School of Education

From Research to Belonging: Building the International Student Stories Network

Building on over a decade of research, teaching and engagement with international students, I created the International Student Stories Network to translate research into meaningful community engagement. My research has consistently sought to move beyond deficit narratives by recognising international students’ strengths, agency and lived experiences (Wang et al., 2022). Supported by the University of Glasgow Chancellor’s Fund, the School of Education Research Directorate and the School of Education Student Experience Team, the initiative adopts an asset-based approach, creating opportunities for students to share stories of growth, friendship, resilience and belonging (Hayes & Wang, 2025). The Network’s launch storytelling event brought together 20 students from across the University, representing the School of Education, Adam Smith Business School, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, and the School of Molecular Biosciences. By bringing together students who would not normally meet through their programmes, the event created opportunities for intercultural dialogue, peer learning and community building across disciplinary boundaries.

 

Participant feedback demonstrated a clear impact on students’ sense of belonging, confidence and self-reflection. Ninety-five per cent of participants reported that the event strengthened their sense of belonging at the University, while 100% said they would recommend similar storytelling events to other international students. One participant described the event as “a turning point” that “gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities for growth.” Another reflected that listening to classmates’ stories helped them recognise “the strengths and excellence” of fellow international students, making them feel “more connected to the international student community and more confident about the path I have chosen.” Others commented that the event encouraged them to “take pride in what I’ve done so far”, appreciate opportunities they had previously taken for granted and embrace challenges that lead to personal growth. One participant remarked that the event made them feel that “finally we have an official belonging in the University as international students.” Students also expressed a strong desire for the initiative to continue, with one commenting, “I hope that we can have at least one more before we finish our course.” Several participants from other Schools suggested that similar storytelling events should be available across the University.

 

The project has continued beyond the event itself. Six postgraduate student volunteers and five paid student interns have contributed to organising activities, evaluating the project and developing its next phase, gaining valuable experience in public engagement, communication and project delivery. The School of Education featured the initiative on LinkedIn, while participants independently shared reflections through their own professional networks, extending the project’s reach and demonstrating students’ sense of ownership. The Network now continues through LinkedIn and Xiaohongshu (RED), while a practical storytelling toolkit is being co-developed with students to support similar initiatives across the University.

 

The International Student Stories Network demonstrates how over a decade of research can be transformed into sustainable knowledge exchange. By creating a university-wide community where international students become storytellers and knowledge creators, the project has strengthened belonging, amplified student voices and established an innovative model for research-informed engagement that can inform practice across the higher education sector.

 

References: 

Wang, S., Moskal, M., & Schweisfurth, M. (2022). The social practice of silence in intercultural classrooms at a UK university. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 52(4), 600-617.

Hayes, A., & Wang, S. (Eds.). (2025). International (-ised) Students in East and Southeast Asia: Towards a New Conceptualisation. Taylor & Francis.

Project outputs

Dissemination

Project support

  • Supported by the University of Glasgow Chancellor’s Fund.

Additional support from the School of Education Research Directorate and the School of Education Student Experience Team.

 

Group of staff and students standing in front of a lecture theatre

The International Student Stories Network