GLOBAL awareness within The University of Northampton has grown this academic year as part of a move by the Students' Union to embed internationalism in its work.
Recent activities to encourage relationships between home and international students have included a trip to watch football at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, a visit to Warwick Castle, and karaoke at the Union's Pavilion bar on Park Campus.
Pankaj Lalwani, who is the Union's current International Students' Officer, said: "The main focus for me this year is to make the Students' Union a global organisation. We want to ensure there is cohesion between home students and those who travel from abroad to study at the University of Northampton".
Pankaj, who is working closely with Jules Pringle, International Student Support Officer at the Students' Union, has founded the Global Students' Society, which is currently the largest society at The University of Northampton, with nearly 100 members, who are drawn from across the world.
The society, which is led by a committee made up of students from China, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, India and the UK, aims to break down stereotypes between different countries and cultural groups, whilst also giving students an opportunity to celebrate diversity. The society's previous events have included a celebration for Diwali, Eid, Christmas and New Year. Future plans include a celebration for Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours.
Pankaj said: "I think the involvement of international students in the Students' Union makes the Union stronger. However, many international students don't realise that the Students' Union provides these kinds of activities".
If you wish to get involved in the work of the Global Students' Society, you can find out more information by emailing GlobalStudents@northamptonunion.com or if you have a suggestion for Pankaj in his role as International Students' Officer, you can contact him via e-mail on international@northamptonunion.com.
BY BEN WESSON