WiSH

Read a range of unique student stories, experiences, and articles! <\/span>

","css":null,"order":0,"json":{"image_type":"upload","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/"},"media":null,"story":null},{"id":286,"title":"What is a student ambassador in 2024?","status":"published","created_at":"2024-09-26T14:29:41.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"Article","action":"story","html":null,"css":null,"order":29,"json":{"image_type":"story","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/c735af5d-487b-45bb-ab40-a90f8bc8e886.png?tr=w-333,h-235"},"media":null,"story":{"id":68,"institution_id":1,"media_id":2796,"title":"What is a student ambassador in 2024?","slug":"what-is-a-student-ambassador-in-2024","html":"

Why is it becoming increasingly important to promote student voices in higher education? Because prospective students want to hear from real students and real faces so they can make an informed decision on where to study.<\/p>

Becoming a student ambassador requires you to promote your institution through student voice, in-person events, social media and university materials. You will be cultivating a sense of belonging, making real change, recruiting new freshers, and communicating your experiences on an international scope.<\/p>

\r\nWhy are student ambassadors important?<\/strong><\/h3>
Student ambassadors build community and trust for an institution. You have the chance to make a real difference. There was a time when going to university, especially as an international student, was like being thrown into the deep end. But now, with university ambassadors and new technologies, prospective students are able to ask all the important questions to a friendly face, who has experienced it all before. Which is a huge advantage.<\/p>
Student ambassadors help to assist new and current students, including those who are coming abroad through study abroad or exchange programmes, helping them to feel comfortable and settled in a university environment.<\/p>
Student ambassadors are relatable faces with more authentic voices, which works a lot better than the standard marketing materials that are usually produced by universities.<\/p>
Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Student Ambassador<\/strong>\r\n<\/h3>
Student ambassadors are likely to take part in:<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>

Helping new students settle in \r\n<\/li>

Campus tours <\/li>

Social media presence <\/li>

Networking events <\/li>

Open days <\/li>

Testimonials on sites, such as WiSH<\/a> <\/li>

Student staff forums <\/li>

Online chat services <\/li>

General university feedback<\/li><\/ul>
What Makes a Good Student Ambassador?<\/strong><\/h3>
You will need the following skills:<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>

Confidence <\/li>

A positive outlook about the university <\/li>

Be a good role model for prospective students <\/li>

Reliable and good at time management <\/li>

Good communication skills <\/li>

Proficient understanding of social media platforms <\/li>

An interest in improving and promoting the student experience<\/li><\/ul>\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>The Impact of Technology on Student Ambassador Programs<\/strong><\/h3>Advancements in technology have transformed the ability to access student testimonials, with a range of student ambassador platforms available on the web, such as Unibuddy<\/a>, WiSH<\/a> and The Student Room<\/a>. These platforms help to increase engagement and communication between current and prospective students. Higher education institutions should utilise these platforms in their marketing strategies in order to stay up to date with the latest trends, and to promote student engagement. Promoting student voice across a variety of platforms is a great way to get the word out about your institution.<\/p>
The Importance of Inclusivity in Student Ambassador Programs<\/strong><\/h3>The main point of recruiting student ambassadors is so that prospective students can interact with people who are like them or who are from their home country. It is so important to have a diverse group of student ambassadors, in terms of home country but also of course. This can help aid with international student recruitment, as students today respond well to personal stories and authentic experiences, even when it comes to education marketing. \u2019More than half (57%) of surveyed students said that online conversations with student ambassadors were the most helpful resource for them when they were considering which university to apply to.'<\/a> Showing that students feeling comfortable and represented is more likely to influence their decision.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
It is so important to showcase diversity within your student community, for example on platforms such as WiSH, universities can house a variety of their student testimonials in one place, as shown with this example for London Metropolitan University.<\/a> WiSH works as a platform to promote student voice, so that prospective students can read real life testimonials before the application stage. Many of our testimonials are taken from student ambassadors, and studies<\/a> show that students like to make decisions based on other students' honesty.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Future Trends in Student Ambassador Programs<\/strong>\r\n<\/h3>
Student ambassador programmes are ever changing and ever developing as the influence of Gen Alpha grows. Utilising social media platforms, such as TikTok in marketing and recruitment strategy is needed now more than ever, as to stay relatable to these new audiences.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
How to Become a Student Ambassador<\/strong>\r\n<\/h3>
Becoming a student ambassador is usually a simple process, which starts with the university recruiting and training students. Get in touch with your personal tutor at university or current student ambassadors to find out more!<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Conclusion<\/strong>\r\n<\/h3>
We have defined what a student ambassador is and how student ambassadors bring value to an institution. To conclude, here is a summary of the main areas that ambassadors bring value to:\r\n<\/p>
Student voice <\/strong>- Student ambassadors play a crucial role not only in enhancing recruitment efforts but also in building a sense of community and giving the institution a strong voice.\r\n<\/p>
Recruitment<\/strong> - student ambassadors offer a genuine perspective that helps potential students feel more connected to the idea of studying at that particular institution.\r\n<\/p>
Community<\/strong> - student ambassadors build a strong sense of community and friendship within the university, which helps with a sense of belonging.<\/p>

