Students have criticised the decision to run this year’s International Freshers’ week at the same time as college Freshers’ events.
A number of international students have expressed concerns that some International Student Association events (ISA) will clash with respective college events.
Shubhanker Choubey, a second year Engineering International Student said: “The choice to merge the two Freshers’ week, instead of keeping the International Freshers’ separate, isn’t a better option.
“It’s just going to segregate international students and make it harder for them to make friends with their flatmates.”
Indeed there have been questions raised as to whether there should be a separate Freshers’ week at all.
Elvira Rey Redondo, a second year Biology International Student told Vision: “Everyone is supposed to integrate into one York community, and separate events just seems silly to me.
“I think internationals can integrate themselves and choose who they want to be friends with, they don’t need to be with other internationals to figure that out.”
However, YUSU International Students Officer Mike Anstey has reassured students of the value of the event.
He said: “The International Students Association has joined with the GSA to put on loads of events which are open to both home students and internationals.
“In terms of helping internationals adapt to a new country and environment, we have a variety of events, talks, welfare groups and clinics, aimed at keeping an eye on the welfare of international students.
“In addition to that, we have teamed with Nightline to launch our new campaign ‘Home Away From Home’, to take care of international student mental health.”
The International Freshers’ week consists of a range of events aimed at familiarising international students with life in Britain, including introductions to the education system and meetings with bank representatives.
The week offers alternative events to freshers, including a number of non-alcoholic ones, and is open for all students to attend.