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21
October
2024
|
16:06
Europe/London

BeePart Project Enhances International Students' Engagement with Ƶapp Communities

Rui He and Alex Baratta launch the BeePart project, aimed at enriching the experiences of international master’s students in the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) through work placements and socio-cultural engagement with local commun

The initiative responds to concerns that these students often feel disconnected from the broader community during their one-year programs. 

What was the motivation behind your project and how did the SEED SR Catalyst Fund support your project? 

[He and Baratta] The motivation for the study was to address the concerns of international master’s students, who often feel less connected to the beyond-academic context during their one-year studies than their undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate taught (PGT) counterparts. 

This project harnessed the practices of a Ƶapp Institute of Education (MIE) PGT course unit, of which He is the Course Unit Director, which involves international students experiencing work placement with Ƶapp local communities. As a result of this, our international students gain workplace experience, develop their English skills and enhance their socio-cultural engagement beyond campus, while also being able to share their own language and cultural practices. 

The fund allowed us to host a one-day workshop, where students and representatives from the local communities discussed their experiences in front of both students and other organisation representatives, allowing for additional takeaways such as developing confidence in speaking and community and partnership building with our external partners for better supporting our international students’ acculturation experiences. 

What does Social Responsibility (SR) mean to you in your teaching, research or working in SEED? 

[He and Baratta] For us, SR means building together and supporting each other with what we have in everyone’s hands for a better society and environment for all. This support is not unidirectional but multidirectional enhancement between teachers, students, universities, local communities, etc. SR also means reaching out to those less fortunate, helping them to be included in the work we're doing at a major university. 

Participants expressed positive feedback, with one student noting, “Everyone was so caring, everyone was so inclusive,” highlighting the supportive environment created through the initiative. Another student added, “Having opportunities like this is really positive because it provides the space and an avenue to connect to the local community.” 

For He and Baratta, Social Responsibility (SR) embodies collaborative efforts to build a better society, emphasizing mutual support among students, faculty, and local communities. Their research and teaching focus on equality and diversity, exemplifying the project's commitment to inclusive engagement. 

For more information, visit . 
 

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