<\/p>","author":"Imogen Hill","css":null,"status":"published","tagged":{"countries_to":["none"],"countries_from":["none"],"subjects":["all"],"levels":["all"]},"data":null,"affects_count":0,"created_at":"2024-09-26T14:20:21.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-11-08T13:08:32.000000Z","pivot":{"branding_block_id":286,"story_id":68},"media":{"id":2796,"filename":"Test 7.png","path":"stories\/c735af5d-487b-45bb-ab40-a90f8bc8e886.png","type":"img","alt":null,"default_size":null,"description":null,"created_at":"2024-10-22T13:37:57.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-10-22T13:37:57.000000Z"},"seo":{"id":58,"institution_id":null,"coming_from":null,"going_to":null,"subject_id":null,"level_id":null,"story_id":68,"full_url":"stories\/what-is-a-student-ambassador-in-2024","canonical_url":"9924f4bb-a4dc-3e9c-a35b-c2e9c4ede45c","meta_title":"What is a student ambassador in 2024?","meta_description":"Why is it becoming increasingly important to promote student voices in higher education? Because prospective students want to hear from real students and real faces so they can make an informed decision on where to study.Becoming a student ambassador requires you to promote your institutio","page_intro":null,"created_at":"2024-09-26T23:00:00.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-31T00:00:07.000000Z"}}},{"id":57,"title":"Culture shock - How to Handle It","status":"published","created_at":"2024-04-11T10:28:35.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"Article","action":"story","html":"How to handle culture shock when moving to a new country","css":null,"order":30,"json":{"image_type":"story","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/35b7f7f7-5569-4f3a-a4a6-a4c3063d6380.jpg?tr=w-333,h-235"},"media":null,"story":{"id":34,"institution_id":1,"media_id":2790,"title":"Culture shock - How to handle it","slug":"culture-shock-how-to-handle-it","html":"
How to handle culture shock when moving to a new country<\/strong><\/h3>
\r\n<\/p>
There is a very predictable pattern in the lives of all first-year and transfer students domestic or international. When you first hit your new campus, everything is so new, exciting, charming, and fun.\r\n\r\n<\/p>
There are orientation activities, mixers, parties, events, and activities meant to get students out, meeting each other, and getting to know the campus. We call this the \u201choneymoon stage\u201d of culture shock. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nYou feel very much like the tourist, enjoying all your new environs have to offer. But then one day you wake up with a mind shift.<\/p>
The \u201cFight or Flight\u201d Stage<\/strong><\/h3>
\r\n<\/p>
Suddenly everything and everybody seems so materialistic, shallow, ethnocentric, bigoted, and the list goes on and on. You may find yourself being extremely judgmental and critical of your host country, the culture, and the people around you.\r\n<\/p>
\r\n You may think your domestic peers eat too much of all the wrong foods, are too loud, or are too nosey. You are missing your home, your country, your culture, your friends and family, and your lifestyle in general. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nThis is the crisis stage of culture shock. You are feeling overwhelmed by all the changes you have to deal with and your minority status may be making you feel marginalized. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nCommon reactions to this crisis stage are what give it the nickname of the \u201cFight or Flight\u201d stage.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
This is when students resist adjustment and want to return to their home country and old friends. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nMany students begin to feel they have made a mistake and start thinking about leaving or transferring. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nYou may become angry and start mocking your host country culture, something which can be very dangerous. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nYou may become terribly unhappy \u2013 even depressed \u2013 and as a result, you just want to escape and withdraw from it all. You may end up self-isolating, avoiding others, or refusing invitations, all of which can lead to loneliness and despair.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Other signs and symptoms of culture shock can include paranoia, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, boredom, or confusion. It is not uncommon to have frequent complaints of physical ailments or sleep disturbances.\r\n<\/p>
\r\n Sometimes the student health services will take notice of frequent visits for health complaints and suggest students make an appointment with the student mental health services or a counsellor to talk about culture shock and adjustment issues. Don\u2019t be afraid to make use of these services!<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
\u201cI really miss home\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>
\r\n<\/p>
Homesickness is best described as a longing or an aching for the familiar things from home. It doesn\u2019t necessarily mean missing your parents, friends or other tangible things, but instead, you associate home with feelings such as love, affirmation, and security.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Homesickness is tough to avoid \u2013 not just for international students but all students. Many domestic students are also far away from home, maybe for the first time. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nHomesickness is an expression of grief. You are grieving over all the things you have left behind \u2013 losses. Domestic students share many of the same losses that you do \u2013 home, family, friends, routines, and way of life.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Not everyone will necessarily experience homesickness, but for those who do, it will manifest itself in different ways for different people. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nFor some, it will be preoccupying thoughts of home. For others, it may be frequent phone calls home or feelings of anxiety or discomfort. For most people, it is manifested in a good cry and generally feeling blue.<\/p>
How to beat homesickness<\/strong><\/h3>
\r\n<\/h3>

