ISANA

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…

Chris Nyland, Helen Forbes-Mewett, Simon Marginson, Gaby Ramia, Erlenawati Sawir, Sharon Smith

Abstract: The growth of the international education market has generated a community of student-workers that is vulnerable, growing and under-researched. Drawing on interviews with 200 international students, we show that a very high proportion of these students are employed and that this workforce is segmented and that while all student workforces are segmented, many international students must accept forms of work and levels…

Dr Felicity Fallon, President, ISANA International Education Association, Australia and New Zealand.

Presented at the 2008 APAIE Conference in Japan

Abstract: This paper explores the issues relating to plagiarism and students from Asian countries, particularly those with a Confucian-heritage background, studying in Australia and New Zealand. It looks at the issues of cultural values and ownership of knowledge as they are related to this issue from the perspective of Hofstede’s Cultural…

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,…

Wesa Chau and Paul Fan

Abstract: Literally, ‘International Education’ merely represents the pursuit of studies in a foreign educational institution. While this may be an accurate summary of the primary purpose of many overseas students, the description clearly does not accord full effect to the word ‘International’. Australia prides itself as being a multicultural society; and the meaning of ‘International Education’ is accordingly expansive and encompasses such diverse experiences as community events hosted by the…

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…

Jill Clark, Trish Baker, Mingsheng Li

Abstract: International research is positive about the educational benefits of working in diverse groups but there has been little New Zealand research in this area. This paper investigates how students are prepared for collaborative learning in three New Zealand tertiary institutes and identifies the particular problems experienced by Chinese students when the preparation in multi cultural classes is not carried out adequately…

Colleen Schooling

Abstract: Working with international students – both long term and short term Study Abroad groups from abroad across a section of countries, as provided Campus Living Villages (CLV) with a general understanding of international students ’ wants and needs in terms of their housing and lifestyles. Going forward, as a company dedicated to providing innovative and supportive accommodation solutions on university campuses, CLV seeks to achieve an ongoing recognition of shifting generational trends,…

Taeko Sakurai

Abstract: Previous studies have indicated that local/international students intervention programs are beneficial in order to help international students make local friends (e.g., Ward et al 2001). However, no study was found which assessed the effect of multicultural interactions such as activities for international students. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a bus excursion on international students. Ninety six international students from 12 countries completed surveys one month…

Fiona Pakoa

Abstract: While working with AusAID sponsored students in a Queensland university, Melanesian students, as a distinct cohort, appeared to struggle the most with their academic program. Their ability to meet the academic expectations of the university appeared to be constrained, not by ability, but by their inability to cope with the competing academic, cultural and social demands. This research sought to explore the role of Melanesian students’ cultural identity in their academic experiences.

Jodie Caruana

Abstract: The University of New South Wales initiated a weekend ‘Orientation Getaway’ for international students in 2005. The program was coordinated by International Student Services (ISS) and facilitated with the help of ISS Peer Mentors. The program aimed to enhance both the group and individual needs of students during their critical transition phase.

At the group level the ‘Orientation Getaway’ developed a sense of belonging and built support networks within the international community…

Heather Bigelow, Mary Kerstjens

Abstract: At the ISANA Victorian Branch State Conference in October, 2005, Heather and Mary, together with our esteemed colleague, Lila Kemlo, presented our ‘students at risk’ project, designed to identify and provide an holistic, integrated program to enable Business Portfolio students to gain essential skills for academic and social success. A major feature of this program was the collaboration between members of academic staff of the Business Portfolio, the Learning Skills…

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…

Barbara A Giorgio

Abstract: International Education can be viewed as a finger on the pulse of the world of international relations. It provides a view of where we are heading as a global community. By looking at how it is unfolding within our own shores of Australia, we can gauge how far we as a player on the world stage, have come in meeting the goals of education. Philosophy of Education is a core component…

Hedley Reberger, Merlin Luck

Abstract: The IES MAP (Model Assessment Practice) for Study Abroad was created in response to the growing need for more effective program development and assessment in international education. The IES MAP focuses on four key areas: the student learning environment; student learning and the development of intercultural competence; resources for academic and student support; and program administration and development. Whilst the development of students’ intellectual abilities is the foremost concern of…

Hedley Reberger

Abstract: This paper examines the academic performance in a longitudinal study or group of 25 students who were admitted to an Australian University in 2004. The cohort all studied secondary education and made application to the University through Tertiary Admission Centre. Quantitative data examining the performance for this group has been collected at the conclusion of each semester or total of 7 semesters, living a data et panning for the proposed three years…

J. Kapnoullas, N Love, J Reidy

Abstract: Many people involved in Higher Education in Australia are currently discussing the many issues related to the quality of the large and complex field known as ‘international education’. This is not surprising, given that in 2003, a total of 136, 807 international students were studying onshore in Australia with another 73, 590 students enrolled offshore (Morris, 2004). Of particular importance to the students and their families, as…

Gerry Mullins

Abstract: This workshop is designed to help you develop effective strategies for helping international postgraduate research students in your university. What we will do
is spend the time discussing:
• What are the issues?
• What strategies are available?
• What might you do in your university?

Keywords: International students, post graduate research students

Download article Abstract only

Dr Zakir Rahmani

Abstract: In late 2006 AEI embarked on a benchmarking nation-wide survey of international students studying in Australia across all sectors. The international student survey sought information about international students ’e xperiences in Australia with respect to: their choices to study in Australia; their level of satisfaction with their education; pastoral and support services; social integration; and life in general. It also examined the future plans and aspirations of international students.

The paper…

Choi, Serene Hyun-Jin, Nieminen, Timo A., Bartylla, C., Bertrand, D., Gong, Y. X., Huber, E., Krüger, K., and Therkildsen, K.

Abstract: We explore the experiences, both positive and negative, of six visiting research students in physics in an Australian university. We consider their motivations for coming to Australia, their take-home impressions of their visits, and what institutions can do to maximise the success of such visits for both the…