In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, Dr Martin Lamb, Director of International Education at the University of Leeds, delves into the evolving educational landscape in the UK. From the country’s academic strengths to the contributions of Indian students, Dr Lamb sheds light on the policies and initiatives that make the UK a sought-after destination for higher education.
He also discusses how the University of Leeds supports its international students through scholarships, cultural integration programmes, and personalised mentorship.
FPJ: Can you share some insight on the educational landscape in the UK?
Dr Lamb: The UK is known for its strong academic standards, innovative teaching methods and world-ranking universities. There are almost 300 universities in the UK offering a wide range of courses from pre-Bachelor level to PhD study. Our universities encourage students to engage in research, critical thinking, and problem solving, preparing students not only academically but also with the transferable skills employers around the world are looking for.
FPJ: How do international students, especially from India, contribute to the UK’s growth?
Dr Lamb: International students, particularly from India, contribute so much to the UK’s economy by renting student accommodation, visiting local cafés and restaurants, and paying to use many other local services as students. Many students then go on to support the economy as graduates by working in various sectors in the UK. International students also enhance the educational experience for British students by bringing diverse perspectives and fostering cross-cultural understanding, which prepares British students for working in international environments.
FPJ: Will the recent visa restrictions in Canada and Australia benefit the UK in attracting more Indian students?
Dr Lamb: With the recent visa restrictions in Canada high-achieving international students, including those from India. Additionally, the university has an active alumni network in India, which helps prospective students connect with Leeds graduates and learn more about life in Leeds and the opportunities it offers. As the UK has policies to attract global talent, such as the Graduate Immigration Route, allowing international students to stay and work in the UK post-graduation, the UK could seem like a more welcoming and viable option.
FPJ: What are the steps taken by the UoL to attract Indian students?
Dr Lamb: Staff from the University of Leeds regularly travel to India to meet prospective applicants and advise them on our academic programs. I was part of a del egation from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Leeds in September. We also have a team of local representatives on the ground in India who have a wealth of advice to guide applicants on their journey to becoming students. Leeds also offers several prestigious International Excellence Scholarships, which offer up to a 50% fee reduction
FPJ: How does UoL help students who are facing personal challenges?
Dr Lamb: All our students have an Academic Personal Tutor (APTs) who they meet at least once a semester, or whenever they would like to. The meetings cover the student’s adaptation to the university and, in the case of international students, to the country. So, the conversations can range over both academic and personal matters, with a view to encouraging the student to make use of the many opportunities for academic support and developing personal interests. Students are also invited to reveal any difficulties they are experiencing, personal or academic. The tutor will then offer their advice or, where necessary, refer them to specialists, such as student counselling, academic skills in the library, or the student medical service.
FPJ: What challenges do Indian students face in the UK, and how do universities support them?
Dr Lamb: Indian students may face challenges related to cultural adjustment, a difference in learning styles, and homesickness. Students are offered a suite of orientation sessions to help them adjust to life in the UK at the start of their course. Throughout their academic journey, we offer academic study skills workshops to help students adjust to the UK’s learning and assessment styles, enabling them to achieve top grades. As with many UK universities, we have a large and active Indian Student Association, but we also have some more specialist societies for Malayalee, Telugu, and Tamil students, so students can always find a like-minded friend to celebrate their home culture with and create a home from home.
FPJ: What advice would you give to international students considering studying at the University of Leeds?
Dr Lamb: Leeds is a very welcoming place for them. I think the campus is almost unique in the way it is both self-contained and within 10 minutes’ walk of the city centre. Student accommodation is increasingly situated in the city too, so everything is within walking distance. What’s more, the Leeds University Union has so much to offer, and I always urge my students to take full advantage of the many clubs, cheap eateries, sports facilities, tours, and so on. Finally, when it comes to academic study, I think Leeds usually gets the balance right between research and teaching—most staff are serious researchers, and our courses are research-based, but we also try to use teaching methods that are effective and motivating.