ISANA

Jim Elliott and Joyce L.Y. Chong

Abstract:  There is emphasis in some tertiary courses on in-class presentations as an important skill and as a means of assessment. Frequently, this appears in the first semester of a student’s enrolment. This may present especial issues for international students, particularly those from countries with significant cultural and linguistic differences to Australia. It may be somewhat confronting to not only have to make an adjustment to a new and…

Mr Wai Ken Wong, Mr Douglas Tsoi, Ms Wesa Chau, Mr Amgad Elmahdi, Mr Darren Li

Abstract: International students studying in Australia bring with them a diversity of cultural views, values and
observations. Adapting to a country such as Australia poses as a challenge for international students
due to the difference in culture and values. Not only are they faced with the issues of becoming
accustomed to a different set of views,…

Paula Dunstan

Abstract:  The substance of this paper was delivered at the 2007 Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne, and presented as a stimulus for discussion about practical approaches to the issues of international student support management. This later version contains additional material that reflects the discussion and panel presentations at the AIEC session.

The impetus for this presentation remains the responses of providers to Standard 6 of…

Felicity Fallon

Abstract: The Confucian-heritage background, the country of origin and the age of the students in this study have all been found to contribute to the problems experienced by these students, the sources of help they use, and how they relate to these problems. These things must then be considered in providing support services for these students. In particular, the importance of these students’ friends in the help-seeking process must be noted…

Peter Kell, Virginie Schmelitschek, Anne Maree Smith and Gillian Vogl

ABSTRACT:  This paper reports on a community action project that was developed by a
community committee to assist international students to feel more welcome in
Wollongong. Research with international students carried out since 2005 by Peter
Kell and Gillian Vogl found that international students who were well connected to
their communities experienced greater well being and performed better
academically. In…

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…

Rachel Baron and Rodney Carr

Abstract: Student peer mentor programs are recognised as a valid component of a multi-faceted strategy to
improve student engagement within higher education. This paper reports some preliminary results
from research investigating how such programs help support diverse student needs in a multicultural
environment.
Our results are from a study of a pilot postgraduate student peer mentoring program set up to support
new students in the…

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…

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…

Dr Shanton Chang and Dr Sophie Arkoudis

Abstract: This paper focuses on unpacking the myths and assumptions around engagement between international and local students. By exploring current literature on socialisation and practices within the higher education sector, the discussion will concentrate on possible research agendas in the area of socialisation and localinternational student engagement. The paper will highlight some of the strengths of current literature and practice as well as some of the gaps that…

Amanda J Daly and Justine C Brown

Abstract:  Numerous studies have highlighted that the most pronounced differences between international and domestic students are with classroom participation and intercultural relationships. In Ward’s (2003) report for the NewZealand Ministry of Education, she identified a pressing need for research to evaluate intervention strategies. In response, this study investigated the effect of an intervention program entitled Excellence in Experiential Learning and Leadership (ExcelL) Intercultural Skills Program. While the ExcelL…

Sylvia Hooker and Felicity Fallon

Abstract: Both Australia and New Zealand have had regulations relating to the care and accommodation of younger students for several years. This paper compares and contrasts these pieces of legislation and finds that a different emphasis has been placed on accommodation in each of these countries. Finding the best accommodation arrangements for each unde-age student is one of the most complex issues in the care and monitoring of…

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…

Pang, David

Abstract:
Many universities in western countries attest with eloquence that international students are now an important
learning community in their campuses. In the case of New Zealand, international education is synonymous with
educating Asian students because of the numerical domination of fee-paying students from Asia. Often referred
to as non-traditional, these students bring with them different academic learning styles. Addressing their
learning needs has often been a challenge…

Shereen Ghobrial

Abstract: Each year, the University of Queensland opens its doors to thousands of new international students.
Although Student Support Services at the University of Queensland introduce international students to some essential safety issues relating to their new environment within the first few days after arrival, it has become apparent that given the number of avoidable critical accidents over the past few years, more specific information was needed to ensure students are made…

Shannon Weiley, Helen Bryce and Jason Sommers

Abstract: In response to globalisation, the number of students engaging in studies abroad and cross-cultural
living has significantly increased. This paper explores the extent to which social isolation and
loneliness is evident within international student’ cohorts, and further examines the advantages of
using technological communication to decrease the feeling of social isolation and loneliness within
international student groups. The advantages and disadvantages of applying…

Terry McGrath , Dr Andrew Butcher , Paul Stock

Abstract: Asian students need to be considered within New Zealand’s broader engagement with Asia. The New Zealand government has invested significant funding into recruiting international students; professional development for those working with international students; and research into the experiences of international students in New Zealand. Only limited research has investigated the experiences and implications of international students returning to their countries of origin and it has…

Heena Akbar

Abstract: The QUT Homestay Program is an essential part of the university’s commitment to meet the accommodation needs of international students. Despite the importance of this style of accommodation, there is very little research addressing issues related to homestay arrangements. The program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was evaluated in 2002 to develop a continuous improvement framework to ensure provision of quality homestay services to international students.

This paper presents…

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…

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…