Global Engagement at University of Kent

Kent students at Global Hangout event

Global Engagement

Kent's international links allow staff and students to enhance their experience through contact with different countries, cultures and experiences.

The University of Kent has long-standing partnerships and collaborative links covering teaching or research with a large number of prestigious Higher Education Institutions across the globe. Visits to partners provide opportunities to exchange ideas and good practice and gain insights into the HE/business culture in other countries.

Many students studying at Kent undertake international placements or other academic activities throughout the EU, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and both North and South America. There are also a number of projects providing on-campus and digital activities for students to engage with internationalisation.

Global Impact

The University of Kent's strong global impact is based on our external networks, partnerships with leading universities in Europe and around the world, and our staff, students and alumni. Our key strengths stem from the activities listed below:

  • Strategic international relationships
  • Partnerships and exchanges with over 350 universities around the world
  • International networks
  • Engagement with international funding programmes 
  • Academic programmes with student placements
  • International double awards
  • Internationalisation and research
  • International student experience
  • Internationalisation at Home activities   
  • Internationalisation of the Curriculum
  • Scholarships for top international students
  • International alumni groups and networks
  • Staff from around the world
  • European centres
  • European Commission award 

Quotation

Hear from our students

Kent students talk about 'Going Abroad' as part of their studies at Kent.

Visit our go abroad page for more testimonials of Kent students experiences studying or working abroad.

More stories

Quotation

Thank you for this opportunity to meet people who I otherwise wouldn’t have and to enjoy lots of lovely food! I have been studying for days for an exam and this evening was exactly what I needed. The staff were great and the music was very relaxing

THE GOLD PROGRAMME

The Global Officers' Leadership Development (GOLD) programme provides opportunity for undergraduate students to develop their leadership skills, Global Citizenship and cultural awareness.

What is the GOLD programme

Each year the Director and Dean for Global and Lifelong Learning, Dr Anthony Manning, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to apply to take part in a specially designed leadership development programme and become a student Global Officer at Kent. 

Make a difference on your campus

At the University of Kent, we hope all students will engage with internationalisation opportunities on campus and pursue the mind-set that we can all be Global Citizens. The GOLD Programme is an opportunity to enhance that citizenship. As a co-curricular venture, it provides a framework of activities for globally-minded undergraduate student to develop their leadership skills, Global Citizenship and cultural awareness. Students on the Programme will work with the Dean and other colleagues across the University to support and advise on the range of internationalisation projects, activities and event.

Make GOLD a 'wild' module on your course

As well as completing it as a co-curricular activity, the GOLD programme can also be taken as a credit-bearing 'wild' module (GOLD 5000). Speak to your academic school to find out if your programme permits this. 

Meet our Global Officers

Representing a range of culture, academic discipline and personal interests, we are delighted to showcase our current cohort of Global Officers

Become a Global Officer!

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students at any stage of their studies.
  • Person criteria: Committed; Enthusiastic; Friendly; Reliable; Organised; Professional
  • Programme outline: To understand full breakdown of programme components, please read the programme outline before applying 

Applications for 2023/24 are open!

We are currently recruiting for Global Officers for 2023/24. Find out more here.

Applications are open until 9am on 11 October 2023.   

Global Hangouts are free global networking events arranged throughout the academic year. With a fun and relaxed atmosphere, each hangout includes interactive activities, refreshments, music and entertainment. Tickets are free and open to ALL students.

Global Hangouts

Hosted on campus, Global Hangouts are open to Kent students from all campuses to attend throughout the year. Sign-up to our mailing list here to receive updates on Global Hangout events! 

Kent Global Events

World Cafe at Medway

The Medway World Cafe is open to ALL students at the Medway Campus. This is a great place to relax away from your study, meet and make friends, play games and enjoy free tea/coffee and cake.

Where: Student Centre circulation area, Blake building on Wednesdays (12-2pm)

TABLEtalk

A place of community and belonging. A social, fun, interactive discussion night.  The perfect opportunity to make new friends, improve your English language, learn about British culture, and enhance your cross-cultural understanding.

Where: Oasis Lounge, Rochester Building, Medway campus, on Thursday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm 

No need to sign up, just turn up!

Read what students have said about TABLEtalk

TABLEtalk has been running since 2004 and in that time we have welcomed students from over 80 different nationalities.  

WORLDFEST BITESIZE FUND

Funding to support student-led national or cultural events and celebrations

What is the Worldfest Bitesize Fund?

Co-funded by Global and Lifelong Learning and Student Services, the Worldfest Bitesize Fund has been established to enable University of Kent students to apply for a financial award of up to £250 to help run a multicultural event. 

Examples of past events and celebrations we have supported include Diwali, Chinese New Year, Thanksgiving, Kent African Summit, Newroz, Holi, African Evening Gala, Discover Islam, Japanese Cultural Festival, Asian Fusion and a Thai Festival. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the date of the event.    

Eligibility

  • Applications must be submitted in advance of your event. We will not reimburse events that happened in the past.  
  • Applicants must be enrolled students at the University of Kent. 
  • Applications must benefit as wide a part of the University of Kent community as possible. Claims which solely benefit an individual cannot be considered.  
  • To be eligible, the event must take place in the current academic year.  
  • The event has to be multicultural and any marketing materials must include the Worldfest Bitesize Logo

Application Procedure

  • Students should download and complete the Worldfest Bitesize Fund application form (below).  
  • The form should explain how the event or activity will foster multicultural learning and community-building within and across the University as well as measures taken to ensure, and measure the success of the event. 
  • The application should be emailed to deangloballifelong@kent.ac.uk and include ‘Worldfest Bitesize Fund Application’ in the subject line.  


Any questions about the fund please contact us