ISANA

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…

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…

Cathy Saenger

Abstract: Being a mentor to International Students in the Faculty of Business and Computing at a polytechnic in New Zealand, the author has experienced the trials and tribulations of International Students first hand. They begin fresh faced with many expectations, but very soon find that things are not as easy as expected. Some graduates have indicated that they have found it nearly impossible to find jobs and that they are not…

Felicity Fallon, Terry McGrath

The workshop addresses the interests and needs of those working with international students at
the secondary school level. It has three main emphases: how to enable both the international and
the local students to gain the most from the presence of international students in the school,
academic and classroom management issues and the support and welfare issues associated with
the education of younger international students.

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,…

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…

Helen Forbes-Mewett, et al

Abstract: Growth in the number of international students studying in English language countries has slowed in recent years and this development has generated extended debate amongst university managers and policy makers. In these discussions much attention has focussed on whether the slow down is to be explained by currency realignments, visa requirements, the quality of education, or the increasing competitiveness of the international education market. But what has attracted little attention…

Carol Dalglish, Christian Haker, Lynda Lawson, Peter Nelson and Martin Reese

Abstract: Australian universities are welcoming an increasingly diverse range of international students and they are doing this in the context of increasing international competition for these students. It is vital that our institutions are clear about the nature of the learning experience that they are offering students. Not just the content, but the learning processes, and challenges of daily life. University marketing activities…

Amanda Daly and Justine Brown

Abstract: The New Zealand international education sector has seen significant growth over the last decade. Associated with this change, New Zealand tertiary educators need to be increasingly aware of language and learning needs of students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). Certainly, language is seen as an underlying factor influencing student socio-cultural and educational adjustment. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the ways in which lecturers…

Shengjie Su

Abstract: This presentation bases on a PHD research project, which is a detailed case study with the focus on exploring the academic adaptation experiences of a group of Chinese coursework postgraduate students studying in a faculty which is a popular choice of international students at one Australian university.

In twenty years, international education has become Australia’s fourth-highest export earner and the second largest service export industry (Australian Trade Commission, 2006). International students not…

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…

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…

David Craven

Abstract: The traditional view of the learning style of the Asian student learner as being suited to rote learning, concrete thinking and teacher dependence can restrict the innovative learning experiences that are provided to the Asian learner. For subjects such as business where there is no one right way but rather a variety of approaches that are often contextually determined, the traditional learning style can be ineffective in fostering knowledge. This…

Paul Spoonley

Abstract: New Zealand like a number of other countries is facing significantly increased levels of cultural diversity as a result of immigration and the mobility that is apparent in contemporary globalisation. As with countries like Australia and Canada, the number of immigrants accepted as permanent residents is far exceeded by temporary residents, including those involved in education. While there is considerable recognition that institutions, including those in education, need to recognise…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Ms Kim Edmunds

Abstract: This paper examines gender and the social change impact of an overseas education for a group of Indonesian graduates of Australian universities. Twenty five respondents participated in this research, the majority being Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) recipients from the University of Newcastle. Data collected by survey questionnaire and interview are analysed in relation to the impact of an overseas education on gender relations and social change in the family, community and…