Hi, my name is Erika Lim - a second year LL.B Law student. I am standing to be elected as the International Students' Association chairperson as I would like to play a role in crafting a fun, hollistic university experience for all international students studying at Queen's.
My paramount goal is helping international students (irrespective of gender, racial background, religion, social status, age, or disability) to settle down comfortably in the new foreign Belfast environment and perhaps even make it their home away from home. As an international student myself, I truly understand and empathize that being away from home may be tough at times. Homesickness may pose undesirable impacts on one's mental health, as well as their academic performance. Hence, embracing internationals into a welcoming, diverse community of other international students is extremely crucial.
What's in it for you?
As your chairperson, some of my key initiatives will include:
- Introducing a linkage system to connect students who share a common country of origin;
- Hosting get-togethers during seasonal festivities (ex: Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, etc.);
- Organizing various culture-themed networking activities and sharing sessions;
- Tours around Belfast;
- Collaborate with Queen's Student Wellbeing services to promote and normalize seeking help where needed; and
- Creating an online platform for students to share issues faced and suggestions, at anywhere at any time (with optional anonymity) - popular issues raised will be converted into polls open for student voting to facilitate better negotiations.
Having spent some time in Belfast, I have found it to be a city of natural wonders filled with very friendly folks. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here thus far, and I hope to help all international students in feeling the same too.