Are you new to Scotland this semester? Pop along to our fun and informative evening for international students on Wednesday 5 February, 4:00PM - 8:00PM, INTO Lecture Theatre.

On the night, you will be able to learn about Scottish culture and customs, try some traditional snacks (good or bad? You decide!), have any burning queries answered, and meet some new people in the process.

The evening will commence with refreshments from 4:00PM in INTO Lecture Theatre. This will be followed by a welcome, panellist presentation, and audience Q&A and we will then offer a traditional Scottish meal, post-event, in UMAMI to allow you time to network also.

Please find full information regarding our panel for the evening below:

Caitlyn Pendergast is a Scottish 4th-year student studying French. She is passionate about learning other languages and cultures and has been part of the Gaelic Society since first year. Sara Lockyer is an international student who has embraced learning more about Scottish culture since moving here. She is a fourth-year student study in Computing Science and secretary of the Gaelic Society.

Fiona Glashan is Student Support Adviser at the University. She supports students with complex presenting issues and contributes to an inclusive and rewarding student experience. With over 3 years' experience working within Student Support Services, she has established links with Faculty Teams, professional service colleagues and a range of external specialist agencies.

Sarah Stephenson is Community Sergeant for rural Scotland within Police Scotland’s Forth Valley Division. Sergeant Stephenson has over 20 years’ police service and was previously a UoS student in Business Law. Joining Sarah is David Collins, the Community Officer for Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and UoS. He has been a front line Officer for more than 20 years and is contactable via email at DunblaneBridgeofAllanCPT@scotland.police.uk for any issues relating to the University

Arian Zare is an international alumnus in Business Studies and Marketing and currently working as Careers Coordinator at the University of Stirling's Careers Service. In this role, Arian oversees the department's marketing and engagement efforts, helping to support and empower the student community.

During the Q&A session, there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the evening. If you would prefer to submit these in advance, however, please upload a question here.

EVENT SCHEDULE

4:00PM – 4:20PM: Arrival & Refreshments

4:20PM – 4:25PM: Welcome & Introduction

4:25PM – 4:45PM: Gaelic Society Presentation (Caitlyn & Sara)

4:45PM - 5:15PM: Speaker Presentation (Fiona Glashan)

5:15PM – 5:35PM: Icebreaker Activity

5:35PM - 6:30PM: Speaker Presentations (Sarah Stephenson/David Collins & Arian Zare)

6:30PM – 7:00PM: Q&A

7:00PM – 8:00PM: Food served in Umami & Networking Opportunity

The event is running as part of the university's BeConnected programme, in partnership with the Students Union and Stirling Management School, and is open to all international students. Please note that due to a high number of 'no shows' at these events, we will now be running all of our events, on the day, on a first come first serve basis to help combat this. This means that if you are unable to book a ticket prior, please do just come along regardless and we will be able to accommodate if you are one of the first to arrive.

Event is subject to change and complimentary offerings available while stocks last. This event forms part of our Be Connected programme, available on the University of Stirling website. Contact events@stir.ac.uk for all associated queries.

Connecting Cultures (BeConnected) 2025