Alma Ágústsdóttir is the new international relations officer of the University of Iceland Student Council, and Emily Helga Rise's successor. This is the third time the post is filled; but the hire is for a year at a time. 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. The International Officer thus represents international students in all their dealings at the University of Iceland, as well as representing the Student Council in the Aurora Cooperation.
"I believe it necessary to make the University community more accessible for international students. Students from all over the world are currently studying here; both as exchange students and as degree students and we need to cater better to the needs of this group, both academically and socially," says Alma. She wants to emphasise facilitating the integration and adjustment for international students to both the University community and Icelandic society.
The University must be in tune with social developments
"The University of Iceland is recognised internationally as a progressive educational institution offering diverse academic programmes; appealing to a diverse group of students.
Society's demands change with increased globalisation and increased internationalisation at the University is a necessary development that I look forward to working towards," says Alma.
She says that the University of Iceland is the flagship of higher education in Iceland and that it has served Icelanders well for 110 years. As Icelandic society changes, evolves and becomes more international, in part due to the increased number of immigrants and refugees of foreign origin, the definition of what it means to be Icelandic has changed significantly. She says it is thus vital that the University, which has always been active in international collaboration, changes in line with this. She says that the University of Iceland is the flagship of higher education in Iceland and that it has served Icelanders well for 110 years. As Icelandic society changes, evolves and becomes more international, in part due to the increased number of immigrants and refugees of foreign origin, the definition of what it means to be Icelandic has changed significantly. She says it is thus vital that the University, which has always been active in international collaboration, changes in line with this. In the next few years I hope to see a university that offers a wider selection of education for people with a varying grasp of Icelandic.
Aurora empowers students
The University Council's international relations officer is extremely active in the Aurora Cooperation and the division of estate meeting approaches with new and interesting projects. "The 21st century is characterised by technical changes that call for societal changes. The pandemic has, furthermore, drastically changed teaching methods which has affected academic life at the University. The Aurora Cooperation provides students with an opportunity to develop professional competence and gain practical experience different from that of the traditional classroom."
She adds that experience of international affairs is an invaluable foundation for students that will prove useful in their careers no matter the platform.
"The Aurora Cooperation is also an important channel to bring about real change for students in their own studies and to be heard. Participation in Aurora adds to the students' expertise creating a stronger self-image derived from the experience that their contribution is valued."
It is important that universities progress in line with technology and take different needs into consideration
On the future of European universities Alma hopes that they will listen to their students' voices who are calling for changes in line with technology, that they will realise that students' needs differ and offer diverse teaching methods, and thus as comprehensive and colourful education as possible. Innovation on this calibre can meet students' demands and be a useful tool for the University to modernise teaching methods. Education in this vein would, furthermore, provide students with more practical tools in their careers.
"If there is anything this pandemic has taught us it is that teaching methods change in accordance with new circumstances. I hope that European universities will exploit this opportunity to continue developing teaching methods with increased emphasis on flip teaching, ties to industry, guest lectures, whether on site or online, and international collaboration. This is a necessary foundation for a comprehensive education."
Alma is a master student in translation studies having already completed a BA degree in English at the University of Iceland. She has been on the University Council before when she was the head of the School of Humanities's committee, and secretary for the council in 2016.
Alma started the job in June and spent most of the summer organising the orientation for international students which involves procuring mentors for international students and organising the orientation programme in collaboration with the International Division. Her office is located within the Student Council's office in the University Centre on the 3rd floor (HT336), Students can also reach her via email; internationalcommittee@hi.is, or by phone 5700850
We warmly welcome Alma in her new post whilst thanking Emily for a job well done and a fruitful collaboration.