A SCHEME designed to help international students at the University of Reading practice English and feel more connected to their peers has won a national award.
The University of Reading’s English Conversation Cafes scheme won the Outstanding Student Support Award (Academic Experience) at the #WeAreInternational Awards 2025 at a ceremony in London on November 19.
The Awards are run by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and aim to celebrate international students and those who support them.
Reading was selected as a finalist from more than 420 nominations from 120 institutions across the UK; out of 63 finalists, just 13 winners were chosen on the night.
The English Conversation Cafes, hosted in the University’s Global Study Lounge, were developed in 2023 in response to needs identified by both students and staff at Reading.
The weekly sessions, held alternately online and in person, offer a safe space for international students to practise spoken English, build confidence, and adapt to UK academic culture through peer-led discussions.
Discussion themes are aligned with the academic calendar, to help students navigate and feel more included in campus life through informal, small-group sessions, facilitated by student/staff volunteers, using tailored discussion prompts.
The sessions have also seen continued rises in engagement year on year.
Daniel Devane, Director of the Global Study Lounge, said: “The English Conversation Cafes have always been a truly collaborative effort, nurturing cross-cultural academic communication and intercultural understanding. The cafes offer a low-barrier, high-impact route to integration within the academic community.
“This recognition in the sector affirms our shared commitment at Reading to ensuring every student feels supported, included, and able to thrive during their time with us.”
Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive of UKCISA, said: “The #WeAreInternational Award winners showcase the people and partnerships that make the UK a leader in international education.
“At a time when policy changes continue to challenge the sector, it’s heartening to see so many creative and empathetic approaches to deliver the best possible experience for international students in the UK.”
More information about the #WeAreInternational Awards is available via: ukcisa.org.uk/our-work/weareinternational-awards/
