university of eter INTERNATIONAL NEWS fileuniversity ofeter INTERNATIONAL NEWS your WANTED International students to assist the International Office in conversion activities with UG

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Welcome!Preparing for exams, going to a ball or seeing yourfriends and enjoying the sunshine (when it arrives),are some of the many choices for you this Summerterm! Whatever you do, make sure you prepare wellfor those Summer assignments and exams. If you areworried about them then there is information later inthe newsletter especially for you.

If you are leaving us this summer, we do hope that you havefound your time at Exeter a rewarding one, both personallyand academically, and that you will take home many happymemories.

All of us in the InternationalStudent Support Office wishyou the very best of luck forthe future and we lookforward to seeing you at theSummer party onWednesday 3 June. Don’tforget to RSVP [email protected]

Sue Lawrie Amelia MansfieldInternational Student Support Officer International Student Adviser

InternationalStudentsand FriendsSummerPartyWednesday 3 June,Institute of Araband Islamic StudiesStreatham Court5-7pm

You should all have received your invitation tothe Summer Party. Last year was a great event filled withfriends and fun. Entry is free to yourself, friends and familybut tickets are limited to 250. Do not forget to confirmyour attendance by email to [email protected] by Tuesday26 May latest!

INTERNATIONALNEWS • ISSUE 8 • MAY 2009 •

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International Student Support Office times are:Monday to Friday 10am – 12noon and 2.00pm-4.00pmAppointments available

Drop Ins: • Tuesday 10.00-12.00 Guild Advice unit• Thursday 1.00-3.00pm Guild advice unit• Friday 10.00-12.00 St Luke’s Students’ Advice Room

International Student Support, Room 162, Northcote House. Tel: 01392 263041 Fax: 01392 263856www.exeter.ac.uk/international email: [email protected] 1

Forthcoming FestivalsMAY 9 Birthday of Buddha (Buddhist)

12 Lag B’Omer (Jewish)29 Shavout (Jewish)

JUNE 21 Midsummers Day24 Ratha Yatra (Hindu)

Making Your Views CountThe University needs to hear from you about your experiences at Exeter.We use the information from the International Student Barometer to improve ourservices and support. This year your comments have meant a review of Keystoreproducts, more work with local employers regarding international students,improved accommodation information, a new induction website resource, more stafftraining and a focused campaign on plagiarism. Please take 10 minutes to completethe online survey. You will be entered into a prize draw for £1000 or as an Exeterstudent you can win one of 50 Amazon vouchers.

http://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix/p222685825.aspx Closing date 15 May 2009.

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International Student Support, Room 162, Northcote House. Tel: 01392 263041 Fax: 01392 263856www.exeter.ac.uk/international email: [email protected]

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Does your visa expire beforeOctober 2009?

Do you need to extend as astudent?Come to our Extension workshop on

13th May, 1-3pm Queens F

Do you want to extend yourstay in the UK after Graduationto work in the UK?Come to our Post Study Work workshop on28th May, 10-11am Streatham Court B or as part ofthe Business School Careers Week, 24th June 3-4pm

Inviting yourfamily and friendsto stayMany students at this point are thinking

about Summer Graduation and want to invite their

family to stay. For further information see

http://offices.exeter.ac.uk/international/information/im

migration/friendsandfamily.shtml

IMMIGRATION UPDATE

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Exams EtiquetteHere are a few tips to ensurethat all runs smoothly whentaking your exams:

• Observe the rule of silenceupon entry to Exam Halls. YouMUST NOT talk once youhave entered the Hall.

• Do not look/turn over the exampaper until you have beeninstructed to do so by theInvigilator.

• When your examination ends DO NOT chatter with yourfriends either in the hall, or in the vicinity of the exam hall.Please show consideration to other students who may well stillbe sitting their exams in the same building.

Have you remembered?1. Your Student ID card.2. Your personal timetable.3. To check the location, starttime and duration of yourexamination.4. To switch off your mobilephone, and leave in your bagat the rear of the hall.5. (Where applicable) to ensurethat your calculator has beencertified as approved by yourSchool (with a tamper evidentsticker).

6. (Where applicable) to ensurethat your dictionary has beenapproved for use in exams, bymeans of the blue dictionaryform (available from the ExamsOffice/School Office).In the case of absence from yourexam or in case of circumstancesaffecting your performanceremember to inform your Schooland the Exams Office in writingimmediately supplying appropriatesupporting evidence.

