Manchester Metropolitan University, awarded The Sunday Times University of the Year for Student Retention in 2021, has been on an upward trajectory, particularly within its triple-accredited Business School. The institution boasts a diverse community, comprising over 4,000 international students from 100 different countries. The School of Business and Law, a beacon of excellence, is only one facet of MMU's success story, with the university offering four subjects ranking in the national top 10.

The influx of international students, while presenting opportunities for cross-cultural learning and global exposure, also poses challenges. As the international student population continues to grow, academics and student services face the added responsibility of adapting their teaching methods to cater effectively to this diverse audience. Other challenges include integrating all students, including domestic, into blended classrooms, maintaining high levels of engagement and securing positive outcomes for the entire student body.

Professor Liz Warren, the Faculty Head of International at MMU, recognized the need to empower staff in understanding, engaging, and teaching the expanding and diverse student population. Kellie had previously collaborated with MMU, beginning in 2019 within the Faculty of Business and Law and the Faculty of Arts. Upon her appointment, Professor Liz Warren continued and expanded upon the valuable work initiated by her predecessor. Kellie was engaged to work with all departments within the facility, as well as delivering sessions to student groups at different points in the year.

Our role was two-fold:

Cultural Understanding: Kellie facilitated sessions to enable staff to comprehend intercultural differences and educational backgrounds, fostering a cohesive learning environment and allowing academic staff to share best practice and overcome challenges together.

International English: Through International English training, staff were equipped to better communicate with students for whom English was not their first language.

These training sessions addressed various aspects of student engagement, behavior, time management, and academic performance, leading to improved assessment processes. Kellie's expertise was also engaged for the presentation of MMU's 2026 Internationalisation Strategy in 2022.

The initial training delivered left a lasting, positive impact on staff, leading the faculty to extend these sessions to all departments in 2022. The feedback from these sessions was overwhelmingly positive, prompting the inclusion of Interkultura in ‘GoGlobal’ week at the beginning of 2023 and 2024, where students also benefited from Kellie's engaging and informative sessions.

Professor Liz Warren, Faculty Head of International at MMU, expressed her gratitude for Kellie & Co's contributions to the ‘GoGlobal event’, emphasizing the valuable insights imparted and the sense of belonging fostered among students. The collaboration between ourselves and MMU has evolved since 2021, with ongoing initiatives such as induction sessions for international students further strengthening the relationship this year.

As the partnership continues to flourish, we remain committed to empowering academics and students, enabling them to exceed expectations and enhance engagement and outcomes at Manchester Metropolitan University.