CIP and ODSA Hold Orientation for 25 International Students

The Centre for International Programmes (CIP) and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs (ODSA) have held a day’s Intensive Pre-Academic Orientation Programme (IPOP) for 25 international students from the University of Derby, United Kingdom and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway. 

The orientation, which took place on Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Students Centre First Floor Seminar Room on the North Campus, provided the new students with insight on fundamental issues that would guide their studies and keep them safe, at ease, and accustomed to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) environment.

The International students in a group picture with facilitators after the programme

Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Bernard B. B. Bingab, and Vice-Dean of CIP Dr. Harrison Golo welcomed the students to UEW on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mawutor Avoke. They urged the international students to take advantage of the friendly campus environment to approach and openly discuss any issues they were having with UEW faculty and students to get the support and clarification they require.

Assistant Registrar, CIP, Mr. Kizito Kofi Etsibah Ackom, gave a presentation on “UEW at a Glance”. His presentation highlighted the history of the University, its mission and vision, and the meaning of the University Crest. He also led the students to sing the UEW anthem. Mr. Ackom schooled them on how the University’s administrative system works and the school services available to facilitate their one-month academic adventure at the University.  

Dr. Bernard B. B. Bingab  and Dr. Harrison Golo during the orientation programme

Staff Officer from the Effutu Municipal Immigration office, ASI Esther Osaebea Okai, enlightened the immigration laws on international students in the Republic of Ghana. She entreated them to conform to the laws and visit the Immigration Office for further information regarding their stay when needed.  

The Head, Directorate of Security Services, UEW, Mr. Opare Danso, urged the students to be security conscious, lock up their rooms when going out, walk-in pairs at night and avoid obscured roads, especially at night. He reminded them to contact the official phone lines of the Security Services when in emergencies.   

Top row (L-R): Mr. Kizito Ackom, ASI Esther Okai, Ms. Janet Oti and Mr. Viscount Buer; bottom row (L-R): Mr. Opare Danso, Dr. (Mrs.) Beth Offei-Awuku, Mrs. Christiana Ammah and Mr. Nurudeen Ahmed

Lecturer at the Department of Food and Nutrition Education (DFNE) and Coordinator for the Food Production Unit, Ms. Janet Agyarkwaa Oti, on behalf of the Head of DFNE, Mr. Guy Eshun, introduced the international students to some homemade Ghanaian dishes on offer at vantage points on all three campuses at affordable prices.  

Dr. (Mrs.) Beth Offei-Awuku, Director of Health Services at UEW, urged students to eat more fruits and vegetables to strengthen their immune systems and to visit the university clinic if they have any unusual health problems that need to be treated. 

The UEW Institution Librarian, Mr. Viscount B. Buer, informed the students that the university has facilities and a welcoming environment to support them in improving their research and study activities.

Senior Lecturer, Department of Counseling Psychology, UEW, Mrs. Christiana Ammah, admonished the students to adopt the DIVE (Describe, Interpret, Verify, and Evaluate) model to deal with cultural shocks. She highlighted to the international students that the DIVE model is a tool to assist them in considering many perspectives when faced with unexpected intercultural situations.  This, she explained, will help them overcome the cultural shock.  

The Head Coach, UEW Sports Directorate, Mr. Nurudeen Ahmed, encouraged the students to involve themselves in sporting activities that would enable them to keep them to fit.