Pre-Exam Checklist

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/admin/academic/exams

Dear international self-catering residents

We hope you have had an enjoyable Easter vacation andwe hope you will have a productive summer term!There are usually lots of fun events in the third term,but most of you will have exams over the next twomonths and this can be a very stressful time.

Please remember that there are resident tutors andstudent mentors in all the University's accommodationwho are here to help you if you need any support orinformation. We also try to maintain a peaceful

environment for you all to study and relax. We askthat everyone tries to be considerate of their neighboursand we will try to help resolve complaints anddisagreements with you.

Best of luck for the new term,

Victoria Crockettand Leanne FennellSelf-Catering Senior Resident Tutors

email: [email protected]

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exeteru n i v e r s i t y o f INTERNATIONAL

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WANTEDInternational students to assist the

International Office in conversion activities withUG and PG offer holders in June and July.

This may include attendance at in country pre-departureevents or participation in e-mail/telephone campaigns inthe appropriate local language. Full training will be given.If you are interested in assisting please send Nikki Padget,Head of International Student Recruitment an e-mail withyour name and student number, outlining your availability

during the summer, the programme you are currentlystudying and and any language skills no later than 14 May .

Summer Festival andGive It A Go

22 – 28 JuneThis year’s annual University Arts Week will

be joined by Give It A Go – a week of free societyevents! If you want your society to be involvedcontact the Activities Office in Cornwall House

by 12 May.

Gulf Alumni Dinner 2009

The third annual Gulf Alumni Dinner attended by theVice-Chancellor and senior colleagues on 2 April 2009. HisHighness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member ofthe Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler ofSharjah, hosted the dinner at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre ofGulf Studies, Sharjah. Attending alumni travelled from as far awayas Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Gulf Alumni Group is planning the next activity, an outing at theJumeirah Beach Park, Dubai in June/July 2009. For more information,please contact Nick Kwolek or Zeena Gorton [email protected]

The university will be travelling to China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysiaand Singapore in 2009 and will be hosting alumni receptions in thesecountries. For the latest on alumni events overseas, please contactStephanie Ganeson [email protected] or visitwww.exeter.ac.uk/alumni

Want new students to enjoy Exeter as muchas you do?

Want to make friends from around the globe?

... BE A GLOBAL CHUM!We know that finding out an answer to your questions

(no matter how small!), settling in quickly once you get here,feeling comfortable and meeting some local students is crucial to

getting the most out of your studies here at Exeter andenjoying the UK.

We are looking for 100 enthusiastic, open minded Exetervolunteers of all disciplines. Could you be who we are looking for?

www.exeter.ac.uk/international/globalchumsApplication deadline 19 May.

Alumni Reunion in Hong KongThe Hong Kong Alumni Reunion 2009 was held on 7 January. The

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Smith gave a talk about the

Globalisation of Higher Education and what this means for the

University of Exeter.

It was an opportunity for alumni to hear the latest University of Exeter’s

news, future plans and to network with other alumni and friends.

Hong Kong has two alumni country contacts, for details please visit

www.exeter.ac.uk/alumni/internationalalumnimap.shtml

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On Sunday 7th June, in partnershipwith Exeter City Football Club the University isfor the second year hosting Kick It Out, the antiracist 5-a-side football tournament. Everyone iswelcome to either join in or just to come alongand watch. Last year we had teams from acrossthe City and lots of different University Teams.

So please get involved!If you are interested please contact

Kate Devlin, Equality and Diversity [email protected] and 01392 262037

Living in Exeternext year?Looking for accommodation for next year?The Advice Unit can offer lots of information onprivate rented accommodation in Exeter, and provides aFREE contract checking service, so you can understandexactly what you are signing up to in terms of rent andother charges, and your rights and responsibilities as atenant. Before you start your search why not pop intothe Advice Unit in Devonshire house and pick up ahousing advice booklet and information on council tax.The office is open during term time from 10am to 3pmMonday to Friday and you do not need to book anappointment.There is also lots of useful information on the webpages at www.exeterguild.org.uk and follow the linksfor support and advice.

The Advice Unit is open throughout the summer. Check ourwebsite for details. The Advice Unit is there for all students atExeter so please use it for any queries you may have.

