The past three months have been the most tasking moments of my position; responding to two consultation papers, lobbying MPs, organising the biggest online survey carried out by NUS in recent times, responding to government papers, attending to the press, organising a workshop and a conference, and being able to attend NEC meetings. So where do I start with writing yet another blog? Maybe I should start by writing on a two weekly basis, although I as a part-time officer, I am usually very busy doing my sabb position in Mancheseter as well.

Well I was able to attend the all the regional conferences, apart from the South East region… sorry South East. I was actually not well, after organising the CIS conference and the International Students Campaign day and as such, couldn’t make it to the South East. Without rambling, I think the regional conferences that I attended were interesting and was an opportunity to speak to some officers about the International Students Campaign.

The next week was the extra-ordinary conference, of which I attended. Before the extra-ordinary conference, I recall the hugger mugger that took place and all the erroneous names that where thrown at some NEC members. However, I would say well done to all those who say reason to reform. This same week, I was again in London to attend a training event on cultural awareness organised by UKCOSA for advisers. I then took time to visit Headquarters to iron out some misunderstanding about mailings for the one-day workshop on visa extension charges.

The next week, I was at National Council meeting in Birmingham. Much as I would have loved to see the delegates at the event, I was a disappointed about the refusal to allow the International Students committee to organise a workshop on visa extension charges on a Saturday. This is despite my agreement to hold another workshop on a week day so as to cater for those that could not attend. To be sincere, I just say the whole debate as unnecessary and did not show any concern for the issue at stake. Well for those that want to know more on this, please contact me. The next day, I was invited to speak at a conference as the National Chair for the Council for International Students. That weekend, I was in Birmingham to chair the workshop on visa extension charges, which was, at this point, a CIS event. The turnout was good and I would say that I was impressed at the discussions that took place. Can I also say that, although the CIS was not mentioned in the response made by NUS to the consultation paper on the visa charges, the ideas that came out of that workshop was used in drafted in the final version of our response.

Immediately after the workshop, I found myself travelling to Wolverhampton (again!) attending the Black Students Conference. The conference was well attended by about 80 delegates out of the 120 delegates that registered. I addressed the international students’ caucus on the issues affecting international students today and how the International Students committee are working hard to represent all these needs. The delegates were appreciative and I was able to sign up 15 students who have now joined our mailing list and have kept in correspondence with the campaign.

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