EMITA News Item - ‘Leicester’s Got Talent’

Each year more than 1500 students from outside the UK study the full range of degree courses available at the University of Leicester.  International students (from outside the EEA) make a substantial financial investment in their education.  They are committed, motivated and put a premium on getting work experience in the UK to add value to their course programmes, develop their employability skills and to give them a competitive edge in their search for employment.  

There are a number of ways in which international students can become involved in your organisation including:

·         industrial placements of up to one year usually organised as part of their course;

·         project work to provide you with a business solution usually as part of their course;

·         informal work experience or job shadowing placements;

·         voluntary work placements for a fixed period;

·         part time or temporary work not exceeding 20 hours per week.

What contribution could an international student make to my organisation?

International students can make the following contributions to your organisation:

·         language skills – helping you to communicate with overseas markets and/or suppliers;

·         cultural awareness – providing advice and information to ensure you make the right impact on your international customers and clients;

·         knowledge of UK and overseas business practice – many international students have worked in their home countries and regions, often in professional and management positions;

·         overseas contacts and networks – making sure you reach the right people and organisations to maximise your export potential;

·         business and technical skills – international students often follow highly vocational courses allowing them to make an immediate impact at work;

·         creating a diverse workforce – enabling your organisation to reflect the changing pattern of the UK working population and the need to develop relationships across a global business community.

How to employ an international student whilst they are studying in the UK

 It is possible to employ an international student whilst they are studying although this is subject to some regulation, and it is important that employers check the student’s status before employing them.  Students with a passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) that says “No work” must not work and it would be illegal for them to do so.  Students with a work restriction stamp in their passport which states ‘no recourse to public funds, work must be authorised’ DO NOT need to obtain a work permit and can be employed to:

·         work part-time for up to 20 hours a week whilst studying (University regulations suggest 15 hours as a maximum);

·         take up full-time work during vacation periods and on completion of their studies (for up to four months in line with valid student visa dates);

·         undertake a sandwich placement approved and defined by the University;

·         participate in a paid internship placement for up to 3 months;

The majority of international students studying at the University of Leicester have student immigration permission and are able to work during their studies as set out above.  Further guidance can be found on the East Midlands Universities Association website http://www.emua.ac.uk/careersgroup/international/html, from the UK Border Agency www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheUK and from UKCISA http://www.ukcosa.org.uk 

The Careers Service is dedicated to helping you connect with our students in the most efficient and productive way.  You can find out how international students might contribute to your organisation by contacting Valerie on 0116 229 7696 or by emailing vml7@le.ac.uk.  You can also find out about the services we offer to employers by contacting the Employer Liaison Team on employerlink@le.ac.uk