Part Two: The Plan
If elected as International Students Representative, I plan to propose for a revised international students fees structure to the university.
I also believe that the university should be more forthcoming in notifying international students with regards to a decision on whether and how much to increase international student fees is in the process of being made.
Decisions to increase international student fees are made during the academic year when international students are in the country. I feel that is necessary that the university affords respect to the international student community by notifiying them in advance and asking for their feedback to gauge the potential impact of a fees increase.
As for the revised fees structure plan mentioned above,
I will propose to the university to take into account and forecast possible increases in costs and inflation every year and set fees for students so they remain the same for the minimum duration of the course.
I will also propose to the university that if the student is eligibile and wants to pursue an Honours course after the minimum duration of study is complete, the fees should also remain the same as when the student firts enrolled.
Increases should not apply every year but only if the student takes longer than the minimum duration of the course and if the student decides to change course halfway through.
I cannot promise that this will happen but I believe this plan is a small step forward in tackling the issus against fees increases.
I am a confident public speaker and I speak fluent English. I will ensure that your views, thoughts, and feelings are expressed in a clear manner and that hopefully the university will have some heart in listening to our opinions.
Vote Darren Lee for OUSA International Students' Rep.
you can count on me, vote darren lee
Sunday, August 12, 2007
much ado about international fees 1
International students pay, on average, about four times more than domestic students in terms of academic fees and other levies.
Previous candidates for the International Students' Representative position have always mentioned in their campaigns to "REDUCE FEES" or "PREVENT FEES FROM INCREASING." In my view, no sound action has been attempted or plans have been formulated to actually make this a reality.
In reality, however, there is no way that international fees can be reduced or that increases can be prevented. The composition of the University Council is such that the student body is not fairly represented on the council. As such, votes for increases always go through.
It may be true to some extent that fees for international students need to be increased to cope with rising costs in providing quality education but definitely not every year! Limiting the increase to a maximum of 5% every year is still not good enough. An increase is an increase no matter what!
In my view, the university fails to realise the impact of fees increases on the international student community. Whether an international student is funded by their family, extended family, or through government or corporate sponsorships, an increase each year can affect the amount of funding available to the student for the duration of his/her course.
The university should not take it at face value that almost all international students are funded by their respective governments and can continue funding their scholars regardless of the increases. There is a significant number of students funded solely by their parents or extended family members.
Otago University is a unique institution. Some new friends that I have come across this year have mentioned to me how surprised and appreciative they are with regards to the diversity o this university and how easy it is to make friends from different countries and cultures.
International students contribute significantly to the diverse atmosphere and vibrant culture that is unique to the Dunedin student lifestyle.
I believe the university should appreciate how much international students contribute in both academic and extra-curricular activities.
I believe more needs to be done to fight for our rights and interests as international students with regards to the issue of increasing fees.
It's no use just believing and hoping.
I have a plan and a plan that can be actioned upon.
Please do read on...
Previous candidates for the International Students' Representative position have always mentioned in their campaigns to "REDUCE FEES" or "PREVENT FEES FROM INCREASING." In my view, no sound action has been attempted or plans have been formulated to actually make this a reality.
In reality, however, there is no way that international fees can be reduced or that increases can be prevented. The composition of the University Council is such that the student body is not fairly represented on the council. As such, votes for increases always go through.
It may be true to some extent that fees for international students need to be increased to cope with rising costs in providing quality education but definitely not every year! Limiting the increase to a maximum of 5% every year is still not good enough. An increase is an increase no matter what!
In my view, the university fails to realise the impact of fees increases on the international student community. Whether an international student is funded by their family, extended family, or through government or corporate sponsorships, an increase each year can affect the amount of funding available to the student for the duration of his/her course.
The university should not take it at face value that almost all international students are funded by their respective governments and can continue funding their scholars regardless of the increases. There is a significant number of students funded solely by their parents or extended family members.
Otago University is a unique institution. Some new friends that I have come across this year have mentioned to me how surprised and appreciative they are with regards to the diversity o this university and how easy it is to make friends from different countries and cultures.
