Congratulations to Emma Marku, Global & Cultural Leadership Development Programme Adviser in the Careers and Employability Service, who attended the #WeAreInternational awards on Wednesday 19 November as a finalist in the Staff of the Year Award.
The award, hosted by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) honours staff members who have shown outstanding dedication and support to international students. Emma was shortlisted for having gone above and beyond in her role, providing exceptional guidance, mentorship, and assistance to ensure the success and well-being of Kent’s international students. Throughout her career at Kent, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
WorldFest and Global Hangout series – both co-created with students – and the airport pick-up service for international students are just some of the initiatives Emma has been involved in co-ordinating. She is also a co-chair of the UUKi Internationalisation at Home (IaH) Working Group, and has been a driving force behind implementing the concept at Kent. This approach makes internationalisation more inclusive by creating opportunities for students to develop intercultural capabilities without the need to travel beyond where they live and study.
In January 2023, Emma implemented the International Student Advisory Board. This collaboration with Kent Students’ Union embodies the principle of UKCISA’s International Student Charter by helping to raise the international student voice and enhance their experience at Kent.
Emma has also contributed to the panel and selection for UKCISA’s student ambassador programme and champions experiential learning through her teaching with the Global Officers Leadership Development Programme, the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and other virtual exchanges.
This year, there were over 420 award nominations from 120 institutions, with 63 finalists shortlisted. Whilst Emma didn’t win the overall award, being a finalist signals her exceptional commitment to supporting the international student community at Kent.
Emma Marku said of the occasion: ‘It was an honour and privilege to be named a Finalist in a room with so many dedicated colleagues and students all working towards enhancing the student experience. I give thanks to the students I meet who continue to inspire and motivate me to continue the work that I do.’
