Breaking Barriers: How I Found My Voice in UK Policy Advocacy
Saida Alimdjanova
From newsletter reader to policy influencer
Public advocacy and engagement on the national level was a dream I never thought I could achieve as an immigrant in the UK – especially not by simply giving a weekly newsletter a thorough read! Yet, I, alongside seven other International Student AmbassadorsLink opens in a new window of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)Link opens in a new window, now have the empowering opportunity to influence policies targeting fellow internationals from all across the UK, and here is how:
Turning Student Voices into Policy action
Have you ever caught yourself wondering if that plethora of surveys you fill out on student experience is ever met by corresponding policy action? If your personal academic and financial struggles would ever gain a perceptible and effective voice? I dare assume fairly often – and I share this experience.
Together with a strong passion for education politics, I therefore decided to apply for UKCISA’s ambassadorship programme. Listed in one of the University Student Communication Team’s emails, it promised a unique chance to enter the world of policy influencing, student representation, as well as a like-minded community. And within two months of my role, I can confidently attest to this promise.
A foundation of Leadership and representation
My role at UKCISA is the culmination of years of experience in student leadership. In 2023/24, I gained critical skills in executive committee roles:
- Warwick Language SocietyLink opens in a new window – Managed language matching schemes for 160+ students, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
- Politics Society Academic Officer – Helped me develop a robust skillset for inviting, corresponding and maintaining good relationships with members of both the UK House of Lords and House of Commons.
- Teaching and Research – Currently in my second year of volunteering as a Russian tutor while working part-time as a PPE research assistant.
These experiences have not only strengthened my ability to engage diverse student communities but have also prepared me for policy advocacy at the national level.
A Highlight: The International Education Strategy Roundtable
Ipswich: Lord Anderson of Ipswich – the first speaker Saida invited to the University on behalf of Politics Society
So far, the highlight of my journey as an ambassador was participating in a roundtable session on the International Education Strategy (IES). It was incredibly exciting to discuss said strategy paper with governmental departments and propose improvements regarding its two main goals: increasing education exports and controlling the annual intake of international students.
Connecting with representatives from the Department for Education as well as Business and Trade not only felt empowering, but it also clearly demonstrated that there was a tangible channel of communication between them and us, students.
Building essential advocacy skills
The most recent public speaking training, led by WONKHE SUs, was incredibly dynamic and much anticipated. To make the most of our representative roles, we studied techniques for conveying information in a way which would appeal most to decision-makers.
Feedback on public performance by oratory professionals is crucial insofar as we want to voice international students’ concerns as proactively and effectively as possible. UKCISA also opens doors to working groups for more specific undertakings: soon, as part of the International Student Employability Group (ISEG), I will be able to help qualitatively and quantitatively assess all things recruitment and employability – two issues that most international students feel stressed about.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Student Representation
I anticipate attending and leveraging many more UKCISA events to advocate for and, eventually, effect meaningful change in the near future.
While striving to strengthen the representation and financial support of students from under-recognised backgrounds, my other focal point is to fully optimise international students’ academic performance and potential during their studies.
At the same time, I am equally eager to further enhance international student experience here at Warwick!
Matt Western was the last speaker Saida invited to the University on behalf of Politics Society