JLC's International Buddy Scheme

Making Friends at a UK Sixth Form: How the International Buddy Scheme at JLC Helps Students Settle In

Starting sixth form in a new country is one of the biggest steps a young person can take. Leaving home, adjusting to a new education system and building a social life from scratch can feel overwhelming, even for the most confident students. At John Leggott College, we understand that feeling settled and supported outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside it.

That is why JLC offers an International Buddy Scheme as part of its enrichment programme, giving international students a ready-made community from the moment they arrive.

What Is the International Buddy Scheme?

The International Buddy Scheme connects international students with peers who understand what it feels like to be new, to be far from home and to be finding their feet in an unfamiliar place. Through a series of guided activities and regular meetups, students get to know each other in a relaxed and friendly setting, building genuine friendships that extend well beyond the programme itself.

The scheme is designed to make sure no international student at JLC ever feels isolated. Whether you are arriving from Europe, Asia, Africa or anywhere else in the world, there is a community here waiting to welcome you.

What Students Say

One of JLC's current students, Sania, shared her experience of the scheme:

"The International Buddy Scheme Enrichment has really helped me find my people. We hang out during free periods and over lunch. At the beginning we did activities to get to know each other and now we've properly made friends."

Sania's experience reflects what the scheme is designed to deliver. Friendship, belonging and a sense of community that makes the experience of studying abroad not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable.

Why Settling In Matters for Academic Success

Research consistently shows that students who feel socially connected perform better academically. When students feel safe, included and supported, they engage more confidently in the classroom, ask questions more readily and are better placed to make the most of their studies.

At JLC, pastoral care and personal wellbeing are treated as fundamental to academic success, not as optional extras. The International Buddy Scheme is one part of a wider commitment to making sure every international student has what they need to thrive, both in their studies and in daily life.

What to Expect From the Enrichment Programme

The International Buddy Scheme is part of JLC's broader enrichment offer, which is designed to develop students as well-rounded individuals alongside their academic studies. International students at JLC can expect:

• Structured activities at the start of term to help break the ice and build early connections

• Regular social meetups during free periods and lunchtimes

• The chance to meet students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds

• Shared cultural experiences that broaden perspectives and build global friendships

• Ongoing peer support throughout the academic year

A Safe and Welcoming Environment

John Leggott College is based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, a safe and friendly town with excellent transport links to major cities including Sheffield, Leeds, Hull and Lincoln. For international students and their families, knowing that a young person is living and studying in a secure, welcoming environment is one of the most important factors in choosing the right sixth form college.

JLC takes safeguarding seriously. Every international student has access to a dedicated International Support Officer, a Progress Tutor and an award-winning wellbeing team. The International Buddy Scheme adds a peer-to-peer dimension to that support, giving students someone to turn to who genuinely understands what they are going through.

An Affordable Pathway to Top UK Universities

For families considering a UK sixth form education, JLC offers an outstanding and genuinely affordable route to G5 and Russell Group universities. 

Studying in Scunthorpe also means that tuition fees, accommodation and living costs are considerably lower than in London or other major UK cities, giving families exceptional value without compromising on quality or outcomes.

The International Buddy Scheme is just one example of how JLC goes beyond grades to ensure every international student has a genuinely positive and memorable experience of studying in the UK.

What is it like to live in Scunthorpe as an international student?

Scunthorpe is a friendly, safe town in North Lincolnshire with a genuine community feel. Living costs are considerably lower than in London or other major UK cities, making it a practical and comfortable base for international students. The town has good local amenities, green spaces and a welcoming atmosphere that many international students say helps them settle in quickly and feel at home.

How easy is it to travel from Scunthorpe to other parts of the UK?

Scunthorpe has good transport links and is within easy reach of major cities by train, including Sheffield, Leeds, Hull and Lincoln. Students regularly travel at weekends to explore the UK, and the central location means that most major destinations are accessible within a couple of hours. JLC also organises trips and visits throughout the year, giving students the chance to see more of the country.

What happens when I first arrive in the UK to study at JLC?

JLC's international team will support you from the moment you land. Airport meet and greet is available for new international students, and the team will help you get settled into your accommodation, understand your timetable and find your way around campus. The International Buddy Scheme means you will also have peers to connect with straight away, so you are never navigating those first days alone.

What support will I have during my studies at JLC?

Every international student at JLC has a dedicated International Support Officer, a Progress Tutor who supports them both academically and personally, and access to an award-winning wellbeing team. The International Buddy Scheme adds peer-to-peer support on top of that, connecting you with students who understand exactly what it feels like to be new and finding their feet.

How quickly do international students settle into life at JLC?

Most international students find that they settle in more quickly than they expected. The combination of a welcoming campus, the International Buddy Scheme, dedicated pastoral support and a friendly town environment means students typically feel comfortable and part of the JLC community within the first few weeks of term. Many students say that Scunthorpe quickly starts to feel like a second home.