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New orientation workshops to help ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ settle in - News

Friday 5 October 2007
By Naomi Weston

New international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ were welcomed to Imperial College on Sunday 30 September with an orientation day setting out all the opportunities and help available to them.

Over 1,000 new ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ attended the International Welcome Day event with speeches from the Rector, Sir Richard Sykes, the Imperial College Union President, Stephen Brown, and representatives from the College Health Centre, Chaplaincy, the Humanities Programme and the International Office.

There was also an opportunity to discover all the services that are available to international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ at a mini-fair during lunch which included information stands on the Imperial College Union, the Volunteering centre, Endsleigh Insurance and Natwest Bank, among others.

Sir Richard formally welcomed the new ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. He said: "At Imperial we welcome the top ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ from all around the world, and our campuses are greatly enhanced by the many different nationalities and cultures represented here.

For the first time this year, the International Office has organised a series of lunch-time orientation workshops for international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

Students will have the opportunity to attend sessions throughout October on a range of subjects including immigration issues for non EU/EEA ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, adapting to a new culture, working during and after your studies and financial issues.

Sessions will also be held on student visa renewal, the International Graduate Scheme, postgraduate life in UK universities and business immigration schemes.

Director of the International Office, Dr Piers Baker, explains: "The Welcome Day is a great chance for ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ to meet other international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ as well as members of the College community. Our office also provides support and advice throughout their studies. We work with colleagues in the College to ensure international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ settle into their life here, overcome any hurdles in their way, and are able to access the help they need."

The International Office deals with all international issues and all ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ from outside the UK. Imperial has more than 5,400 international ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ who come from more than 110 different countries.