Bringing the best out of the students by providing the perfect environment to grow and prosper

Ms. Shweta Jain is the Regional Manager for South Asia at Swansea University. Having spent a considerable amount of time in developing students via counseling them and guiding them she has been an integral part of the education sector. In this interview, she describes her roles and responsibilities towards students and highlights the difference the UK education system has from that of India. Also, how the campuses are vibrant and cater to students and staff from various countries. Thereon, she describes how the university has received numerous accolades from and ranks among the top to be a clear choice for the students. In the later segments, she highlights the challenges during the pandemic situation and how the university is coming up with the best possible solution by keeping health and safety a top priority.

The responsibilities include counseling and guiding the students to help them understand the programs offered by the university

I am the regional manager for South Asia at Swansea University. I undertake the responsibilities to recruit the students guide them and counsel them regarding the programs which are offered by Swansea University. Having spent 18 years in the domain of student recruitment and over 14 years in the counseling sector, I feel I belong truly in the education sector. I feel proud to be a part of the industry for which I have eternal gratitude and penchant for the same.

The education system in the UK puts a lot of emphasis on practice-based education rather than theory

The Education system in the UK completely differs from that of the Indian education system. Here, it is practice-based as compared to theory-based education systems in India. The UK focusses on application-based teaching and learning which helps students gain practical, real-world knowledge and experience. It also puts a lot of emphasis on self-study and a variety of learning material, which helps students widen their approach and understanding of a subject.

Our campuses are vibrant and diverse with staff and students from over different countries

The University has an international reach with staff, students, partnerships, and research links stretching across the globe. We have strong community support and our students are the biggest ambassadors for the same. Our campuses are vibrant and diverse with staff and students from over 130 different countries making up our friendly community.

The prestigious reputation for high-quality student support at Swansea reflects at top levels

The prestigious reputation for high-quality student support at Swansea reflects at the top levels. Also, the level of satisfaction with career opportunities, academic support, sporting, and cultural facilities, and recognition of international academic excellence signifies that we are the best choice for students. With an office based in Delhi, Swansea University has a constant presence with staff frequently visiting to meet and counsel students from South Asia regarding study opportunities available at the university.

We place our students at the heart of everything

Swansea University ranks in Top 30 UK universities. The university is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. Our diverse and welcoming community thrives on exploration and discovery, with a balance of excellent teaching and research, alongside a superb quality of life.

Also, we have been named the University of the Year in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for the second time in five years. Now in its sixth year, the Whatuni Student Choice Awards are voted for entirely by students, with more than 41,000 reviews and comments submitted from more than 160 UK institutions. We are also ranked in the UK Top 10 for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey for 2019. The numerous accolades received by the university is a justification for why a student wants to be a part of us.

We place our students at the heart of everything. As a result, we achieved a gold rating, the highest rating possible, in the national Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF). Swansea is also ranked joint 5th alongside Cambridge University for the proportion of students achieving graduate-level employment or further study six months after graduating.

We have a dedicated department to prepare students for placements and employment opportunities

Swansea University is ranked top 5 in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University League Table 2020). We have a dedicated career and employability department called Swansea Employability Academy to help students with career advice and employment opportunities. SEA has been shortlisted for What Uni Student Choice Awards 2019 for Graduate Job Prospects and THE University of the Year 2018 for our work as an Employability Intensive Institution.

Students will have the opportunity to engage with industry, take on placement opportunities, and work experience so that they are fully equipped for the world of work when they complete their studies with us. In partnership with the Students Union, the academy offers funding for clubs and societies to create and host events that engage students with employers and alumni. This has led to 39 student-led employability events ranging from launch events, specialists, and guest speakers to advise students, networking conferences, networking dinners, collaboration events, business pitching events, career advice events, visits to industry, and skills development events. 

We are taking precautionary measures and steps to ensure the wellbeing of everyone

The health and wellbeing of the Swansea University community and wider communities within which we sit must be the primary concern for all of us at this time. We are taking measures as a precautionary step in order to minimize the risk of Coronavirus incidents on our campuses. Due to concerns around Covid-19, the University has taken the decision to suspend all face to face teaching delivered via lectures and seminars to students on all courses with the exception of professional programs. We have ensured that appropriate learning material and resources are available online to support students with continuing their studies. We are working very closely with our academic community to ensure that all the students can continue with their studies, undertake appropriate assessments, and ultimately progress to the next stage of their University career.

The planning and execution of re-opening the institute will be in accordance with keeping the safety and health a top priority

We have a great plan that we will bring in existence. The University will be open soon and will be ready for the start of the new academic year, i.e, September 2020 and Jan 2021. This time will be prominent for us and therefore we will be executing the plan by keeping the health, safety, and support to our students a top priority.

Also, we are shaping our delivery to ensure that all students - whether in Swansea or elsewhere in the world, join us a little later in the academic year, will be fully part of our community.

All programs of study will be delivered in a dual way combining both online and face to face teaching as appropriate. We will make sure of the following deliverables are reached: 

• Face to face teaching will be delivered in a blended format with no large lectures, to begin with.
• We will deliver online enrolment, induction, and a welcome week in September and January.
• University accommodation will be available as normal with appropriate social distancing measures in place.
• We will assist and support international students, should the UK have quarantine controls in place at the time of their arrival.