Plan a time when you don\u2019t have to be anywhere for a while. \r\n<\/li>

Put your favourite music on. \r\n<\/li>

Look at your pictures from home, scrapbooks, or school yearbooks. \r\n<\/li>

Have a good cry.<\/li><\/ul>
\r\n<\/p>
Once you\u2019ve done that, perhaps get on the internet and chat with your old friends and see what they are up to, or call home and have a nice, long talk with your family\u2026then go cry again. It\u2019s okay to give in to homesickness and do it right rather than trying to beat it back and be on the losing end of things. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nBy allowing yourself to openly grieve, you are validating all the joy and good things from home; they are worth being sad over. Then take a deep breath and move on.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Overwhelming homesickness may come back a few more times and you can give in to it again, but if it hangs around without letting go despite your efforts to deal with it, then think about talking with someone who can help, whether it is an upper-class student, an advisor, a friend, a coach, a professor, or a counsellor. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nYou are not alone and people are happy to be helpful to students at this difficult stage.<\/p>
How to shake the blues<\/strong><\/p>
\r\n<\/h3>

Engage in activities that bring you joy. <\/li>

Look for volunteer opportunities such as community service projects. \r\n<\/li>

Get your mind off things by going to a comedy film or out with new friends. \r\n<\/li>

Push yourself to go out and socialize even if you don\u2019t feel like it. It usually turns out to be a better time than you thought.\r\n<\/li>