International students contribute significantly to the diverse atmosphere and vibrant culture that is unique to the Dunedin student lifestyle.
I believe the university should appreciate how much international students contribute in both academic and extra-curricular activities.
I believe more needs to be done to fight for our rights and interests as international students with regards to the issue of increasing fees.
It's no use just believing and hoping.
I have a plan and a plan that can be actioned upon.
Please do read on...
homesick? care for some hot chocolate, then?
Homesickness is by far the most common thing international students face upon arrival or upon attempting to settle into a new environment where customs and cultures are different to what they are used to.
Having to uproot from the comfort and stability from their homes, we face the daunting circumstances of having to meet new faces, make new friends, try new food, and at the same time having to juggle the demands of studies (for some of us, in a different language) and part-time work for extra pocket money.
Homesickness hits either directly upon arrival or midway through the year. The university has done a good enough job in providing material and services to students, both international and domestic, to cope and overcome homesickness.
But let's face it, no student is going to sit through and read a booklet on how to overcome it. And they're not likely to muster the courage to meet a counsellor or chaplain or mentor to reveal how they feel.
I've had bouts of homesickness if my first year in Dunedin. From my personal experience, I reckon the best way to overcome homesickness is to keep busy and active as well as interacting with as many people. The worst thing someone could when homesick is to retreat to their rooms after class and feel as though he or she is the only one feeling that way. Homesickness affects almost everyone.
I believe that the International Students' Representative should be proactive and creative in addressing the issue of homesickness.
If elected as International Students' Rep., I intend to organise and introduce a "Hot Cuppa Hour" for new international students. They will be provided with complimentary hot cups of coffee/tea/chocolate. This event will be held possibly every Monday and/or Friday afternoon for the first 3-4 weeks at the start of each semester. It will most probably be held in a room at the Clubs & Societies Centre.
This event will provide international students a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with which to meet with other international students and talk about anything and everything under the sun. I believe that this will a
lleviate any homesickness and will provide the new student with new friendships and contacts. It will also enable the International Student's Rep to truly engage with international students.
In addition, peer support members and international student mentors can attend this event with their mentees. Representatives of religious and cultural groups on campus will also be invited to drop by to promote their activities and events so that new students can find suitable groups and activities they wish to be a part of.
I believe this is a simple and realistic plan that can be achieved and it has the potential to help international students cope better with homesickness.
Having to uproot from the comfort and stability from their homes, we face the daunting circumstances of having to meet new faces, make new friends, try new food, and at the same time having to juggle the demands of studies (for some of us, in a different language) and part-time work for extra pocket money.
Homesickness hits either directly upon arrival or midway through the year. The university has done a good enough job in providing material and services to students, both international and domestic, to cope and overcome homesickness.
But let's face it, no student is going to sit through and read a booklet on how to overcome it. And they're not likely to muster the courage to meet a counsellor or chaplain or mentor to reveal how they feel.
I've had bouts of homesickness if my first year in Dunedin. From my personal experience, I reckon the best way to overcome homesickness is to keep busy and active as well as interacting with as many people. The worst thing someone could when homesick is to retreat to their rooms after class and feel as though he or she is the only one feeling that way. Homesickness affects almost everyone.
I believe that the International Students' Representative should be proactive and creative in addressing the issue of homesickness.
If elected as International Students' Rep., I intend to organise and introduce a "Hot Cuppa Hour" for new international students. They will be provided with complimentary hot cups of coffee/tea/chocolate. This event will be held possibly every Monday and/or Friday afternoon for the first 3-4 weeks at the start of each semester. It will most probably be held in a room at the Clubs & Societies Centre.
This event will provide international students a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with which to meet with other international students and talk about anything and everything under the sun. I believe that this will a
lleviate any homesickness and will provide the new student with new friendships and contacts. It will also enable the International Student's Rep to truly engage with international students. In addition, peer support members and international student mentors can attend this event with their mentees. Representatives of religious and cultural groups on campus will also be invited to drop by to promote their activities and events so that new students can find suitable groups and activities they wish to be a part of.
I believe this is a simple and realistic plan that can be achieved and it has the potential to help international students cope better with homesickness.
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