The International Student Support & Experience team (ISSE) is part of the University’s Student Experience & Engagement Directorate within the Education Group.
This page brings together knowledge and resources on supporting international students and enhancing their experience throughout their student lifecycle.
It is intended for both academic and professional services staff who support international students.
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About us:
The International Student Support & Experience (ISSE) team leads the University’s approach to supporting international students across their full student lifecycle, and ensures the University meets its responsibilities as a UKVI Student Sponsor.
We bring together visa expertise, student experience initiatives, and institutional compliance functions to ensure international students are supported effectively, and that Warwick provides a compliant and high-quality environment in which they can succeed.
ISSE works in partnership with students, academic departments, and professional services teams to:
Support international students throughout their Warwick journey
Provide specialist visa advice and compliance oversight
Enhance the international student experience and sense of belonging
Support staff in their work with international students
Inform institutional strategy through student voice, insight and engagement
ISSE also holds operational responsibility for delivering the University’s UKVI Student Sponsor obligations.
We support students and staff on three specialist areas:
International Student Experience – enhancing the experience, engagement, and support of international students
Student Visa Advice Service – providing regulated visa advice and guidance to students and graduates
Student Visa Compliance – ensuring the University meets its UKVI Student Sponsor duties
Together, these teams ensure Warwick provides a supportive environment for all international students.
Further information about the core service area for each team can be found on their respective pages:
The International Student Experience Advisory Board provides strategic oversight of international student support and experience across the University.
ISEAB brings together representatives from across academic departments, professional services, and the student body to:
Facilitate cross-University collaboration
Identify priorities for improving international student experience
Support development of coordinated services and initiatives
This governance structure enables a joined-up, institution-wide approach to supporting international students.
Further information, including Terms of Reference, membership, and meeting information, is available on the International Student Experience Advisory Board (ISEAB) page:
ISSE supports international students across all stages of their lifecycle at Warwick, recognising that their needs evolve over time.
International student experience overview
The presentation below provides an overview of the international student experience at Warwick and outlines the key stages of the international student journey.
It highlights how different services across the University work together to support international students from pre-arrival through to completing their studies.
Our work spans five key areas:
ISSE supports students before they arrive at Warwick through:
Visa advice and guidance
Tailored pre-arrival communications and social media engagement
Supporting the delivery of international student pre-departure briefings
'One-stop' information hub and International Student Orientation course
These activities help students prepare effectively for studying and living in the UK.
ISSE leads and supports international student onboarding, including:
International student arrival planning and International Student Welcome event
Tailored workshops to facilitate adaption to UK life
In-person Peer Support via International Student Hub
Delayed arrival and in-year starter support for exchange, visiting and postgraduate research students
These initiatives support successful transition into Warwick and the UK.
ISSE supports international students throughout their academic journey by:
Providing visa advice and support, including post-study work options
Elevating international student voice via the International Student Ambassador Scheme
Supporting community-building initiatives such as Global Lounge activity
Working with departments to mitigate risks, facilitate transition, and enhance student-centred skills and personal development
Coordinating support across visa, academic, careers, and wellbeing areas
This ensures students receive user-centred, coordinated and holistic support.
ISSE contributes to initiatives aligned with the UKCISA International Student Charter, supporting:
Students in making a home in the UK
Access to visa and immigration advice
Career development support and preparation
Wellbeing and personal support
Coordinated support across University services
This approach ensures international students are supported academically, professionally, and personally.
ISSE provides transition support for students approaching the end of their studies, including:
Information and guidance on post-study visa options
Cross-departmental career preparation and transition support initiatives
