Introduction

Hello my name is Ude De Silva

I am running for International Student Officer post

I am running because I feel that I can assist international students with the transition of studying in a new country, integrating with UK students, and helping them to find a community.

I have these experiences which I could use to benefit students because I am an immigrant myself and I had to go through similar transitions. I also feel that because I am a mature student who has had a variety of jobs in all different sectors (teaching, sales, marketing, insurance, communications etc.) I can provide much needed guidance and insight to international students such as work experience and work ethics at UK workplaces.

I have previously been involved with Roehampton Students Union through being a member of the Law Society and Yoga Society.

Key Campaign Points:

If elected I will campaign on the Following things:

1. I will campaign for international students to have more opportunities for placements/ roles, this is an important issue because they may struggle to get involved and may not be aware of opportunities. I will achieve this by providing them with direct information and researching for opportunities on their behalf.
2. I will campaign for more guidance directed at international students for postgraduate study/jobs, this is an important issue because they may not have direct guidance and may not feel that they can follow the general routes that UK students have. I will achieve this by providing support and aiming to start a society purely for postgraduate guidance.
3. I will campaign for more scholarships/sponsorships for international students, this is an important issue because international student fees are high and increasing every year. I will achieve this by speaking/lobbying with MPs, philanthropists, local celebrities etc.

Closing Statement:

Please make sure you remember to go out and vote for Ude De Silva for International Students' Officer role.

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me desilvah1@roehampton.ac.uk