Moving out of halls and into private accommodation can be anexciting time, but also quite daunting if you don't know what toexpect. Living within the city can give you much more freedomas a student, but this freedom comes with much moreresponsibility. As Community Liaison Officer I work with studentsto help them become more aware of their responsibilities as cityresidents.

For a range of advice and information please visit the Communitypages of the University Website:http://www.exeter.ac.uk/businessandcommunity/university/

Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any queries,concerns or comments about living in the city.

Rory CunninghamCommunity Liaison Officer, Room 164 Northcote HouseTel 01392 263721

Devon is a beautiful place to explore in theSpring and Summer so when you are notrevising why not…Learn more about the city you have been living in? Redcoat Tours run freeguided tours of Exeter during the day and evenings:http://www.exeter.gov.uk/media/pdf/5/m/red_coat_leaflet.pdf

Or visit a National Trust Property? NearExeter are Killerton House and A La Ronde. MostNational Trust properties have excellent tea roomswith great cakes! Visithttp://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/ for moreinformation.

Why not take a cruise up the Exeter river or canal from Exeter'sHistoric Quayside and to Double Locks or Turf Locks. Cruises take place atweekends between Easter and October and daily throughout July andAugust. Visit http://www.exeter cruises.com/ for more information orcall 07984 368442.

Rougemont Garden in the centre of Exeter incorporates major historicfeatures - the Roman city wall and bank, and the bank and ditches ofWilliam the Conqueror's Castle and was the site of one of England's mostdramatic 12th-century sieges. In the summer it transforms into an openair theatre for a Shakespeare Festival (July to August) Visithttp://www.northcott-theatre.co.uk for more information.

Why not explore the countryside! Exmouth beach is easy to access onthe train but why not head to North Devon and try surfing? Surf South

West http://www.surfsouthwest.com are justone of the many companies offering surfinglessons in Devon. Or go for a walk with the Outof Doors Society?http://societies.ex.ac.uk/~oods/

It’s all there on your doorstep – go out and enjoy yourselves!

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Funding available for you tostay with a family in anotherpart of the UKWe are approaching thesummer months where theweather gets better, theflowers come out and everyonegenerally gets a little bit morecheerful. So what better timeto go on a HOST visit?!HOST visits are free to Exeter students and we will give youup to £20 towards your travel expenses. For more informationvisit the HOST website at www.hostuk.org.uk or visit theInternational Support Office, Room 163 Northcote House.www.hostuk.org.uk

Global Gatheringmeets every Thursday morning duringterm-time 10am – 12 noon.

Harling, Pennsylvania Close, Exeter EX4 6DJTel. 01392 679759 or Mob. 07952 [email protected]

14 May Quick Quiches

– Rosemary shares her best recipes!

21 May Jewellery Making

4 June Crafty sessions with Biddy – decorate frames

11 June Making mobiles

18 June Sharing Morning

Check the website http://globalgatheringexeter.blogspot.com/

International Men’s Group meets alternate Thursday evenings

http://openhouseexeter.blogspot.com/

Friends InternationalHospitality SchemeMake friends with local people, be invitedfor a meal or join in the social programme atthe Belmont Chapel, Western Way 7.30-9.30.

18 May Great British Puddings1 June Craft evening15 June International Food and Music29 June Outdoor games

Contact Mike [email protected] 07969 345944

ForthcomingTrips

INTON E W S

INTO run a varied programme of trips opento all students. To book on a trip please go to theINTO Reception in the Old Library or [email protected]

By now you will have receivednotification from the DegreeDay Office concerning yourceremony. Don’t forget youhave to satisfactorily completeyour course – gettingnotification of degreeceremonies is not an automaticindication you have passed!However, don’t wait untilconfirmation of your award ifyou wish to take part in thegraduation ceremony. You must register on line and thedeadline is 22 May 2009. For all queries about yourgraduation ceremony, or if you have any problems inregistering, please contact the Degree Day Office. Room153 Northcote House www.exeter.ac.uk/graduation

You won’t be allowed to take part in the ceremony if you arenot wearing the Exeter academic robe. You can hire thesefrom J Wippell & Co on-line and full details are in thehandbook you will have received in your pack. You may wantto invite your family to this uniquely special occasion and youare guaranteed two tickets for your family or friends. Fullinformaation on how to do this at:http://offices.exeter.ac.uk/international/information/immi

gration/friendsandfamily.shtml

GraduationCeremonies

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Exeter studentexplores Chinese CultureOne of our Welcome Week volunteers, Jen Stoneman, recently visitedChina on a cultural tour. Here are her impressions of her fantastic trip.

