Navigating UK Study - International Students

Navigating UK Study

Unlock your academic potential with Navigating UK Study

Designed to empower international students in the UK, this course helps you settle in by equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in your core studies and get ahead on settling in the UK, using the theme of Cultural Intelligence (CQ).

Navigating UK Study runs the week before our main arrivals weekend, giving you the opportunity to settle in, with practical tips on living and studying at Kent.

You'll meet other international students, explore our facilities and have time to adapt to your new home. Pick up helpful tips on transport in Canterbury and Kent, on which shops will stock what you need, and on where to visit for a great day out.

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Immerse yourself in our vibrant student life

Experience UK student life with visits to Canterbury city, its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and a historic boat tour, and the beautiful Leeds Castle.

Discover the nuances of academic settings  

Conquer the challenges of coursework and presentations, exploring academic voice and style. Navigate the complexities of source selection, good academic practice and referencing to ensure your work meets the highest standards.  

Embrace cultural diversity  

Through the theme of intercultural communication and Cultural Intelligence (CQ), foster cross-cultural understanding and resilience, while cultivating your reflective practice and unlocking personal growth and adaptability.

Part 1

Navigating UK Study

Running from Monday 22 September 2024, you'll have sessions on our Canterbury campus and local visits, with time to settle in too. With help from our International Student Advisory Board, we've included many of the items students want to know in their first few days at Kent. Explore the timetable below.

Register your interest
Fees and accommodation

Part 1 Timetable

Main sessions will run 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4pm, both with a break.  

dinner

Sunday 21 September

Welcome dinner

Join the other course participants and current Kent students for a welcome dinner.

users2

Monday 22 September

Introductions

  • Starting with a campus tour and induction, you'll register and get your student card so you're ready to go for the year.
  • In the afternoon we'll explore UK student life and student experience at Kent.
city

Tuesday 23 September

Academic settings and Canterbury visit

  • You'll spend the morning focusing on academic settings, looking at coursework types and how to tackle each one. 
  • Then you'll be visiting Canterbury city centre, its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and go on a historic boat ride (weather permitting).
earth

Wednesday 24 September

Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

CQ is your capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse settings. Discover how to use and improve your CQ drive and knowledge, then focus on CQ strategy and action to prepare for the term ahead. Find more about CQ at the CQ Centre.

library

Thursday 25 September

Source use and spoken assessment

  • Based in our Library, learn how and where to find the best sources for your academic work, and how to use them in your work.
  • You'll spend the afternoon exploring the different spoken assessments used at Kent, focusing on seminars and presentations.
brain

Friday 26 September

Reflecting on student life

  • You'll return to student life at Kent, revisiting coursework types and looking more closely at good academic practice.
  • In the afternoon, you'll reflect on your own progress, your goals for the term and explore how best to use feedback on your modules.
bubbles

Friday 03 October

Intercultural communication and Welcome Fair

  • You'll share your experiences so far in a session on culture shock and tools for intercultural communication. 
  • You'll then join the Kent Students' Union welcome fair to discover all the societies you can join to make the most of your time at Kent.
binoculars

Saturday 04 October

Leeds Castle

Cameras at the ready! You'll be visiting Leeds Castle in Kent, often called "the loveliest castle in the world".

See leeds-castle.com for information about the castle.

Part 2

Developing Global Leadership

Running from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 December 2024, Part 2 calls you to explore your leadership in our changing world and how you can leverage your cultural and academic experiences. And to end in style, we've included a winter-themed day out at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio. 

Explore the timetable below.

Register your interest

Part 2 Timetable

earth

Monday 15 December

Leadership

All on the theme of leadership, you'll explore three key aspects:

  • Emotional Intelligence
  • The Global context
  • The Sustainability Emergency and your role in advocacy
snow2

Tuesday 16 December

Harry Potter Studio

With a Winter festive theme, you'll visit the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio. Transport by coach and entry is included. Note, however, you'll need to bring or buy food.

See wbstudiotour.co.uk for information about the studio.

profile

Wednesday 17 December

Showcasing your skills

You'll focus on how to leverage your cultural skills in your work and job applications, further exploring your own cultural identity.

Fees

Navigating UK Study (Part 1): £350

Your fee includes all tuition, a welcome dinner, entrance fees and travel for the visits to Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle and a Canterbury boat tour. 

Developing Global Leadership (Part 2): £120

The fee includes all tuition and the entrance fee and travel to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio. 

For accommodation, see the accommodation section below for details.

Register your interest

Accommodation

If you have booked accommodation on campus for the Autumn term you will need to extend your accommodation contract to start earlier. Contact our accommodation team to arrange this, quoting 'Navigating UK Study' in the email title.