Name:
Isabelle Hoyet
My role:
International Area Representative
My priorities for the 2024–26 term:
I will work to further build the international students community at the OU, and encourage more students to get involved, thereby enhancing the sense of belonging.
I will advocate for improving the reachability of the Student Support Team (SST), with the aim of making it easier for international students to contact the SST without having to make expensive phone calls. I will also advocate for the creation of a dedicated team for international students within the OU.
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
I have been volunteering with the Association since 2019 in different roles, such as Library Study Volunteer, Online Archive Cataloguer and Online Moderator. As an event and meet-up host, I hosted numerous online meet-ups for international students. I was also the Vice Chair of the OU Law Society for one year.
I was co-opted in my role as Area Rep for International Students in September 2023, and was subsequently elected for the 2024–2026 term. I will continue to meet with fellow international students, to hear their individual voices and, in turn, to be their voice towards the OU.
What I'm studying:
I started studying part-time with the OU in 2016 towards the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree. I am proud to say that I graduated with First Class honours in 2022. I subsequently started the first module of Master of Laws with the OU, but I am currently on a study break.
What I do when I’m not studying:
Until recently, I was working full-time at an International Court in The Hague in The Netherlands. However, due to my disabilities, I am not able to work anymore. I like reading detective novels, watching detective series on TV, doing jigsaw puzzles and I love cuddling with my dog. I also like being outdoors and going for walks, although I need my wheelchair for that now. I enjoy going on holidays somewhere sunny with my husband, and spending time with my parents and extended family in France.
My top study tips:
- Ask for help, whether that is your tutor, the Student Support Team, the Disability Support Team or an Educational Advisor.
- Effective time management – try to stay one or two weeks ahead of the study planner, just in case something happens.
- Attend tutorials and actively participate.
- Take notes.
- Attend library training sessions.
- Interact with other students and join an Association Club or Society
Where to find me:
Email: oustudents-international@open.ac.uk
Please note that a handful of Association staff team members have access to this mailbox.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-hoyet-bb6964144/
Forum: Contact Your Association Area Representative
Forum: OU Students Association International
Forum: Meet-Ups