The International Committee hosted a workshop on the challenges of international students on February 12th, 2024 during the EU Equality Days. The workshop focused on challenges faced by international students in Iceland, and how to improve these challenges in order to ensure equality.

 

The workshop had a total of 15 participants who were asked to discuss issues they have encountered at the university or as a part of student life.  A vast number of issues were discussed and will lead the way forward for the International Committee during the remainder of the year as well as for future committee members alike. 

 

The most discussed issues were issues with immigration, highlighting the difficulty of applying for residence and work permits as well as the yearly renewal process required for most permits. This is in line with the current work of the Committee to uncover experiences of international students from outside EU/EEA with applying for work permits in Iceland. The Committee plans on publishing a summary of their findings regarding this and recommendations to the Icelandic government in the hope to provoke systemic change. 

 

Other key areas were a general lack of information about university services and life in Iceland, Icelandic authourities, etc. There was also a general consensus that more and better resources are needed for career and guidance counseling, specifically targeted towards international students. 

 

The International Committee wants to thank all the participants in the workshop and encourage all UI international students to reach out to us with issues you would like us to consider.