Do you want to share your experiences and impressions of living in the UK? Write an article for ournewsletter and email it to [email protected]

‘During the Easter holiday I spent 3 weeksin Beijing, China with 106 other UKuniversity students on the UK Study Chinaprogramme. We were based at BeijingNormal University where we took classesin Chinese language and culture. As well aslearning a bit of Mandarin, I tried traditionalChinese calligraphy and Tai Chi and wehad lectures on Chinese culture andeconomy. We had several trips including aweekend in the countryside where weclimbed Silver Mountain and I made it tothe top despite my fear of heights! We alsovisited the Great Wall and went to theBeijing Opera and an acrobatics show. Thetrip was an amazing opportunity toexperience Chinese culture first hand andto learn and use the language. China isn’t

quite how you expect it to be and Iexperienced proper culture shock for thefirst time ever. It’s the little things that younotice most, like the lack of queuing (I’m abig fan of queues as you may have noticedduring Welcome Week if I made you joinone). While Chinese people are verypolite and friendly it is perfectly acceptablefor someone to push in front of you if youare waiting for food or tickets and if youbump into someone in the street there’sno need to say sorry like you would in theUK. People are fascinated by visitors andwe were stared at and photographedeverywhere we went, with people comingup to us and asking to be in a photo withus! The streets are spotless and there’salways someone sweeping. The subway is

much nicer and more spacious than theLondon Underground and on the line tothe Olympic Park we had the strangeexperience of being the only people onthe train. If you ever have the opportunityto visit China I recommend that you take itand Study China are recruiting now for theSummer Programme, visitwww.studychina.org.uk. Wo ai Beijing!

Jenny Stoneman,4th year BA Politics & German

PolishFolk Tales

with storytellerDavid Heathfield

2.30-3.30pm Sat 9 May

St John’s Primary School,Melbourne St, Tiverton,

Devon EX16 5LA

Folk tales from Polandfor storylovers of all ages.

A free public event tocelebrate Polish folklore

and culture.

Fill in a 10 minutequestionnaire and youcould win 1 of 10 prizes!Go to www.exeter.ac.uk/surveys/sustainability/

Your answers will be used to develop a student sustainabilitycommunication strategy. This survey is aimed at students’ whosecourse is based in Exeter (Streatham and St. Lukes Campus).

To find out what the prizes are and for further information please goto www.ex.ac.uk/surveys/sustainability

If you have any question or comments please email Julia Jack([email protected]). The results of the survey will be posted on thesustainability website www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability in July.

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The FXU are there for you. It is our job tolook out for student welfare and support yourvalues whilst you study at University of ExeterCornwall Campus. We have four electedrepresentative sabbatical officers

� FXU President UCF(University College Falmouth)

� FXU President UECC(University of Exeter Cornwall Campus,

� FXU Welfare President� FXU President, Dartington

We’re here to help make your time with us morememorable, striving to organise events for studentsthroughout the year.

Along with the sabbatical officers we have a great teamwho offer many services such as:

� Community Action� Sports and Societies� Independent student welfare advice

Also some great student run societies:

Afro Caribbean Society (ACS)The aim of ACS is to

� Encourage cultural integration and awareness aboutthe diversity of African and Caribbean culture

� To provide a forum for the African Caribbeancommunity at the Cornwall Campus and all whoappreciate them.

ACS plan to run a range of events including; music,lectures, cinema, debating to name but a few.Chair: [email protected] Sec: [email protected]

International Societythe society aims to:

� Offer support to international students withinUniversity College Falmouth (UCF) and University ofExeter Cornwall Campus (UECC)

� Provide opportunities for interaction betweeninternational students and also, UK students with thehelp of social events

� Enhance the experience of international students ofUCF and UECC Activities will range from InternationalDinners, International Film Nights, outings, gatheringsfor cultural festivals such as, Diwali, Chinese New Year.

