New International Officer for students

Kolfinna Tómasdóttir is the new International Officer at the University of Iceland Student Council. The International Officer caters to the needs of international students; oversees the Student Council services for them, and facilitates their participation in the University community.  As such the International Officer represents international students in all aspects of their dealings at the University of Iceland.

Over six hundred international students began their studies at the University this autumn; 235 exchange students, and almost 400 degree students. A total of 1,300 international students are currently enrolled at the University. 

"Since this is the first time that a special representative is hired at the Student Council my role will be to shape the job better in collaboration with the president of the Student Council and the International Office. I intend to create a solid foundation for future International Officers based on the needs of international students," says Kolfinna. She says that monitoring the interests of international students and their dynamic social life will be the cornerstones of her work. The Student International Officer is thus among the first to greet them upon arrival in Iceland. 

The International Officer also works in collaboration with the International Office in providing international students with peer mentors from their fellow Icelandic students. The job also involves assisting the UI International Office in event planning for international students, such as orientation days and international days at the University of Iceland. The International Officer is a part of the office of the Student Council. 

"I believe that this new post will become an integral part of the experience and success of international students here at the University and I look forward to shaping the job. I will begin by looking in depth into the projects that concern international students with a view to creating a clear vision and strategy," says Kolfinna. She is determined to improve the mentoring system and lay a foundation for a dynamic social life that meets the needs of international students.

Kolfinna completed a BA degree in law from the University of Iceland last spring, and is currently working on her master’s degree in the same field as well as working on a diploma in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic.

Her office is located within the Student Council's office in the University Centre on the 3rd floor (HT336) and her office hours are on Wednesdays between 10-11 a.m. Students can also reach her via email; internationalcommittee@hi.is or by phone 5700850.