ISANA

Michael A. Tarrant and Laura Sessions

Abstract:  Most institutions of higher education in the U.S. acknowledge that the future workforce of America depends on a
citizenry that is sensitive to, and aware of, global issues. The broad assumption in academia is that studying
abroad promotes such a worldview, yet there is a lack of theoretical applications supporting this assertion. We
propose a conceptual framework (based on the value-belief-norm models of behavior) for…

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;…

Helen Forbes-Mewett

Abstract: Though the social and economic security of international students is an important factor influencing student and parent decisions regarding where to access international education, researchers have paid little attention to defining the notion of "security". Drawring on literature from a range of fields, the current paper is used to advance the concept of cultural difference and relocation. These issues are contexualised within the rising international educational market and how pastoral care is…

Dr Gavin B. Sanderson

Abstract: Whilst attention as seen paid over the past decade to internationalisation at the organisational level, and, lately, to the international student experience, this presentation focuses on internationalisation at the level of the individual lecturer, that is, the internationalisation of the ‘academic self ’. delegates will be introduced to the main characteristics of the Profile of the Ideal Lecturer for the international classroom, an educational model that originates from Western…

Beatrice Merrick

Abstract: In 2006, Tony Blair launched the second phase of his Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Education, aiming to increase and diversify inward mobility to the UK, to build partnerships at institutional and national level with key target countries and to improve the quality of the international student experience. This paper will look at how a range of UK partners are working to deliver…

Tryphena Jacqueline Tan and Cecelia Winkelman

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how stress level, coping styles and personality traits contribute to international students' academic performance. Participants comprised of 100 international students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels from universities in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were aged 18 to 40 years old. Using a single sample survey design, all 100 participants completed a background information sheet, the Coping Skills Inventory, the Social Avoidance Distress…

Cheryl Cook

Abstract: This workshop reviews the challenges of engaging with revised legislative environment and looks at these encounters from three angles – practical application, recognition of content and function and, issues discussions. The aim is to engage industry professionals, both physically and mentally, in consolidating their awareness and examining the National Code 2007 in relation to their work requirements and encourage them to consider informed options. Through teamwork, problem solving, and strategy discussions, participants…

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…

Mr Ian Egan

Abstract: For many International Students, “Seeing Australia” is a top priority alongside their academic ventures. Swinburne University recognised this need and over the past 7 years, have developed a comprehensive International Student Activities program. Activities take the form of course-based day trips through to organised programs that run over the whole semester. In this paper we will draw on the experiences of the Swinburne Activities Model and cover such topics as: the…

Cathy Dickson, Assoc. Prof. Linette Lock, Dr. Michael Carey

Abstract: International students enrolling in undergraduate nursing courses in Australian universities are an increasing presence. The literature in regard to enhancing international student success has concentrated on theoretical, or class room learning. For nursing, and other practice based disciplines, success is also required in the practical learning experience. Clinical practice experience is recognised within the profession world wide as an essential element of nurse education for…

Sidoryn, Tristana and Slade, Jo

Abstract:  Transition is an area which is critical to the overall student experience in higher education, from
students’ entry into university to exit from the university. The University of South Australia has developed
and implemented various strategies to respond to the needs of international students studying business
degrees. The needs identified relate to international students’ feeling part of the university community,
level of interaction with other…

Georgina Douglas and Louisa Covalea

Abstract: There is an increasing awareness within international institutions today of the importance of an international experience for students who are about to enter our global society and economy. Student mobility programs such as traditional exchanges, work and clinical placements have long contributed to the internationalisation of teaching and learning. Now the Study Tour is an increasingly popular form of mobility chosen by both under graduate and post graduate students,…

Rob Malicki and Linda Vaughn

Abstract:  In his ministerial statement on internationalisation of education in October 2003, Dr Brendan Nelson stated ‘Internationalisation is a two way process…yet less than 1% of Australian students travel abroad for study’. Many Australian Vice-Chancellors have already mandated student mobility targets of 10% or more, but thus far there has been little communication and sharing of strategies of how to reach these targets. This paper will consider the promotion of…

Prof Ross Lehman

Introduction: The paper explains the inception and continuing development of an Academic Professional Development Seminar series for the teaching staff at what appears to be the institution, in Australia with the largest number of international students. There is an explanation about the business venture followed by information about the initiation and on-going provision of the program. A brief report is included which indicates a summary of the participants’ recommendations, about teaching…

Chong Zhou, Guiyun Chen

Abstract:   In this study, the researcher intends to make some contributions to the research literature regarding
the analysis of secondary students’ cross-cultural adjustment through investigating a group of
Mainland Chinese students’ experiences in secondary schools in South Australia. The study
explores the perceptions of Chinese students in a more naturalistic way through conversations with
them in their own language. It focuses on the cultural challenges faced by…

Dianne Jonasson

Abstract:  When International students from non-English speaking backgrounds (INESB students) choose to study in an Australian university, they come, like any student, with hopes, expectations, and understandings. Their teachers also have hopes, expectations, and understandings regarding these students. In fact, it appears that students and teachers are generally hoping for the same things, namely, that students will pass their subjects, understand the concepts, and improve their English. However, while both parties appear to…

Sarah Beaven, Mary Furnari

15 months ago in Christchurch, concern about a perceived increase in anecdotal reporting of incidents of racial/cultural harassment in public places triggered an ongoing collaboration between staff members from the above institutions. To date this collaboration has produced 3 related but distinct initiatives – an early dialogue with the Christchurch Press (the city’s large daily newspaper), a Welcome poster campaign, and the development of anonymous online reporting. The presentation will outline…

Ly Thi Tran

Abstract: The case study reported in this paper has examined the of adaptation of international postgraduate students from China and Vietnam in two disciplines, Education and Economics, at an Australian university. It focuses on how individual students mediated their disciplinary writing practices and their personal values. Based on the discussion of the students’ experiences, it will be argued that the accommodating process they go through seems complex and multifaceted. The study highlights…

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).…

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…