International students in the University of Professional Studies, Accra were, on Friday, April 22, 2022 treated to a meet-and-mingle session by the Management of the University.
The cocktail meet-up was organized to enhance the collegiate experience of the international students while offering a congenial environment for both Management and students to interact and discuss issues affecting the welfare of the international student community.
In a brief welcome address, the Director of the UPSA International Centre for Education and Collaboration, Prof Abigail Opoku Mensah said the meeting will also offer the two groups the opportunity to discuss academic progress of the students as well as offer counsel on some personal issues regarding their safety, social relationship and integration, residency documentation among others.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abednego F. O. Amartey officially welcomed the students into the university community and congratulated them on their successful admission.
He said the university community was proud to increase its international student population for the 2021/2022 academic year with the admission of 18 fresh foreign students from eight West African countries.
He asked them to feel at home and take advantage of the numerous opportunities and resources at their disposal.
“We’re privileged to have you here and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of UPSA while here and, most importantly, back in your home countries,” he said.
“Feel free to enjoy your stay on campus. Management [of the University] on the other hand will do everything within our means to make your academic journey memorable and worthwhile.”
For his part, the director of finance, Mr. Nicholas Adjei advised the students to stay away from unscrupulous persons who may come their way posing as middle-men and offering to give them all sort of assistance.
He encouraged them to always consult the Centre for International Education and Collaboration for the relevant information on their fees, accommodation and to check their personal movements in and around the campus.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Barnor said university graduates thrive in cultural diversity and management is committed to enriching their internationalisation experience to give them a competitive edge.
He disclosed that special arrangements have also been put in place by the University to assist international students, especially those with academic difficulties as a result of the language barrier.