Despite a fall in numbers, the Christian organisation, Friends International (FI), has expanded its support for international students.
Online courses and a bespoke mobile app to support students are ready to roll out in September for the new student cohort. Southampton University invited in the FI team because it recognised the problems facing international students, including protective measures restricting access to relaxed socialising which will still be in place at the start of term.
Forecasts predict that as many as 50% of overseas students may not take up their university places, costing the sector an estimated £1.5billion and jeopardising 60,000 jobs across the UK. However, the report suggested that the outlook is not all bleak, as many internationals are expected to defer their studies and resume their courses once the economy recovers and fears about their health and safety subside.
