Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Read about what the International Students' Officer is responsible for.
In order to vote for this position you must be a student whose normal place of residence is outside of the UK.
Category
Candidates
Ashley Kim
(she/ her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Hi, I'm Ashley Kim, a Korean Canadian international student studying Biomedical Sciences. Being a 1.5-generation immigrant, moving from South Korea to Canada, has given me a deep understanding of the struggles of adapting to new environments. Growing up in Vancouver, a culturally diverse city, I actively supported international students in my high school by guiding them through school, city life, and Canadian culture. As an international student in London, I would like to incorporate my past experiences to advocate for my peers, foster inclusivity, and support for all.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I aspire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where international students feel at home. Having experienced the isolation and homesickness that accompanied studying abroad, I empathize with their struggles. If elected, I intend to implement a comprehensive transition program to ease students into life in London, providing practical guidance and cultural resources. Additionally, I aim to organize support initiatives to combat loneliness and encourage cross-cultural exchange. These efforts not only benefit international students but also enrich the campus community as a whole.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As someone who has navigated multiple countries and cultures, I understand the complexities of adapting to new environments. Moving from South Korea to Canada and now to UCL, I've encountered firsthand the unique challenges international students face. Beyond the typical adjustments, cultural differences add another complexity to the transition process. My experiences have equipped me with insights and empathy that I'm eager to advocate for all students. By electing me, students can trust that I will work to ensure a smoother transition into London life for every member of our community.
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Joy and Constance
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Having both attended international schools in different parts of the world (Paris, Geneva, San Francisco, London), we know how important and reassuring it is to feel like you are part of something even when far from home. We want to use our experiences as international students to ensure a close-knit multicultural community at UCL. As the first-year representative of her course (Joy) and as the former class delegate of her high school (Constance), we are both very comfortable with representing the voice of students, and would love to represent yours this coming academic year!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Our aim is to create a strong and open international community. UCL can sometimes feel big, and as international student officers, we want to be here to remind you that you are not alone! Through the organisation of regular events, we want to ensure that you feel heard and included and facilitate the adaptation period that we all go through as international students. We also want to help international students adapt to the academic requirements of UCL, by making UCL’s workshops on academic writing more visible and introducing workshops catered to the needs of international students.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As first-year international students, we know how exciting but also daunting moving to a completely new environment can be. For us, meeting UCL’s internationals through events organised by UCL and societies was a game-changer, and as your international student officers, we aim to build a strong international community! This will be done through fun and inclusive events accessible to all international students. We’re thinking boat parties and balls (#fancy) but also casual get-togethers (movie and pizza nights…). Together, let’s make the international community stronger than ever!
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Rebecca Kuan
(She/Her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Having entered university abroad as an under-18 at Warwick University (international foundation program), and quickly entering UCL in the short span of 2 years, I believe I can relate to the unique struggles of an international student.
In both universities, I was and am active as academic rep and committee officer in societies like Malaysian Society and Medical Society, familiarising with the SU's hierarchy and policies, while gaining leadership skills.
With this, I can effectively voice the concerns of my international peers and support their smoother transition into this new stage of life.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If selected, I aim to carry out the following initiatives:
- Launch language support programs e.g classes, conversational sessions
- Establish counseling/support systems to address mental health concerns e.g support groups, anonymous forums
- Provide 1 to 1 financial assistance sessions for individuals on scholarship or facing financial burden
- Promote cultural exchange e.g multicultural festivals, showcases
- Organise pre-departure virtual/in-person programs e.g alumni meet and greet, buddy/pen-pal system
- Provide emergency services/hotlines for lack of initial housing, visa/BRP assistance etc.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Driven by a fervent belief in authentic representation, my background living in 5 different countries and studying at two universities equips me to empathise with diverse perspectives.
Prioritising open communication and feedback, I will utilise my previous committee involvement to establish user-friendly platforms for students to easily reach me via social media channels, advancing the objectives outlined above.
Overall, I am committed to serving as a steadfast support for international students, envisioning cultivating an environment of anticipation and excitement, similar to a second home.
