A SURVEY of students at universities in Britain and worldwide has ranked the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) top in Britain for the quality of its international student experience.

The latest International Student Barometer (ISB2010) survey results showed that UWIC's international students rated UWIC top overall in Britain and sixth worldwide, based on the average scores of the four areas assessed; learning, living, support and arrival.

Dr Mohamed Loutfi, Dean of International Development said: "It is undoubtedly challenging to be ranked first, but I see it as a pleasant challenge to build on this success and to continue to grow and improve in all areas of our services."

Over 500 students from all five of UWIC's academic schools completed the satisfaction survey with representatives from India, Pakistan, Brunei, Oman, China, and Saudi Arabia making up the largest national groups.

UWIC ranked top of ALL participating universities worldwide in the following areas;

• 1st - Good teachers
• 1st - Quality lectures
• 1st - Worship or prayer facilities
• 1st - Faith provision
• 2nd (1st in UK) - Immigration and visa advice offered by UWIC
• 2nd (1st in UK) - Counselling services offered by UWIC
• 2nd (1st in UK) - Accommodation welfare
  UWIC also ranked top of all UK universities in the following areas;
• 1st - General services and support provided by UWIC's International Office
• 1st - IT support provided by UWIC
• 1st - Eco-friendly attitude
• 2nd (1st in University Alliance) - opportunities to make good contacts
• 2nd (1st in University Alliance) - university orientation
• 3rd - Learning spaces
• 3rd - Virtual learning
• 3rd - Financial support services offered by UWIC
• 3rd - Cost of accommodation (university and private accommodation)

The survey also reported that UWIC's international students, on average, would be more likely than students at other universities to encourage friends and family from home to apply to study at UWIC, demonstrating UWIC's success in delivering high quality education and services to its international students.

Students praised the quality of teaching, and academic support, UWIC facilities as well as the range of services offered by the International Office.

• "The lecturers make you aware that they are available to give you help should you need it. Notes and handouts are put on blackboard for us to be able to refer back to our lectures. If anyone wanted to go on to study my course I would advise them to come here as there are experienced lecturers who know how to relate to their students."

Dr. Mohamed Loutfi, Dean of International Development UWIC	Dr Lisa Davies Deputy Head of the International Office Country Manager - India, Sri Lanka, Oman, Hong Kong and Canada

• "My overall experience at UWIC has been very good. I would encourage others to come to UWIC based on my learning experience. I find the lecturers to be very knowledgeable in the subject areas. They have been approachable and quite helpful. That means a lot to a person thousands of miles from home."
• "The International Office at UWIC is doing an excellent job and are really helpful with the international students who are new to campus and country. Hats off!!"

Conducted by I-Graduate, which is an independent research service specialising in the international education market, the survey is now the largest study of international students in the world and has been adopted by universities in Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Europe and the USA and attracts feedback from over 400,000 students.

Dr. Lisa Davis from UWIC will be in Sri Lanka from May 25 to 29, conducting a series of seminars and spot admission sessions for those who are interested in studying at UWIC in September 2011. Appointments and seminar seat reservations can be done at UWIC representative office in Sri Lanka at 502A, R.A.De Mel Mawatha (opposite British Council) Colombo 3, or by telephone 4 362 525, 0773 403 170 (Seon)