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INTERNATIONAL OFFICE NEWSLETTER Rev Jessie Jackson / First Edge Hill University Chancellor / Thanksgiving Day / Edge Hill’s Global Appeal / Scholarships and Bursaries / A former student’s perspective
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Dr Tanya Byron Announced As First Edge Hill University Chancellor Consultant clinical psychologist, writer and broadcaster Professor Tanya Byron has made history by officially becoming Edge Hill University's first ever Chancellor, following her installation ceremony this weekend. Professor Byron's installation took place alongside the University’s annual graduations for its health and postgraduate students which saw the 41-year-old motherof-two confer degrees for the first time as Chancellor. She also presented an Honorary Doctorate of Education to Oliver Fulton, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University. The award is in recognition of Professor Fulton's academic reputation and valued contribution as a Governor of Edge Hill University. After accepting a verbal invitation from Pro-Chancellor Chris Trinick to become Chancellor, Professor Byron was robed in the traditional Edge Hill colours of green, gold and helitrope and received a standing ovation from an audience of graduands and her own family, friends and colleagues.
In her opening address, she outlined plans to raise the profile of Edge Hill University in the media and in government, by using her TV presence in series such as House of Tiny Tearaways and Teen Angels and her Downing Street connections following her recent Government white paper, Safer Children in a Digital World. She said: "As Chancellor of Edge Hill University, I shall do my very best to get this incredible institution on the map - both nationally and internationally - and inspire so many people from all over the country - indeed, the world - to apply to us as their first choice university." Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Byron as the University's first Chancellor. Her experience as a clinical psychologist, author, policy-maker, media personality and a mother resonates with the curriculum and ethos of Edge Hill and she will be an outstanding role model for our students over the next five years."
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Rev Jessie Jackson delivered key note speech The Centre for Local Policy Studies (CLPS) at Edge Hill University presents the American civil rights leader and first black presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson. On Monday December 1st 2008, Rev. Jackson addressed the Edge Hill Community and Honoured Guests with his famous lecture entitled, Civil Rights to Equanomics, the focus on the relationship between economic justice and race. This opportune event focused on the aftermath of this year's historic American elections and the candidacy of Barack Obama, the first black American President. Rev. Jackson discussed themes from racial justice to economic equality, and a number of historic anniversaries. The topics included the 90th birthday of Nelson Mandela, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King at which Rev. Jesse Jackson was present, standing only a few steps away from Dr. King when the fatal shot was fired. “Equanomics” is a programme that concentrates on the reduction of earnings inequality, indigence, and the affect of the economy on diverse, deprived areas. The programme supports and sponsors the welfare of the UK's black communities, and strives to acquire a larger black population in politics, both in office and amongst voters. Rev Jackson also commented on how he always says that “You’ve never been to England if you’ve not been to Liverpool.” In an emotional speech, Rev. Jackson, being such a powerful orator, moved and lifted the audience with his talks on the position of the ethnic minority in the United States. The speech brought attention to the “Root of the word character, which is caring” and reminded people that we all need to show character by doing our part in caring about the eradication of social inequalities. Stuart Speeden, Head of CLPS said: "The Rev. Jesse Jackson's visit to Edge Hill comes at a significant time in the development of American and world politics. The US election and the current world economic crisis makes human rights a matter of immediate importance. Equanomics movement will bring into focus the importance of economic justice in race equality. For Edge Hill, it marks an important development in the University's role both regionally and nationally as a centre for debate, and reinforces its commitment to widening participation in higher education."
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You’ve never been to England if you’ve not been to Liverpool.
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Thanksgiving Day Edge Hill Celebrates
Edge Hill University’s International Office, with the help of the on-campus Sages Restaurant, paid a lovely homage to our Western neighbours by hosting another gorgeous Thanksgiving Day Meal for the international students. For those of you unfamiliar with the Thanksgiving Day festivities, Thanksgiving is a jovial holiday, generally celebrated in the United States and Canada. The celebration is a family occasion that observes the first feast held among the Pilgrim settlers and the Native Americans in Plymouth, 1621. Thanksgiving is recognized by these nations to give thanks to their family and friends for their love and support. The holiday is customarily commemorated by feasting on a turkey dinner with all the fixings; stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, topped with gravy, and of course the irreplaceable pumpkin pie for desert! With over 120 honoured guests and the International Office staff, this year’s celebration was a success! We all gave thanks in harmony for our families and enjoyed the delicious traditional style food in the Thanksgiving spirit.