We understand the difficulties that international studentsface when adjusting to a new country and learningenvironment. As fellow students who have and are goingthrough the same experience, we also aim to provide alistening ear to anyone who needs it. Membership isopen to all students of UCF and UECC, not just limitedto international students. Anyone interested in wideningtheir social circle and meeting people from differentcountries are invited to join in.

We are also looking for people interested in helping outwith the society and being part of the committee for theacademic year 2008/09.

Membership: £1

Contact: Huda [email protected]: Nadia Tay [email protected]

Lyonesse Law SocThe Lyonesse Law Society is the student law societyfor the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus. Itsprinciple aim is to further the interests of students whoaspire to entry into the legal professions as well asproviding a variety of social events and educationalactivities. The LLS is open to all who are studying downin Cornwall, including non-law students. Activities andevents planned include, debates, social events, mooting,visits to London and Brussels as well as presentationsfrom guest speakers. Should you be interested pleaseget in touch with any of the committee by email orin person.

Membership: £5 for the yearComplete a membership form and pay at theFXU Office.

Jamie Hannant, President, [email protected] Kazi, Vice President [email protected]

Check out our website for more information on whatFXU can do for you

www.fxu.org.uk

NEWS FROM

Cornwall Campus

International Society Facebook group:Exeter Uni International Society 08/09

Post Graduate Society (PGS)http://PGU.exeter.ac.uk/

Hello international postgraduates!

In case you haven’t seen my name around, I’m your InternationalRepresentative on the Postgraduate Union committee. I’ve been busy thisyear working closely with the PGU to make sure your concerns and pointsof view are addressed and I’m eager to be your first port of call for anyissues or questions you may have as an international postgraduate.Nothing is too trivial, so please do get in touch with me [email protected].

By way of an update, I’ve been busy this year helping to start theInternational Students’ Council, a university-wide body on which I sit as thepermanent postgraduate representative whose goal it is to representinternational students and to act as a forum for your concerns. The ISC wasstarted by a group of interested and active students just like you from allyears, backgrounds and degree courses - regular attendees includeeveryone from first year undergraduates all the way up to postgraduateresearch students. Anyone is very welcome to attend meetings - you mighthave seen us flyering for coffee mornings outside Devonshire House; we’vebeen trying to increase attendance as we want your views and concerns tobe aired! Worried about crime? Feeling homesick? Don’t know who toaddress for your concerns? All Exeter students are entitled to participate andvote and anyone who is interested should attend our meetings. Look upthe International Students’ Council on Facebook or on the Guild website atwww.exeterguild.org under ‘Representation’.

I’m looking forward to continuing to increase the profile of internationalstudents through the PGU and the ISC this term, if you have any ideas,suggestions or concerns, or if you want to get involved, please e-mail me orcome along to a PGU or ISC meeting! Both are well represented onFacebook and websites are currently in the works. If not, my inbox isalways open.

Hoping to hear from you soon!

Gabriele Rizzettoyour Postgraduate Union International Representative

African and Caribbean Societyhttp://societies.exeter.ac.uk/africancaribbean/index2

Arabic SocietyRock the Kasbah held in the Postgrad Centre, Friday nights. World music atit’s best! http://siimoon.50webs.com

Catholic SocietyContact Sean Wright: [email protected]

Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)Contact Guoyan Ren: [email protected]

French Society www.exeterguild.org/french

Friends of Palestine www.exeterguild.org/fop

Gandhi SocietyThere's a Bollywood Dance event on the 4 December 6-7 pm, Queen’sBuilding LT4.1 [email protected]

German Societywww.exeterguild.org/germansoc

Hong Kong SocietyContact Tim Wood: [email protected]

Islamic SocietyContact Tariq Alkahtani: [email protected]

Jewish Society www.exeterguild.org/jewishsoc

Meditation and Buddhist Societywww.exeterguild.org/buddhistsoc

Methodist and Anglican Societywww.exeterguild.org/methang

Turkish Society www.turkishsociety.infoContact Osman Erturk: [email protected]

World Music Choirwww.geocities.com/worldmusicchoir

SOCIETY NEWSInternational Student Support, Room 250, Northcote House.Tel: 01392 263041 Fax: 01392 263856www.exeter.ac.uk/international email: [email protected]

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university of eter INTERNATIONAL NEWS fileuniversity ofeter INTERNATIONAL NEWS your WANTED International students to assist the International Office in conversion activities with UG