Prepare for studying and living in the UK
Moving to a new country and starting university in a different educational system can be exciting but it can also feel unfamiliar.
Global Scholar is an online programme designed to help international students develop the intercultural awareness and academic skills they need to make a confident transition to studying and living in the UK.
Through two complementary learning hubs (Culture and Academic Skills) you will explore what to expect from university life in the UK and develop practical strategies to support your academic success.
Learn at your own pace, wherever you are in the world.
Who is Global Scholar for?
Global Scholar is designed for:
- Students planning to come to the UK to study
- Newly arrived international students living and studying in the UK
- Students studying in their home country with English-speaking tutors
Whether you are preparing for your move or have already started your studies, Global Scholar can help you understand the academic and cultural environment you are entering.
Culture Hub
Develop your intercultural awareness and explore some of the cultural differences you may encounter when living and studying in the UK.
Topics include:
Acculturation and intercultural awareness
Cultural theories and perspectives
Culture, processes and stereotypes
Developing cross-cultural awareness
Global mindset
International case studies
Cultural differences in everyday communication
Academic Skills Hub
Develop practical academic skills to help you participate confidently and effectively in university study.
Topics include:
Academic etiquette
Academic integrity
Academic writing
Building your academic vocabulary
Critical thinking
Developing an argument
Effective reading
Listening and note-taking in lectures
Presentation skills
Working in groups
How does Global Scholar work?
Global Scholar is 100% online, allowing you to work through the programme in your own time and at your own pace.
Each Learning Hub contains a series of short video presentations accompanied by a downloadable Activity Workbook.
For each topic:
1. Watch
Watch the short presentation.
2. Explore
Complete the activities and use the resources in the accompanying workbook.
3. Apply
Use what you have learned to develop your understanding and prepare for your own university experience.
You can work through the two hubs sequentially or move between them to create a more varied learning experience.
Once you have completed the programme, you can take the Knowledge Tests. A pass rate of 80% is required.
Complete the programme and receive your certificate
Successfully complete the Knowledge Tests and you will receive your Global Scholar Certificate.
This provides recognition of your completion of the programme and your engagement with the intercultural and academic skills covered.
Meet the creators
Dr Alison Raby, PhD, MEd, PGCE, BA, SFHEA
Caroline Lowish MA Ed, MBA, DMS, CIM, fCMgr, FHEA
Alison and Caroline are experienced UK higher education academics with a shared interest in supporting international students as they transition into a new cultural and academic environment.
Caroline developed the Intercultural Transition Programme at the University of Lincoln, initially within Lincoln International Business School. The programme provided intercultural training and opportunities for international students to build connections and develop a trusted space for communication.
Alison designed the Academic Skills element, complementing the intercultural training and creating a more holistic programme to prepare students for their new academic and cultural experience.
Following the success and development of the programme, it was extended across the University.
Global Scholar brings together this experience in an accessible online programme that students can complete before or alongside their transition to studying in the UK.
Introduction to the Intercultural Training modules
Watch the video below to find out more information about the Intercultural Training modules and how you will learn.
Introduction to Academic Skills course
Example Curriculum
- Intercultural Training - introduction (5:46)
- Acculturation & Intercultural Awareness (21:08)
- Applied Cultural Theories (14:44)
- Culture Process & Stereotypes (17:12)
- Developing Cross-Cultural Awareness (12:30)
- Hofstede Insights (26:37)
- Hand Gestures Around the World (8:05)
- International Case Studies (10:16)
- Global Mindset & SWOT (17:37)
- Final quiz - knowledge test
- Introduction (2:39)
- Academic Etiquette (12:06)
- Academic Integrity (17:41)
- Academic Writing (21:59)
- Building Vocabulary (5:39)
- Critical Thinking (10:20)
- Developing your argument (14:50)
- Effective Reading (16:37)
- Listening & Notetaking in Lectures (11:17)
- Presentation Skills (18:13)
- Working in groups (11:00)
- Final quiz
- Final words (0:27)
About the original programme
Global Scholar was developed from the Intercultural Transition Programme at the University of Lincoln, bringing together expertise in intercultural education and academic skills to support international students.
Alison and Caroline developed Global Scholar to make this preparation available online, enabling students to begin developing these skills before they arrive in the UK.
