ISANA

by Cheryl Cook

Abstract: As traditional international mono-markets decline, our knowledge of other cultures is being challenged by the influx from a more variable market. We need to question if, on the basis of our past cultural encounters, it is now possible to deal effectively, realistically and empathetically with the increasing range of factors presented by this cultural variety.

This is an issue confronting support areas,…

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…

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…

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…

Gresham, Ruth and Walsh, Jeannette

Abstract: This paper explores the development of resources for the increasing population of Muslim students within the Newcastle area, where the cultural and linguistic diversity of the population is quite narrow compared to the national population. Collaboration between the Newcastle Muslim Association, TAFE, Department of Education & Training, the Northern Settlement Services (formerly the Migrant Resource Centre) and the University has resulted in the development of a resource to give…

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…

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…

Kathryn Richardson and Assoc. Prof. Rosalind Hurworth

Abstract: Fitting into a new culture brings many preconceived expectations and uncertainties, particularly for students who are also navigating the complications of adolescence. As adolescents, international students attending secondary schools still require the help and confidence of adults who they respect and with whom they can confide safely. This paper reports some of the findings from a survey and interviews investigating the needs of…

Karyn Gonano and Karen Nelson

Abstract: This program developed and trialled structured sustainable program to enhance NESB student experiences in their first year at QUT. The project focused on improving access and participation in learning activities in order to increase the success rate for NESB students on a unit requiring teamwork. That is, by addressing communication carriers, providing practical strategies and raising awareness of the broader social ssues, this program aimed to increase the awareness…

Neera Handa

Abstract:  Australian universities, providing higher education to the multicultural cohort of their local as well as international students mirror the plethora of colour and creed of Australian society. Multitudes of international students besides bringing their diverse culture along bring substantial monetary benefits to this country. Many Asian students continue to choose Australia as their first choice to study abroad because of its proximity to Asia as well as because of its cheaper dollar.…

Vivienne Anderson

Abstract: International students in New Zealand are positioned within internationalisation and export education discourses reflecting market rather than human concerns. These discourses position international students as consumers and commodities rather than people. In order to change this, there is a need to reinstate human agency and human imagination in relation to international education and the global marketplace. Gibson-Graham’s (2003) ‘ethics of the local’ is a framework that facilitates this. It allows us to…

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).…

Anne Suryani

Abstract: Previous studies suggest that young people are the majority of internet users. Most research has focused on what people do on the internet, but has not considered how the use of internet relates to other aspects of their lives. This paper examines how the Indonesian students take up with the new media and use the internet in relation to their academic studies. A mixed method approach is applied in this study, using…

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…

Shanton Chang

Abstract:  This paper discusses ways in which student interaction and integration may be
achieved through curriculum design. It approaches the challenge of localinternational
student interaction by addressing the shortcomings of traditional
curriculum development that may not take into consideration the diversity of the
student cohort adequately. The paper highlights and integrates important
considerations for internationalisation with various key issues in curriculum
development, including; rationale and philosophy behind…

Diana Collett

Abstract: International students invest large sums of money when choosing to study in English speaking Universities. They are hoping for opportunities to immerse themselves in English language and Western style culture. Local students attending the same university have completely different expectations. Frequently a cultural divide occurs between the two groups typified by awkward silences, unmet expectations and stereotyping. This widely documented phenomenon has inspired Academic staff to devise clever strategies as desperate attempts…

Samantha Thompson

Abstract:  The goal for all institutions is to look at ways to develop integration and interaction as soon as
a student is engaged at the offer stage. The Course guides are colourful the resources of
reading materials are a plenty. However, in many cases the majority of students that we are
trying to connect with have English as a second language. So with the plethora of
information we send…

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…

Diana Collett

Abstract: Increasing global migration and interconnectedness presents us with the challenge of finding ways to incorporate diversity and its inherent potential for change. The higher education field exemplifies these global trends as international students from a variety of cultural backgrounds choose to study overseas. One of their important motives in doing so is the opportunity to gain intercultural experiences. Yet consistently they report dissatisfaction with the nature and frequency of their interactions with…

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…