The Global Community Team supports community-led and partnership-based initiatives that strengthen connection, belonging and shared activity across the University and beyond. What this work includesAlongside our core programmes, the Global Community team supports a range of work that helps build connection and belonging across the University. This includes both partnerships and internal initiatives, often developed in response to emerging needs or opportunities rather than as a planned programme.How we contributeThis work varies from year to year, but typically includes:supporting student-led activity and community initiativesworking with colleagues across the University on community-focused prioritiescontributing to institutional groups, networks and planningcelebrating and recognising the diversity of the University’s global communitysharing information and coordinating responses on issues affecting staff and studentsWhy this mattersA global university is not just defined by who comes here, but how well it supports people to feel part of it. This work is making sure that for students and staff from across the world, being at Edinburgh feels like being part of a connected and inclusive University environment. Current initiativesLearn about the student groups and activities that are supporting our Global Community. Syrian Teenagers Tutoring and Education Programme (STTEPS) STTEPS was launched in 2017 by the University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy. The programme provides weekly two-hour tutoring sessions supporting Syrian teens with:English language learningschool subjects and homework, often liasing directly with schoolsintegration into Scottish schools and societyLearn more about STTEPSRelated storiesSTTEPs as a superpower in ScotlandAfraa’s inspiring work with Syrian teenagers through STTEPS Student Action for Refugees (STAR) STAR is a student-run organisation that seeks to connect students with opportunities to campaign, fundraise and volunteer on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.Follow STAR Edinburgh on InstagramLearn about the national STAR networkRelated storiesHow STAR students are shaping a welcoming future for refugeesStudents making a difference for refugees and asylum seekers through STAR Edinburgh Academics Beyond Borders The Academics Beyond Borders programme was created to provide remote academic support for students affected by conflicts and/or repression. It was developed from solidarity initiatives led by staff and students at the School of Social and Political Science.Learn more about Academics Beyond Borders Afrospin - an inclusive fitness initiative offered to Black heritage students as a safe space to connect and celebrate African and Caribbean cultures. Supported by the Global Community Fund. Previous initiatives Global Communities Fund The Global Communities Fund was a recent collaborative initiative between Edinburgh Global and the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA), offering funding and support for student-led events that promote:internationalismmulticulturalismintercultural dialogue.Related storiesGlobal Communities Fund helps student events to flourish This article was published on Tuesday 5 May 2026
