Student Welfare

For most students most of the time, being at Dudley will be a positive, happy and enriching experience. But if problems do arise, whether academic, personal, financial or health-related, you can be certain that the help you need will be there - from the day you enrol to the day you leave and every day between.

We place great emphasis on looking after students’ interests - we are not just here to teach, we are here to help in any way we can. The team of staff dedicated to student welfare is the largest of any comparable-sized institution in the country. Why? So you can concentrate on what you came for - to study, learn, gain qualifications and broaden your experience - without being distracted by other concerns. After all, a happy student is a successful student!

Before arrival, help is available with travel arrangements and comprehensive information support.

You will be assigned a full-time International Tutor, who can help with Visa and immigration issues. Full-time academic and pastoral tutors are also allocated on a personal basis - an unusually high degree of care in Further Education in Britain - to provide tutorial support and individual attention throughout your study programme. As well as being friendly, caring and helpful, welfare staff are available anytime during normal college hours.

A short induction course will introduce you to your new surroundings - perhaps strange at first, but not for long. You will soon meet and get to know staff and fellow students. In fact, many lifetime friendships have begun at this point!

Open daily in normal College hours, the International Office has staff available to you on a drop-in basis, with more detailed support available through an appointment system.

The College will also make sure your parents are kept up-to date with your progress and, as College staff often travel overseas, if they are in your home country they will take the opportunity to contact your family and pass on any messages you may have.

Health - All students qualify for National Health Service care (on programmes of six months or more), and your Personal Tutor will help you register with a local doctor. Free medical services, advice and treatment are also available from a trained nurse at the College’s Health Centre during College hours.

Careers - The College Student Services can provide comprehensive expert careers guidance in choosing your future career or help with completing University applications. Search facilities, including academic databases, are available for students wishing to progress to University study. Prospectuses and videos are available from virtually every UK University. Over 90% of our international students applying for higher education are successful in obtaining a place at a British University.

The Study Centre can provide personal attention on a one-to-one basis, as well as help with language and study skills. The cost for one-to-one assistance is negotiable in keeping with your learning needs.

Friendships - By the time you leave Dudley, wherever in the world your life takes you, it is very likely that amongst the tutors and fellow students you have met, or the local families you have stayed with, will be some who will become friends for life.