, the alumni network of our former overseas students helps spread the Sheffield name around the world, an important factor in the University of Sheffield’s global reputation for academic excellence and making a difference.
Our Students’ Union is proud of its 40 national societies and their contribution to student life. They are constantly educating their fellow students through their traditions, events and activities, and through their charity campaigns dedicated to humanitarian crises, such as the Haiti earthquake campaign, through which they raised £5000.
As key stakeholders in higher education we consider the celebration of our diverse university population as crucial for all staff and students. As such, we support the position of Sheffield alumni and Nobel Prize winner Harry Kroto, that Britain needs to continue to attract the brightest and the best people from around the world and the University and Students’ Union will continue to welcome international students and academics.