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Kavya Krishnan
(She / her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Through my active engagement in my high school's student council, I developed the ability to approach people's problems with both empathy and practicality. Along the way, I've also picked up some useful tips for dealing with school administration (and administrations in general). But beyond experience, my strongest asset is my approachability. No problem is too small, and I take pride in ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
As an international student I find myself struggling to navigate the maze that is the college experience. Five months in, and I'm still navigating the housing system, cultural nuances, and attempting to understand the London tube. But the most significant challenge I've observed is the language barrier that exists for most international students. As the International Students’ Officer, my primary objective will be to develop robust resources and raise awareness to dismantle the language barrier bit by bit and empower international students to freely voice their concerns.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Vote for me if you're looking for someone not only dedicated but genuinely passionate about breaking down barriers between your concerns and tangible action. As a fellow international student, I'm here to ensure that you feel like this is your most comfortable home away from home.
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Camille Py
(she/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I believe that student life in UCL is about much more than studying, and want to hekp international students navigate through their years in UCL.
I am very active in UCL's various forms of associative life: as campaigns rep in the Women's Network, women's officer in UCL, and volunteer in the UCL-led ZeroFoodWaste project and in a support centre for women, my diverse experiences have allowed me to explore the various opportunities provided by UCL and to gain experience in developing projects and advocating for the interests of students.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If I am elected, I would like to to do the following things:
- provide international students with guidance and support in their search for a job, whether it is a student job or a job post-graduation. This will involve CV-writing workshops, networking events.
- perpetuate the activity of transition mentors so as to provide additional sessions for students who need it after Term 1
- provide international students with support in their research for housing. London's housing market can be overwhelming, especially for international students who are not familiar with the UK housing market.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Having experienced many of the issues an international student can expect arriving in London, I will be able to defend international students' interests and help them make the best of their years in UCL.
I intend to use my experience of UCL's associative life and of the functioning of the Students Union to support other international students not only in their years at UCL, but also in preparation of their post-graduation life.
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Manaal Tariq
(she/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
- I want to be your International Students' Officer once again!
- This year I worked on multiple fronts such as an incoming students mentorship program, exciting welcome events, and pushed for (successfully) a Network!
- Launched the Regional Representative Volunteer Committee to ensure global representation of student opinions.
- Involved in the SU's inner processes while working as a Hall Representative and Impartial Chair.
- Advocated for students at Union Policy Zones & the EU UK Youth Gathering.
- Working with our SUs exceptional team, I helped put up the International Festival Week.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- Improving the International Orientation Week to increase student engagement.
- Expanding the mentorship programme to create a welcome period helpline for all students.
- An International Career Hub starting October with a special focus on giving postgraduate students a head start on graduate schemes before applications close.
- Integrating attendance systems (Seats App, Card Reader, manual) for both off and on-campus venues and addressing misconceptions around visa compliance.
- Regular student town halls for collecting feedback & providing updates.
- Winter Ball celebrating cultural diversity!
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
- I have loved every minute of this role and given the opportunity, I am ready to advocate for your voice once again.
- I am dedicated to building an even stronger & more diverse International Network to ensure that our narrative is truly heard.
Moving away from home has its challenges and finding the right support is vital. I am approachable and appreciate everyone's unique journey. International students deserve a seamless transition, an inclusive community, and an enjoyable campus experience. I will work tirelessly with everyone to make this a reality and drive the change we want to see!
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Ayesha Malik
(she/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
In this role, I bring extensive experience gained as a student ambassador and student admissions rep, where I developed communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. My diverse educational background from international schools worldwide instilled a profound appreciation for cultural diversity. This, along with my genuine passion for fostering inclusivity, enables me to connect with individuals from various cultural backgrounds effectively. I am committed to supporting and empowering international students and contributing to UCL's vibrant community through my dedication and empathy.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, my goal is to enhance the experience of international students by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. I aim to achieve this by organizing events and initiatives that celebrate diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and provide support networks for international students. Additionally, I hope to serve as a resource and advocate for international students, addressing their needs and concerns to ensure their voices are heard. Ultimately, I aspire to leave a lasting impact by contributing to UCL's international student body's well-being and academic success.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Students should vote for me because I bring a unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication. With a background in representing educational institutions and engaging with diverse communities, I understand the needs and concerns of international students firsthand. My commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating cultural diversity will drive me to create meaningful initiatives that enrich the experience of international students. By voting for me, students can trust that I will actively listen to their voices and work diligently to build a more welcoming and supportive environment.
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Mehroz Maitla
(he/him/his)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I aim to enhance interconnectivity among our 18,000+ international students from over 150 countries. My vision is to build a welcoming, inclusive community that eases the transition to the UK, ensuring that every international student feels at home. I will focus on bridging cultural gaps, fostering communication, and involving international students in policy decisions that affect them directly. By addressing key issues faced by international students, I am dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If elected, I will advocate for:
- Guaranteed Accommodation to International Students for the whole duration of their courses.
