Little Black Book 2009-2010 - Cambridge University Students' Union

CUSU Little Black Book 2009 13International StudentsMy name is Mike, the CUSUInternational Chair (international-chair@cusu.cam.ac.uk). I am a third yeareconomist at Downing and I come fromChina. CUSU International’s objectiveis to represent international students,to create a platform where they caninteract with each other and withBritish students and to promote culturaldiversity and mutual understanding. Wehelp to improve the quality of life andwelfare for all international students, byproviding them with representation,services and by campaigning on theirbehalf. We also give support to theinternational societies and groups, toenable them to continually improvethe range of events they organise forinternational students.I think the most difficult problemfacing international students isinteraction with British students. Thiscan often be due to cultural differencesand language problems. CUSUinternational aims to break down thesebarriers. We arrange events, such asinternational formal dinners, foodfestivals, paintballing and garden partiesto promote cultural diversity and createa platform for both international andBritish students to interact. This year,we are hoping to introduce a CUSUInternational ‘family’ system, whichshould promote greater interaction.We also organise events and talks overfreshers’ week to provide internationalstudents with more detailed informationto enable them to settle in. Find theInternational Students’ Guide atwww.cusu.cam.ac.uk/publications