International students struggle to connect with lecturers at Edinburgh University
- International students at the University of Edinburgh face difficulty securing personal meetings with lecturers.
- Many students feel that class sizes negatively affect their educational experience.
- There is increasing pressure on the university to improve academic support for students paying high tuition fees.
International students at the University of Edinburgh, such as Oscar Lock from New York, have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of academic support they receive. Despite paying high tuition fees, students face difficulties in securing personal one-on-one meetings with their lecturers. Oscar, who is studying the history of art and Chinese, highlighted that the lecturers are indeed helpful; however, the challenge lies in the availability of their time for consultations. This has caused frustration among undergraduates, particularly in larger lecture halls where class sizes can be overwhelming. Many students, especially those from overseas, expect a certain level of individual attention given the significant financial investment they make in their education. With fees reaching as high as £20,000, the concern grows regarding the quality of educational support and the ability of international students to engage deeply with their studies. Class sizes at the university vary, with some classes being more manageable while others are quite crowded. This inconsistency in lecture sizes complicates the learning experience, where students can feel lost in a sea of peers, particularly in the more popular subjects. This has raised issues about the university's capacity to provide adequate educational support to its diverse and international student body. As the university continues to attract a global mix of students, the administration faces increasing pressure to address these concerns. The expectation is that universities should foster a supportive environment that encourages personal interaction between students and faculty, which is paramount for the academic success of undergraduates, particularly those navigating studies in a foreign country. Without this essential support structure, students may struggle to achieve their full potential academically and personally.