Campus-Community Linkages in Pastoral Care of International Students, with specific reference to Pal
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Terry McGrath and Andrew Butcher
Abstract: A research evaluation of Campus-Community Linkages (CCL) that assist the process of community involvement in the pastoral care of international students, with particular reference to Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. An action research project commissioned by the Ministry of Education and building on previous work undertaken by the authors.
CCL were first identified at each particular site. Consideration was then given as to how they were established. Their efficacy, applicability, and universality was attempted to be measured via a range of methods. Finally, the research asked whether there were unique issues for these particular sites and, if so, how did they inform a localised response to a national export education strategy? Effects of CCL on students in each site was examined by use of focus groups of international students some of whom were essentially control groups. The views of a range of Pastoral care professionals were surveyed to gain a perspective of those working for the welfare of international students.
Keywords: pastoral care, student support, CCL, interntational students
Cultural differences in reporting harassment
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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 harassment that are not entirely explained by ethnic identification. The results are discussed in light of previous research, mostly conducted in North America, showing Asian students to be more conservative in sexual attitudes and more tolerant of sexual harassment compared to non-Asian students.
Keywords: Sexual harassment, cross-cultural differences, Asian student attitudes
Enhancing the International Student cultural experience - International Student Activities
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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 benefits of running activities in-house, coming up with suitable ideas, choosing the best times of year to run them, planning tips on the day and gathering feedback.
Keywords: International students, activities, programs, student support, transition
Enriching international education with socio-cultural development
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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 government, city councils, corporate bodies and student organisations.
These events are often widely promoted, and while the students are not obliged to participate, many choose to attend. The presentation will endeavour to explore some of the reasons why this may be so and why socio-cultural development is an important dimension in international education from the perspectives of international students, local students and the general community.
Key Words: Student Clubs and Societies (C&S), Cultural activities, Student satisfaction,Cultural diversity, Community participation
Evaluating the QUT Homestay Program
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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 an overview of the evaluation and key lessons learnt in providing quality homestay services to international students. It will cover social and cross-cultural issues faced by providers and international students in the homestay environment, the homestay support needs, program information, policies, procedures and code of practice governing the program.
Key Words: Homestay accommodation, program evaluation, homestay providers, international students, cross-cultural issues