#WeAreInternational Campaign relaunched in hopes of reaffirming ‘welcome factor’
Over a decade after its initial launch, the influential #WeAreInternational campaign has been relaunched across the UK higher education sector.
Spearheaded by Universities UK International (UUKi), the campaign aims to highlight the social, cultural, and civic value that international students bring to communities nationwide.
With over 70 institutions participating, phase two of the relaunch kicked off on May 1st with a focus on the experiences and achievements of international graduates and alumni from around the globe. Through a powerful series of videos, 10 students detail how they are making a difference on campuses, in communities, and across the UK while sharing their ambitions for the future.
‘Current political environment is driving a decline in our welcome factor’
The relaunch comes at a critical time when the UK’s international education sector is facing political pressures. Organisers hope the campaign will counteract negative perceptions and reaffirm the UK as a welcoming study destination for international scholars.
“We know the current political environment is driving a decline in our welcome factor,” said Andy Howells, NCUK's Chief Marketing Officer who previously led the #WeAreInternational campaign at UUKi.
“Therefore, we must continue to come together as a sector to speak with one voice to tell the story of the transformational power of international higher education.”
Over 70 institutions are participating in the campaign
Institutions like Aston University, the University of the West of England, and pathway provider NCUK have joined forces to champion international student voices through the campaign.
One featured student is Victoria Lay, a music production student at Leeds Beckett University who arrived via NCUK's International Foundation Year in Peru.
“Even though I moved to a different continent, I was surprised how quickly I adapted,” said Lay. “My plan is to go back home to Peru and share the knowledge I've gained with those who haven't had the same chance as me.”
The University of Sheffield, where the campaign originated in 2013, is also utilising the hashtag to celebrate its international graduates’ accomplishments.
Taru Medha, an international graduate now working at FindAUniversity, shared, “The WeAreInternational campaign really highlights all the amazing things international students contribute to society in the UK.”
UUKi says, “The campaign aims to celebrate the social, civic and cultural value that international students bring to towns and cities across the UK, as well as reverse the decline in how welcoming a study destination the UK is perceived to be by prospective international students.”
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