International Students Give Their Views
30 March 2011
A group of the University of Derby's international students
To be very honest, everyone I met on arrival gave me a warm reception
”One confidential response
The Student Support and Advisory Service has received the latest results from the International Student Barometer, carried out by i-graduate.
International students from around the world completed the survey as they began university in September 2010. This builds on the figures reported by Connected in January which reflected the views of those leaving university in the summer of 2010.
The latest survey asked the students about their arrival and welcome, their subsequent experience of the University's programmes and facilities and how much they enjoyed living in the city.
The responses of 229 of Derby's international students were compared to the responses of the 5,689 international students of 12 other UK universities who make up the Million+ group of universities.
The latest results show that:
- 91 per cent of Derby's international students were satisfied with the accuracy of pre-arrival advice and information from the institution. This was above the Million+ group average of 88 per cent
- The arrival process has improved for students over the last 12 months. Support from the University with the visa application process was at 87 per cent either satisfied or very satisfied.
"To be very honest, everyone I met on arrival gave me a warm reception," was one response.
- Academically the University received high satisfaction ratings for learning spaces, learning technology, lecture quality and learning support. The University lies in the top three of the Million+ group for all three
- Overall the living experience was positive for international students - with safety, accommodation cost, internet access and transport putting Derby's experience for international students in the top three of the Million+ group.
"One of the most important factors which I will recommend this University for is the support it provides to the students," said another student.
For more information on being an international student at the University of Derby visit website www.derby.ac.uk/international