Do something nice for someone else. <\/li>

Try identifying all the good that has come from this change in your life.\r\n<\/li><\/ul>
\r\n<\/p>
Along with the losses of what you have left behind is a realm of gains. What are some of the positive things that have come out of this experience?\r\n<\/p>
\r\n You may be missing your old friends, but you are making new ones, seeing new places, and having some exciting new experiences. Don\u2019t give up. You will get through it.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Eventually, and this can be weeks or months depending on the individual student, negativities begin to melt away and you begin to see the value in both your new home and the place where you have come from. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nThere may still be much you don\u2019t care for in this new place, but you can now sort out things you were not so fond of at home either. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nYour perspective is changing. You are balancing your experiences. You begin to relax and develop some routines that help bring structure and propel you forward.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
The good news is that research by the Interchange Institute has shown that people who have received training before making an international relocation have easier adjustments. \r\n<\/p>
\r\nSo just knowing that this list of chaotic emotions is not only normal, but it is expected and temporary will help you remember you are not going crazy, you are simply going through culture shock. \r\n<\/p>
\r\n Special thanks to Tina L. Quick for providing us with this article. Tina is the author of two extraordinary books dedicated to international students going to study in America: Survive and Thrive: The International Student\u2019s Guide to Succeeding in the U.S. and The Global Nomad\u2019s Guide to University Transition.<\/em><\/p>","author":"Imogen Hill","css":null,"status":"published","tagged":{"countries_to":["none"],"countries_from":["none"],"subjects":["all"],"levels":["all"]},"data":null,"affects_count":0,"created_at":"2024-04-10T09:47:27.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-11-07T17:07:46.000000Z","pivot":{"branding_block_id":57,"story_id":34},"media":{"id":2790,"filename":"Test 6.jpg","path":"stories\/35b7f7f7-5569-4f3a-a4a6-a4c3063d6380.jpg","type":"img","alt":null,"default_size":null,"description":null,"created_at":"2024-10-22T13:05:14.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-10-22T13:05:14.000000Z"},"seo":{"id":29,"institution_id":null,"coming_from":null,"going_to":null,"subject_id":null,"level_id":null,"story_id":34,"full_url":"stories\/culture-shock-how-to-handle-it","canonical_url":"f937a12a-c8bd-3fa4-854c-c8e6472011f9","meta_title":"Culture shock - How to handle it","meta_description":"How to handle culture shock when moving to a new country There is a very predictable pattern in the lives of all first-year and transfer students domestic or international. When you first hit your new campus, everything is so new, exciting, charming, and fun. There are orientation activiti","page_intro":null,"created_at":"2024-07-29T23:00:00.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-31T00:00:06.000000Z"}}},{"id":276,"title":"How to Write a Personal Statement Letter","status":"published","created_at":"2024-07-30T15:11:33.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"Article","action":"story","html":null,"css":null,"order":34,"json":{"image_type":"story","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/aa6a64f0-e5fd-4883-a3a8-8c9933169ee3.jpg?tr=w-333,h-235"},"media":null,"story":{"id":63,"institution_id":1,"media_id":2816,"title":"How to Write a Personal Statement Letter","slug":"how-to-write-a-personal-statement-letter","html":"
For everything you write, ask yourself the question \u201cso what?\u201d For most applications you will have very little space to prove yourself, so make sure that everything you present is important, and that its importance is clearly articulated.<\/p>

Be specific. You need to be able to answer: Why YOU? and why HERE?<\/li>

Be careful with the use of AI, you can use it for inspiration, but it is not recommended to use it to write with.<\/li>

