It is great for a lecturer like me to shut up, listen and learn for once
The Impact of Studying Overseas – SIGIT
Studying abroad is often celebrated for its ability to expand horizons and foster personal growth, but there are unique challenges as well. In a recent forum hosted by SIGIT (Special Interest Group on Inclusive Teaching), five-degree apprentices — Henry Chapman, Hugo Whitten, Rhys Coleman, Owen Prydderch, and Finlay Gilraine — came together to share their experiences of studying in Northern Ireland after moving from Great Britain (GB).
Their stories shed light on the complexities of being an “in-country mover,” a group often overlooked in discussions about international education.
SIGIT: Fostering Inclusive Teaching and Learning
The SIGIT group was hosted by Dr Paul Joseph-Richard and Nancy Brown. The aim of the group is to encourage and develop our skills in inclusive teaching in UUBS.
SIGIT is dedicated to creating a sense of belonging for learners by promoting inclusive teaching practices. Throughout the year, the group meets monthly to exchange ideas, share experiences, and tackle challenges that come with teaching diverse groups of students. Last year, SIGIT organized 10 events and wrapped up with its first-ever SIGIT conference in September 2024. These gatherings offer valuable insights into the nuances of teaching, particularly in the context of fostering a welcoming environment for students studying outside their home regions.
For lecturers, these discussions offer a chance to pause and absorb new perspectives. As one SIGIT member put it, “It is great for a lecturer like me to shut up and listen and learn for once.”
The “In-Country” Mover Experience: A Unique Perspective
While international students often receive a wealth of resources and attention, GB students moving to Northern Ireland face a set of challenges that can go unacknowledged. The forum highlighted how these students often miss home comforts, struggle to integrate into local communities, and sometimes feel detached from their surroundings. The allure of studying abroad offers many benefits, but these students encounter hurdles that are different from those of international students or even local students.
In recent years, Northern Ireland has experienced an influx of GB students, partly due to the growing business presence of global companies such as Deloitte, PwC, Apple, and Microsoft. The expanding job market has opened new opportunities for apprenticeships and career development, making Northern Ireland an attractive destination.
Rhys Coleman pointed out, “It can be a challenge moving away from home and family, the cost of going home can be excessive, but overall the job, the learning and the apprenticeship make up for it.”
A Study in Identity and Integration
Moving from one part of the UK to another may not seem like a big leap on the surface, but as research suggests, identity plays a significant role in how students navigate their new surroundings. Studies show that people in England often have a less defined sense of identity compared to their Scottish and Welsh counterparts. Many English people consider themselves British or European rather than purely “English.” On the other hand, Scotland and Wales have stronger regional identities, with some even expressing anti-British sentiments, complicating the narrative for GB students who move to Northern Ireland.
When GB students arrive in Northern Ireland, these identity complexities follow them. Northern Ireland itself is a region where identity is multifaceted—42% of residents identify as British only, while 33% identify as Irish only.
Students from England, Scotland, and Wales, even if they consider themselves British or European, can find themselves grappling with cultural differences they might not have anticipated.
Hugo Whitten noted, “Practical things catch you off guard, like needing a new driving licence or registering my car, or getting an MOT. This came as a shock to me.”
The Benefits of Studying Abroad: Broadening Horizons
Despite these challenges, there are undeniable benefits to studying overseas, even within the UK. Research from the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) highlights the advantages of studying in a new environment. Students who go abroad are more likely to think critically and develop a broader worldview. They make lifelong connections, gain a competitive edge in the job market, and develop language skills—though for GB students in Northern Ireland, the language barrier is minimal. More significantly, they step out of their comfort zones and grow as individuals.
Owen Prydderch shared, “Moving here was definitely one of the best thing I have done, and while there have been challenges, it has been worth it.”
But there are trade-offs. The CIEE report also highlights the downsides: studying abroad can be expensive, culture shock is real, and homesickness is common. This resonates with many GB students who find themselves flying home regularly to visit family, particularly over weekends when local students often leave Belfast to return to their hometowns.
Overcoming Challenges: Strategies for Success
While the move from Great Britain to Northern Ireland can be tough, students in the forum also spoke about the strategies they’ve used to cope with homesickness and culture shock. Many found solace in the shared experience of sports, such as attending Belfast Giants games or local football matches, which allowed them to connect with both local students and fellow GB movers.
Finlay Gilraine reflected, “You can miss small things like football and family, but the overall experience makes up for it.”
The forum concluded with a sense of optimism and resilience. Despite the difficulties, the students agreed that moving to Northern Ireland had been a significantly rewarding experience.
Henry Chapman, the move offered a fresh start: “You can be your own person here. Your past doesn’t seem so important.”
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad, whether across countries or within the UK, offers students invaluable experiences that shape their personal and professional development. However, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges that come with being an in-country mover, particularly for students from Great Britain adjusting to life in Northern Ireland. By fostering inclusive teaching practices and providing adequate support, we can ensure that all students, regardless of where they come from, feel a sense of belonging in their new academic environments.
The SIGIT forum reminds us that while studying abroad can be a challenge, it also presents countless opportunities for growth. And sometimes, as educators, we must step back, listen, and learn from the students who are navigating these journeys.
We conclude the SIGIT with some good ideas, the prospect of developing guides for new students from GB, the concept of improving start dates for students and clearer access to accommodation.
Thank you to everyone who participated – the thing I miss the most from home, Family, Friends, Toby Carvery and Hendersons Relish (sometimes, even Sheffield Wednesday – when they aren’t so terrible… here is a picture to prove it.
