CHINESE TRANSNATIONAL STUDENTS’ STUDY TO WORK TRANSITION IN THE UK

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Invitation

You are being invited to consider taking part in the research study ‘Chinese Transnational Students’ Study to Work Transition in the UK’. This project is being undertaken by a research team led by the Principal Investigator, Dr Cora Lingling Xu, a Lecturer in Education at Keele University, UK.

Before you decide whether or not you wish to take part, it is important for you to understand why this research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read this information carefully and discuss it with friends and relatives if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is unclear or if you would like more information.

Aims of the Research

This research project aims to find out the study to work transition experiences of Chinese transnational students of UK higher education institutions.

Why have I been invited?

You have been invited because you have studied at one or more UK higher education institutions for your tertiary level degree(s) and are experiencing or have experienced study to work transition. For this online survey, there will be around 300 other participants in this project.

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Do I have to take part?

You are free to decide whether you wish to take part or not.  If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign and return the consent forms below to Dr Cora Lingling Xu. For this online survey, since your response will be anonymously recorded, it will be impossible to withdraw once you have submitted your responses online.

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What will happen if I take part?

For this survey, you will complete an online questionnaire (via Survey Monkey) that will take you around 10 minutes.

What are the benefits (if any) of taking part?

There is no obvious benefit of taking part in this project. However, it is hoped that you may have a chance to reflect on your experiences and practices, which may or may not enable you to develop insights into how to cope with future challenges in life. As an incentive, you will be entered into a lucky draw for a £50 Amazon gift coupon.

What are the risks (if any) of taking part?

When completing this online survey, you may find recounting / commenting on certain events emotionally challenging, which can result in discomfort. However, please be reminded that you do not have to answer any of such questions (without giving reasons) if you find such questions sensitive. In all cases, your identity will be anonymised.

How will information about me be used?

Data collected from you may be shared in academic and educational contexts in the form of a conference presentation, an article in an academic journal or a book chapter in an academic publication, etc.

All anonymised survey data will be stored in password protected computers which can only be accessed by the principal investigator and/or the research assistant. All data obtained from you will be stored in encrypted hard drives, password protected computers and uploaded to Keele secure server. All data will be kept for a maximum of five years after they have been published, before they are securely disposed of, in line with Keele guidelines.

If you request support for protection of your sensitive data, please consider approaching national support organisations, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (https://ico.org.uk/).

Who will have access to information about me?

Information about you will only be accessed by the principal investigator, Dr Cora Lingling Xu and when necessary, the research assistant Ms Zhe Wang. Your confidentiality and anonymity will be strictly ensured.

We do however have to work within the confines of current legislation over such matters as privacy and confidentiality, data protection and human rights and so offers of confidentiality may sometimes be overridden by law. For example, in circumstances whereby I am concerned over any actual or potential harm to yourself or others I must pass this information to the relevant authorities.

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Who is funding and organising the research?

This research is funded by Keele Institute for Social Inclusion.

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What if there is a problem?

If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you may wish to speak to the researcher who will do her best to answer your questions. You should contact Dr Cora Lingling Xu on l.xu@keele.ac.uk or 44(0)1782 734867.  Alternatively, if you do not wish to contact the researcher you may contact Mr Mike Hession on j.m.j.hession@keele.ac.uk or 44(0)1782 734580.

If you remain unhappy about the research and/or wish to raise a complaint about any aspect of the way that you have been approached or treated during the course of the study please write to Nicola Leighton who is the University’s contact for complaints regarding research at the following address:

Nicola Leighton

Research Governance Officer

Directorate of Engagement and Partnerships

IC2 Building

Keele University

ST5 5NH

E-mail: n.leighton@ keele.ac.uk

Tel: 01782 733306

Contact for further information

Normally only Keele telephone numbers and e-mail addresses should be used in all study documentation.  If there are reasons to depart from this then these must be explained in your Ethical Review Panel documentation.