- More Funds for Cultural Societies to host large-scale events with subsidized tickets, enhancing cross-cultural exchange.
- Establishment of a Students Advisory Board representing a wide range of nationalities. Bi-monthly meetings will take place to raise the issues faced by International Students.
- Dedicated Social Media Page for individual suggestions and feedback.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
By voting for me, you're choosing someone who's deeply invested in the collective strength of UCL's international community. My track record - from leading initiatives like The Daily Scholar and BMMUN to serving as the Deputy Head Boy in secondary school - reflects a deep commitment to empowering students through advocacy and unity. Together, we'll navigate challenges, safeguarding our rights, and ensuring that our voices lead to tangible improvements, creating a more inclusive and supportive UCL for every international student.
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Felicia Chen
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As an international student travelling very far to London, I feel warm care by UCL community, and I therefore always believe that we are united here as UCL embraces students from different cultural backgrounds and encourages our diverse development. With my passion in promoting an inclusive environment, I will bear empathy and sensitivity to our community as well as communication and organisational skills to statisfy multiple needs and solve problems we meet.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
A warmer environment for international students. I will try to organise more activities with my colleagues to help international students better fit in UCL community and lives in London. I will also be open to conversations with international students happily to better learn what to help and seek improvement in our work. I hope I can do my best to ease loneliness of international students and encourage happier lives at UCL.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am an international student, too, and I just started studying abroad in 2022. I understand many untold stories of international students, how we suffer from loneliness in a country away from hometowns, how we try to fit ourselves in a new environment, and what we expect from UCL…Sustaining and developing healthy dynamics and being helpful in our community, I will always stand by our students, happy to listen to your feedback. You are what we need to strive for.
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Ching Chan
(She/ her )
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
With prior experience as a class representative, student council member, house captain, and head of year assistant, I've consistently championed the voices of students at various levels, from individuals to entire year groups. I've ledinitiatives to foster a sense of community within the school, including organizing events like the International Fair to celebrate diverse cultures and coordinating sports events to unite different year groups. My leadership abilities, event organization experience, and positive outlook in overcoming challenges position me to excel in this role.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
As an international student myself, I understand the challenges of adapting to life in the UK. I aim to ease this transition by organizing informative guidebooks and presentations offering practical tips for navigating UK life such as simple as how to register an oyster card and what supermarkets they have in the UK etc... Additionally, I plan to host social events to foster connections and support among international students, creating a welcoming community. And most importantly to find them a sense of “home” in a foreign country!
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As an international student, I've faced firsthand the challenges of adapting to life in the UK. This shared experience allows me to understand the needs of our diverse international student community. With my track record of leading the student body and organizing successful events, I'm confident in my ability to create engaging and inclusive experiences for all. I'm committed to infusing creativity and fun into our events, making each one memorable and unique. Vote for me to help build a fun and vibrant community where I hope to find a "home" for every international student at UCL.
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Andrea Lew
(she/her)
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
From my Malaysian roots to my upbringing in the vibrant UAE, and now as a student in the heart of London - my story is one of crossing borders and embracing cultures. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the transformative power of diversity and the challenges faced by those navigating new surroundings.
As a candidate for International Students' Officer, I offer:
Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy, having lived within diverse environments;
Communication and Organisation, with a wealth of past leadership experience;
Adaptability and Problem-Solving, being no stranger to challenge.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Advocacy with a Global Understanding: From visas and housing to mental health support, I know the unique hurdles internationals face. I'll work tirelessly with the SU to ensure our voices are heard, our challenges addressed, and our needs met.
A Warm Welcome to All: I aim to enhance welcome programs and create a mentorship network where seasoned internationals guide and support newcomers, ensuring a smooth transition into life at UCL.
Celebrating our Voices: I will promote multicultural festivals, speaker series, and opportunities to share our stories and traditions with the wider community.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
My international background gives me a personal connection to the joys and complexities of life away from home. I'm committed to using this understanding, along with my communication and problem-solving skills, to ensure that every international student has the support and opportunities to excel at UCL.
I envision a UCL where our cultural diversity is a point of utmost pride, and could not be more enthusiastic about the opportunity to represent our thriving community of international students - one which I am truly thrilled to be a part of.
Vote Andrea for International Students' Officer!
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