Preparing a pathway to success

Securing admission in a university or a course abroad is not the end of the road. Rather it is the beginning of a journey wherein one is required to keep pace with life in a new country, different pedagogical expectations, networking with peers, besides the food and accommodation challenges. All this can be overwhelming for a youngster and because of this many students end up discontinuing after the first year. 

International completion rates for universities tracked by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) were on an average 70 per cent in 2011. Thus, universities are taking steps to stem this attrition. Australian universities that revealed a better percentage of students dropping out after first year (82 per cent average) have been working on strategies to improve student retention rates. And a frontrunner in this is the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The UTS Insearch is an extensive and detailed pathway programme to handhold students in their first year. Dr Matthew Holt, who is the Transnational Academic Executive, UTS Insearch was in Chandigarh last week as a part of his India tour to spread awareness about the pathway programmes, especially UTS Insearch academic programmes and UTS Foundation Studies programme. In an interaction he talks about how pathway programmes are the best bet for an international student. Excerpts: 

Why should an international student be aware of pathway courses? 

The first-year experience in university is very important and crucial for any student, more so for international students. The general perception about pathway courses is that these are diploma or  vocational-type courses, but this is not the case as pathway courses are actually a foundation for the university experience for students. The importance of something like Insearch is enormous for international students. Universities like UTS are working extensively on student retention. An international student needs proper preparation before getting full time into a course, be it IT, engineering, business, design or communication. While the subjects offered in the first year mirror the faculties that students are interested in, with the pathway courses the students get customised and need-based help in academics, cultural assimilation, peer group identification as well as board and lodging.

What are the benefits for a student going in for a pathway course?

Firstly, all students who successfully complete their course at pathway institute get guaranteed entry into second year of UG degree course in their field at UTS. Moreover, the course options are diverse and flexible allowing students to complete studies at their own pace. The programmes are of six, eight and 12-month duration.  The teaching model is focused on imparting life-skills, making students ready for challenges in future.

What kind of support can an international student expect on academic front with UTS Insearch?

The teaching is more personalised with small class groups (20 for diploma and 18 for foundation courses) and the focus is on practical training, simulation, game-based and tech-enabled learning. Activity-based lectures are also tools to monitor the progress of a student and those lagging behind are identified through early intervention programme and extra assistance is provided to help them do well academically. Besides peer mentors, there are counsellors and academic advisors who keep a track of a student’s progress in the programmes.

How is Insearch experience fulfilling for a student?

Our endeavour is to adopt a multi-pronged approach to encompass the different aspects of student life.  The students get not only world- class educational assistance; they have access to world-class facilities at UTS, including the library, 24-hour computer labs and more than 130 student clubs and associations. All support services, including Learning Support Programme, one-on-one tutorials, study skills workshops, are also freely accessible to all UTS Insearch students. Besides, they get assistance in getting suitable accommodation, health services etc. Insearch, in short, creates a complete ecosystem for an international student

UTS Insearch Leadership Programme and industry internships allow them to explore employment opportunities in the very first year at the university. Other opportunities include the BUILD (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) programme that offers workshops and the opportunity to extend students’ global horizons through studying, volunteering or travelling during their time at the university.

— As told to Geetu Vaid

New beginnings

Pathway programmes provide for an assured progression to undergraduate studies for students who successfully complete their foundation programmes. These programmes offered by universities provide a number of distinct advantages, including a greater chance of admission to the university. This means that international students who complete their pathway programme with a certain pass rate are automatically accepted into the main university.