Student Experience & Academic Standards

International Student Barometer

What is the International Student Barometer?
The International Student Barometer (ISB) is an online survey that International and European students throughout participating institutions across the sector are invited to complete. The ISB takes the pulse at two significant points in the academic year: Post-arrival and Year end. The survey is available for completion each year during May and October.

What is being asked?
The Post-arrival questionnaire asks students to provide feedback about their experience, first impressions orientation at Cardiff University. Topic areas include:

• Reasons for choosing Cardiff University
• Application and arrival experience
• Learning experience
• Living experience
• Use and levels of satisfaction of the Support services
• Recommendation rate

The Year end questionnaire asks students to provide feedback linked to a series of statements reflecting on their experience of Cardiff University. Topic areas include:

• Learning experience
• Living experience
• Support services
• Study pressure
• Careers plan
• Recommendation rate

When and how do students take part?
Eligible students will receive an email in the months of May and October, with an invitation to complete the survey online.

How will feedback be used and by whom?
Feedback will be used in a number of ways. Messages that emerge and are linked to particular activities will be given to the University staff who are able to act on feedback and enhance services. For example, a scholarship database is being developed, when launched, applicants applying to Cardiff University will be able to search for scholarships to support them through their studies. Students coming to Cardiff are also being given information on the opportunities of part-time work whilst studying.

More information is being sent to students about the cost and quality of the accommodation at Cardiff University prior to arrival and also the support and advice that they can expect to gain from the careers service in terms of enhancing their employability whilst studying.