In April this year (2025), a group of four Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) leaders from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh attended the 2025 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support at Cardiff University. In this blog, we discuss our first experience, not only of attending, but of presenting on an international platform.
PALS is a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme providing peer to peer support to students in many subject areas across QMU. Trained student leaders run collaborative sessions where students can deepen their understanding of course materials in a friendly and supportive environment. PALS sessions complement formal teaching, helping students build confidence, enhance study skills, and engage more effectively with their modules.
The PALS leaders who participated in the conference in Cardiff were Jasmine Cialandroni, a 3rd year Business student, Nicole Schwaegerl, a 3rd year Psychology student, Aisling Thomas, a 3rd year Nursing student, and Elizabeth Claxton-Bordon, a 2nd year Nursing student.
Jasmine and Nicole did an amazing job representing QMU’s International PALS service this year, taking to the stage to deliver a brilliant lightning talk to an audience full of lecturers, peer leaders, SI: PASS supporters, and students from all over the world.
As international students themselves, they know exactly how it feels to start uni in a new country, where even understanding the Scottish accent can be a challenge (we’ve all been there!). In their presentation, they spoke honestly about the challenges international students face, from academic pressures to feeling isolated, and how PALS can make a real difference.
They shared how PALS helps students settle in, build friendships, and feel more confident, both in their studies and in themselves. They also touched on the importance of emotional resilience and how even small connections can ease the pressure of being far from home.
And that’s not all, Aisling and Elizabeth, our nursing representatives, also took to the spotlight!
They delivered a workshop on Neurodiversity and how we can make PALS sessions as inclusive and supportive as possible for everyone. They built on ideas including VARK learning styles (visual, aural, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic) (Flemming and Mills, 1992) to show how everyone learns differently, and how that’s something to celebrate, not shy away from.
At QMU, a person-centred approach is really ingrained in everything we do, especially in nursing, it’s second nature to think about the individual first. Aisling and Elizabeth showed how this mindset transfers perfectly into PALS, too. It’s not about one-size-fits-all, it’s about recognising different needs, making space for everyone, and creating an environment where all students feel comfortable, supported, and able to thrive.
We also want to shine a light on Lisa Vettese Cruden, our amazing PALS Coordinator, who gave a lightning talk to share the findings of research she and a PALS leader, Ellie Birchall, conducted last year looking at academic staff perceptions of PALS. This is an aspect of SI: PASS/PALS which is under-explored, yet buy-in from academics is key to the success of peer learning programmes. Following the presentation of her research, Lisa has been contacted by other peer learning coordinators from across the UK who are interested in exploring this further.
Being part of this event was a huge opportunity for all of us. It gave us the chance to represent QMU on an international platform, connect with peers and educators from around the world, and build on key skills like leadership, facilitation, and public speaking. We’re so proud to have shared our experiences, learned from others, and shown just how supportive the PALS community can be.
Aisling Thomas, 3rd year Nursing and Jasmine Cialandroni, 3rd year Business student