Limitations are important. DON\u2019T go over page or word limits.<\/li>

REVISE. REVISE. REVISE. Make sure you ask other people to read and critique the statement. This will improve it, and may clarify it in your own mind. <\/li><\/ul>
Sample Structure (with guide questions!)<\/strong><\/h3>
\r\n<\/p>
Paragraph 1:<\/strong> State your own personal desire to study in your particular field. BE SPECIFIC. What is it that you are doing and why do you want to do it?\r\n\r\n<\/p>
Paragraph 2:<\/strong> Which specific degree or programme do you want to do, and why do you want to do that particular programme? What characteristics of it appeal to you? Why is this an ideal programme for you and your current position?\r\n\r\n<\/p>
Paragraph 3: <\/strong>Why do you want to do it at this particular institution? Are there specific teachers\/resources that make that institution the best place to study?<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Paragraph 4: <\/strong>What will you do if (when) accepted and why? Outline your intentions and what you hope to (will) achieve.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Paragraphs 5 and 6: <\/strong>Provide some background and personal history as evidence of why you would be a good candidate. What have you done in the past to suggest that you will be a good investment in the future? Prove that you are ready for this opportunity now.<\/p>
\r\n<\/p>
Conclusion:<\/strong> Be convinced and convincing. This is a final chance to say why you want to do what you want to do, but in a bigger picture. Where will it lead? Why is it important to you, and others? Leave them in no doubt that they have to interview you.<\/p>
\r\n\r\n<\/p>

<\/p>","author":"Imogen Hill","css":null,"status":"published","tagged":{"countries_to":["none"],"countries_from":["none"],"subjects":["all"],"levels":["all"]},"data":null,"affects_count":0,"created_at":"2024-07-30T15:06:44.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-11-08T12:54:13.000000Z","pivot":{"branding_block_id":276,"story_id":63},"media":{"id":2816,"filename":"Personal Statement.jpg","path":"stories\/aa6a64f0-e5fd-4883-a3a8-8c9933169ee3.jpg","type":"img","alt":null,"default_size":null,"description":null,"created_at":"2024-10-22T13:53:27.000000Z","updated_at":"2024-10-22T13:53:27.000000Z"},"seo":{"id":53,"institution_id":null,"coming_from":null,"going_to":null,"subject_id":null,"level_id":null,"story_id":63,"full_url":"stories\/how-to-write-a-personal-statement-letter","canonical_url":"231930fe-6ed3-392d-b2c7-0306ce3cb3ca","meta_title":"How to Write a Personal Statement Letter","meta_description":"For everything you write, ask yourself the question \u201cso what?\u201d For most applications you will have very little space to prove yourself, so make sure that everything you present is important, and that its importance is clearly articulated.Be specific. You need to be able to answer: Why ","page_intro":null,"created_at":"2024-07-30T23:00:00.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-31T00:00:07.000000Z"}}},{"id":54,"title":"Latest Institutions","status":"published","created_at":"2024-04-11T08:52:39.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"TitleBlock","action":null,"html":null,"css":null,"order":36,"json":{"image_type":"upload","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/"},"media":null,"story":null},{"id":55,"title":"Griffith university","status":"published","created_at":"2024-04-11T08:54:14.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"SmallBlock","action":"internal","html":null,"css":null,"order":37,"json":{"image_type":"upload","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/e4f00880-9edb-4373-afae-44707e6bb8fd.jpg","internal":{"title":"Griffith University","slug":"institution-griffith-university"}},"media":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/e4f00880-9edb-4373-afae-44707e6bb8fd.jpg","story":null},{"id":53,"title":"Curtin University","status":"published","created_at":"2024-04-11T08:51:13.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"SmallBlock","action":"internal","html":null,"css":null,"order":38,"json":{"image_type":"upload","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/03b70886-f9ab-47e5-a237-212289df3fa1.jpg","internal":{"title":"Curtin University","slug":"institution-curtin-university"}},"media":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/stories\/03b70886-f9ab-47e5-a237-212289df3fa1.jpg","story":null},{"id":71,"title":"About Us","status":"published","created_at":"2024-05-08T10:45:20.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-09T11:59:28.000000Z","template":"Button","action":"external","html":null,"css":null,"order":39,"json":{"image_type":"upload","image":"https:\/\/ik.imagekit.io\/eduKudu\/wsh\/","external":"https:\/\/edukudu.com\/about-us\/"},"media":null,"story":null}],"stories":[],"qr_code":" \n