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A few of the American Students had some gratified comments about the festivities:
A few of the International Students also commented on their first Thanksgiving experiences:
we so appreciate the extra trouble the International Office always go through to make us feel at home
“We really enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal, but the desert was by far the best!” - Titus Samuel, Nigeria
“It’s hard to be so far away from home during the holidays. However, we so appreciate the extra trouble the International Office always go through to make us feel at home.” - Catie Obsourne, IA
Even the British Natives enjoyed themselves:
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“The decoration of the ‘Thankful Turkey’ placards reminds me of when I was a child. I would trace the shape of my hand to act as a turkey and its feathers. I would then write what I was thankful for in each ‘feather’ as a gift for my family.” - Lauren Guy, GA
“We should have Thanksgiving everyday! Thank you very much for the meal and the complimentary wine.” - Erinoso Olakunle, Nigeria
“I found the meal quite entertaining and the atmosphere was delightful, but I do not believe anything could surpass a traditional British Sunday roast.” - Thomas Maddison, Northumberland
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Edge Hill’s Global Appeal Asia, North America, Central America, and beyond... Edge Hill is spreading the word to all four corners of the globe. Over the next few months, the University’s International Office has been taking part in a host of initiatives in various countries across the world. In February, representatives from Edge Hill are attending the EducationUK Exhibitions 2009. The EducationUK Exhibitions are designed to give students the opportunity to learn more about UK universities, their courses, and their admission options. They will be visiting the following countries and major cities: COUNTRY
CITY/LOCATION
DATE
NIGERIA
VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS - LAGOON RESTAURANT
8:30 AM - 17:30 PM 6TH TO 7TH FEBRUARY 2009
MAITAMA, ABUJA - TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL
8:30 AM - 17:30 PM 9TH TO 10TH FEBRUARY 2009
BANHARA HILLS, HYDERABAD - TAJ KRISHNA
14:00 PM - 19:00 PM 8TH TO 9TH FEBRUARY 2009
NUNGAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI - TAJ COROMANDEL
14:00 PM - 19:00 PM 11TH TO 12TH FEBRUARY 2009
NEW DELHI - BRITISH COUNCIL
13:00 PM - 18:00 PM 14TH TO 15TH FEBRUARY 2009
GHANA
KUMASI - MIKLIN HOTEL
10:00 AM - 17:00 PM 18TH FEBRUARY 2009 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM 20TH TO 21ST FEBRUARY 2009
SRI LANKA
ACCRA - ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE COLOMBO - HILTON COLOMBO KANDY - QUEENS HOTEL
12:30 PM - 18:00 PM 24TH FEBRUARY 2009
INDIA
11:00 AM - 18:00 PM 21ST TO 22ND FEBRUARY 2009
Our USA Officers will also be out and about in the New Year. For further information, please email international@edgehill.ac.uk.
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Edge Hill Scholarships and Bursaries Financing a higher education is no easy task, as you may have already discovered. Edge Hill University offers a number of resources to assist you. We have developed a range of scholarships and bursaries to support our international students.
There are schemes open to students of all nationalities as well as a number of country specific schemes.
ATTAINMENT SCHOLARSHIP: The Attainment Scholarship is a £500 bursary available to all students who successfully complete their first semester of study, and is payable in January each year.
The International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is worth approximately £2,500 is offered to selected first year undergraduate students, and aims to help with the cost of living in the first year of study.
EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS: An Edge Hill Excellence Scholarship can make a substantial difference to your student life and finances. Worth up to £2,000, Excellence Scholarships are part of the university's award-winning financial support package. Whether you're a sportsperson, a performer, an active volunteer, possess creative talents or have made interesting, innovative use of new media, if you can demonstrate determination, commitment and achievement, we want to hear from you! Scholarships have nothing to do with your financial situation or degree subject.
ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS: Worth up to £2,000; available to prospective full-time students who have made Edge Hill their first choice or firmly accepted an offer. For more information please visit edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships/entrance ON-COURSE SCHOLARSHIPS: Worth up to £1,000; available to most full-time students already studying programmes at Edge Hill University. For more information please visit edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships/oncourse WORK STUDY OPTION: A competitive work study based scholarship, providing free accommodation, is open to applications from all international students with at least one semester's experience at Edge Hill University, in exchange for acting as a mentor to other international students.
PARTNER SCHOOLS SCHOLARSHIP: International students studying at one of our partner schools maybe entitled to a further £1000 scholarship in their first year. Please see your Guidance Counsellor to find out whether your school is one of Edge Hillʼs partners. THE BRITISH COUNCIL 60TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIPS: The British Council 60th Anniversary Scholarship celebrates our 60 years in Hong Kong by giving Hong Kong students the chance to experience a UK education. They involve the waiving of tuition fees for one year of study in a school, college or university, for the 2009-2010 academic year. They may be used for study towards a UK qualification either in the UK or Hong Kong, if you are a permanent resident of Hong Kong.
MBA STUDENTS: There is a separate scholarship programme designed specifically for MBA students. Please contact the International Office for more information about this funding.
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Why Choose Edge Hill – A former student’s perspective
Do you prefer to fall asleep to the sound of traffic or the sweet hum of nature? Since you will be spending the better part of 3 years at University, make sure you choose your setting wisely. Finding a good match depends heavily on your personality and academic goals. There are many reasons why you may want to choose a smaller University like Edge Hill. One example is its small class sizes. While larger class sizes may be exciting for some, they can be overwhelming for others. Most classes at big universities include hundreds of students, making for an intimidating environment to ask a question, and often going unnoticed in a lecture hall. There is generally more pressure on students to stand out in a class, just to be noticed.
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Edge Hill offers more of a student-centred approach to education than the larger universities.
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Edge Hill offers more of a student-centred approach to education than the larger universities. Our students tend to find lots of opportunity to speak out, ask questions, and engage in conversation with their professor and student peers. At Edge Hill you won’t be lost in a crowd. In most cases the professors know your name and major of study. If you’re attending social events, you also get to know people quicker in a smaller university and in halls of residence. Edge Hill provides a strong sense of community. The small campus life allows students to become acquainted, and acquire a sense of security and familiarity. It provides students with a healthier and safer living environment. What makes it even better is that when you do want to get away and see the lights of the big city, Liverpool is just 30 minutes away and is full of great shops, restaurants, and things to see and do.
My name is Kelley Malcuit and I am an Edge Hill Alumnus. I studied abroad in 2007 and enjoyed the experience so much that I came back to work for the university on a BUNAC Visa. As a former student, I would like to offer some advice and important points to consider when applying and adapting to student life: Do’s: - Make sure you know what you want to do when applying. - Plan everything carefully. - Make use of all the help that is available to you. Don’t - Be afraid to ask for advice. - Think it will be smooth sailing- you need to make the effort to achieve. - Commit to a course without doing research before starting.
your choice
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