ISANA

Gillian O’Neill and Grant Harris

Abstract: This paper first outlines a 12 week programme of Ongoing Academic Orientation (OAO) which was trialled in the Waikato Management School (WMS) during the 2004 A and B semesters and then reports the results of a questionnaire survey given to the students who followed the programme in A semester 2004. The questionnaire had three functions: to gather data on the trial programme’s efficacy, content, timing, and length;…

Jo Byng and Anna Rees

Abstract:  In response to the Educational Services Overseas Student (ESOS) Act 2000, Macquarie International undertook the task of implementing an academic performance monitoring project to assist those students who were not progressing satisfactorily and to help students at risk resolve problems which could impede successful completion of their study. International students studying on a student visa must achieve an academic result that is certified by the education provider to be…

Mark Dougherty, Yella Siril

Abstract:  In 2001 Högskolan Dalarna launched a masters programme in computer science. This programme has attracted a large number of applications from international students. This has yielded many exciting opportunities, but also given rise to some problems, both practical and academic. A key element of the success in solving some of these problems has been to make the programme highly modular in structure, allowing two intakes per year. This has been…

Patricia McLean, Laurie Ransom

Abstract:  Ideally, the student experience of internationalisation in higher education is to become part of an intellectual environment which values diversity, fosters mutual understanding and respect and is responsive to diverse needs. From the perspective of higher education institutions across the world, international success depends on an institution’s ability to develop globally competent citizens who are comfortable with diversity both at home and abroad (Gilbert, 1995). This chapter focuses on student…

Cassandra Colvin , Fozzil Jaffar, Peter iMtchell, Nicholas Tan, Vanessa Trovato

Abstract: Edith owan University ’s International student support team was recently awarded a Carrick Award for Australian University Teaching for its program “ECU ’s International student orientation: model of collaboration, inclusiveness and student-iinformed planning ”.

The award was announced 4 October by the Federal Minister or education, science and Training, The Hon. Julie Bishop and the University will receive a $225000 grant. The program…

Katerina Gauntlett

Abstract: The Gulf States have identified educational sponsorship as one of the most powerful means of building a better qualified national work force, with a view to redressing the overrepresentation of expatriates in the private sector. Over the past five to seven years, this has created an opportunity for Australian education providers to enrol Gulf Nationals who have been identified as the elite of their high school graduating cohort and sponsored to obtain…

Alan McWilliams & Fiona Henderson

Abstract: This paper reports on the development of a problem based learning (PBL) approach to lectures in a large first-year subject in an undergraduate business degree. The PBL approach was adopted as a means of encouraging students to engage with the formal discourse of the subject discipline and to ground the theories presented in the subject in an authentic simulation of business practice. The first-year undergraduate subject Management and Organisation…

Lian‐Hong Brebner

Abstract:   In the last decade New Zealand higher education has undergone drastic shifts in its social, ethnic
and cultural landscapes. Arguably, the increased presence of Asian students in New Zealand
universities has added value not only to the local economy but also the social and cultural
development of domestic students (Stevens, 2005). However, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest
otherwise (Dominion, 9 August 1995, “Racist views on Asian settlers”, p.8).…

Dr Stanley W Theron.

Abstract: A basic premise of this paper is that stress experienced is in an inverse ratio to learning outcomes. Practically applied it means that in any learning situation – especially SL situations – there should be subjective and objective awareness of the stress factor, continuing attention, assessment, alleviation and addressing of stress-producing factors to optimise outcomes. These aspects should be both preventative as well as therapeutic when…

Nicholas Tan

Abstract:  In order to provide better value to all stakeholders, ECU International revisited its key student programs in 2003. Refreshing its approach, it is evolving its Orientation volunteer program and low-cost recreational program into a multi-faceted experience that is inclusive, interactive and responsive to the needs of all participants.

This presentation provides snapshots of the features that are incorporated in the program. The experience is focused on increasing the range and quality of…

Chris Beard

Abstract: The provision of quality advice to new international students has become increasingly important in
Australian and New Zealand universities. It is generally accepted that orientations help
internationals adjust to life and study in a foreign culture. Students who receive clear and relevant
advice on matters such as health services, insurance and personal safety are more likely to be
mentally equipped for the early stages of their sojourn than…

Nicholas Tan, Megan Jager

Abstract only: Trends indicate that increasing numbers of International students are applying for Permanent Residency in Australia after their studies. International student leaders are endowed with academic knowledge, and the skills and experience of having worked in an International student environment.

In 2003, when one of its student advisers left, Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) International Student Support Team realised it needed to fill the void quickly. Believing…

Davina Potts

Abstract:  There is a long standing perception in university circles that study abroad students have tended to achieve relatively weaker results than other groups of students. This has been attributed to many factors, such as cultural differences and different learning styles, as well as belief in the common expression ‘They’re here for a good time, not a long time! As part of long term study, Macquarie Abroad has been collecting and processing data…

Greg Calvert

Abstract:  The paper draws on research of 110 international fee-paying students studying Science and Engineering courses in the Schools, Vocational Education and Training, and Higher Education sectors in nine institutions in five Australian states and territories. The research identified that 68 percent of the sample had not had career advice before coming to Australia. This has implications for students’ understandings of Australian education and training, especially entry procedures into…

Karen Commons and Xiaodan Gao

Abstract:  Research on the experiences of international students and their adaptation to the education environment in NZ has revealed some dissatisfaction relating to the academic experience of international students in NZ. It has been suggested that the discrepancy between international students’ expectations and reality may sometimes contribute to negative views and difficulties with study. Student Learning Support Service at Victoria University of Wellington has designed…

Maria Victoria McCarthy

Abstract: Learning and practising basic skills in aromatherapy and gentle yoga stretches proved to be a promising venue for both International and Domestic Australians Students to get together in a safe and positive environment. Within International Student Services at QUT, this activity is usually offered from the third week of each semester. It is a one hour program for four weeks where participants gather in a circle and are welcomed to express…

Prasuna Reddy

Abstract: As the number of international students in Australian increases, there is a greater need to understand their values and attitudes toward equal opportunity issues such as sexual harassment. The current study investigates cultural differences in student attitudes toward harassment in the Australian context. Participants included 47 Asian women students and 47 non-Asian women local students; all participants were undergraduates in major Australian universities. The results show a range of attitudes toward sexual…

Anne Ellerup Nielsen, Peter Kastberg, Ph.d.

Abstract:  Recent years have seen a gradual burring of boundaries between core academic disciplines such as linguistics, economics, politics, sociology, etc. There are many factors which have contributed to this change, for example our global economy where networking, transparency, learning, and knowledge management seem to be the key to capital, consumers, the press, etc. Such developments point towards increasingly interdisciplinary knowledge. Some universities have reacted to this demand for…

Angela Liew

Abstract: The foremost concerns of most international Asian students were disappointments with their academic performance and their lack of fluency in English. There was a huge gap between their own expectations and reality, and was primarily caused by cultural misunderstanding and language inadequacy. However, such gap also created unnecessary performance pressures, prevented meaningful interaction and integration between international and local students, and generated feelings of rejections and isolations. Placing appropriate support mechanisms and…

Kylie Smith

Abstract: The presentation takes participants through the content of our newly launched website “Keep it Safe: A Guide for International Women Students” . The website content is simple and accessible and provides comprehensive, relevant information that's easy to understand and navigate, with a positive spin on safety for women. Developed from conversations with International women students over a period of 12 months, the 9 sections together take a…