Staff Interview with Harry Gibney

What inspired you to join the international team at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in 1999?

I have always had an interest in intercultural communication. The role at Queen Mary involves direct engagement with international students and their home schools on a daily basis which is something I found appealing.

Describe a typical day/week as the International Exchange Program Manager.

One of the great aspects of the job is that the role is so varied so it’s hard to describe a typical day/week. A large part of my work involves direct one-to-one engagement with inbound and outbound exchange students, offering administrative and pastoral support. I spend a lot of time working on our relationships with overseas schools trying to ensure that the study abroad program we offer meets their needs and expectations.

In what ways do you support non-EU exchange students and study abroad students studying at QMUL?

My office provides a comprehensive pastoral support service to all of the students who study abroad at Queen Mary through our Global Opportunities Office. We can speak to students in confidence about any matters they need assistance with, providing direct help or referring to the appropriate party. For me, this is the most critical and rewarding service our office provides.

What are some of the biggest challenges students face when spending time abroad?

There are challenges that should be considered both inside and outside the classroom. The method of delivering a program of higher education in the UK will probably differ from what students may have experienced. Being prepared for these differences will benefit the student. Cultural differences/norms may also differ from students experiences. Being away from established support networks (family, friends etc.) can be difficult as well.

You have been working with international students in the UK for more than 20 years. How has the experience changed for students over time?

I think that students in the present are more willing to seek help than perhaps was the case previously. For example, I have seen a rise in students who look for support for matters relating to mental health in the time I have been at Queen Mary. I think this is such a positive move forward - it means that students who may have previously been reluctant to study abroad are now more willing to consider it and in many cases, go for it!

What is the most rewarding thing about working with international/study abroad students?

Being in a position where you can help a student overcome a challenge is incredibly rewarding on a personal and professional level. Working with international students allows me to learn about and respect different cultures. As a result, I know that there is so much that we all hold dear and agree about which I find incredibly reassuring.

Why do you think people should study abroad and experience new cultures?

I genuinely think that having an extended period abroad in a different environment/culture leads to a better understanding that one size does not fit all and encourages a willingness to accept others’ beliefs and opinions.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

I like to have my existing ideas and beliefs challenged. I very much enjoy traveling to destinations and having new experiences first hand which allows me to question my outlook.

What developments do you hope to see in the coming years for international programs at QMUL?

I think study abroad program providers need to be willing to be innovative in order to meet the demands of students. One area for development is to provide more experiences outside of the classroom, whether that is an internship or a multi-destination study abroad experience. We are engaged with our students to try to ensure we understand these needs and I hope Queen Mary will be able to provide programs that continue to prove attractive.