Our People – Paivi Leivo

Paivi Leivo is International Advice Manager at the University of Chichester.

Tell us about your role at the university.

I support and advise our international students throughout their journey from applicant stage to graduation. I provide pre-arrival support, welcome students to the UK and advise students on various practical aspects of living and studying in the UK, including immigration, funding, culture shock, registering with a GP and more.

When did you join and what brought you here?

I came to the UK as an international student over 20 years ago, and after five years in London, I came to Chichester for an open day and fell in love with the area. I have been working in various roles across the University since 2008. I landed my dream job of working as an International Student Adviser in 2014.

What’s an average day at work like for you?

My average day depends on the time of the year. I am work closely with our Admissions team and Global Student Outreach teams on helping international applicants with their questions and providing visa, funding and pre-arrival advice.

During the summer months I support the recently graduated students with their post-study work and other queries, and I provide advice and support to the International English team’s online Pre-sessional students.

Then the term starts, and I organise welcome events and workshops and provide drop-ins and meetings to assist international students with their questions and concerns relating to their studies and life in the UK.

What do you love most about working at the University of Chichester?

I enjoy working with young people and supporting them during their education journey. I learn a lot from our students every day and it keeps my mind fresh. I love working with international students as it reminds me of my journey of coming to the UK –  the challenges and the excitement of being in a completely new setting. I get to relive this exciting stage alongside our international students every year.

What is your greatest achievement in your job?

There is always a feeling of great achievement when I can support an international student with a challenging visa situation.  Immigration advice is extremely complicated, but incredibly rewarding when you can find a rule/way that works in the student’s favour.

For the last three years I have been a part-time Business School student and completed a work-based Leadership Apprenticeship qualification. It has been an amazing and rewarding experience and it and it has allowed me to develop a better understanding of myself and the University as a whole. The learning is reflected in the way the International Advice service has developed and the positive impact it has on international students who use the service.