2024 Spring Forum: The international student voice

The Spring 2024 issue of Forum magazine looks at the roles international students play in international higher education, specifically focusing on how they make their voices heard and who listens. The edition is especially interested in the power these students have within their higher education institutions, whether through official roles in governance or through protests and other forms of activism. It also explores how effectively their opinions are considered and responded to. 

We’ve got first-hand stories from international students in Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands, giving us a real feel for their experiences. Juan Rayón González, featured in our interview, shares insights from his journey from being an Erasmus student in Istanbul to his current role as a strategic manager at the INGENIUM alliance. He talks about the importance of international students finding a place where they feel they belong and can actively contribute. 

The magazine also features articles from researchers like Dr Jenna Mittelmeier and Emerita Professor Elspeth Jones. They challenge the usual ways of thinking about international students, urging us to consider the full variety of their backgrounds and experiences. 

This issue aims to provide fresh perspectives on how international students are included in university governance, questioning whether their voices are truly part of the wider student representation. It’s all about understanding these students better and making sure their contributions are recognised and valued.