ISANA

Dianne Jonasson

Abstract:  When International students from non-English speaking backgrounds (INESB students) choose to study in an Australian university, they come, like any student, with hopes, expectations, and understandings. Their teachers also have hopes, expectations, and understandings regarding these students. In fact, it appears that students and teachers are generally hoping for the same things, namely, that students will pass their subjects, understand the concepts, and improve their English. However, while both parties appear to…

Ly Thi Tran

Abstract: The case study reported in this paper has examined the of adaptation of international postgraduate students from China and Vietnam in two disciplines, Education and Economics, at an Australian university. It focuses on how individual students mediated their disciplinary writing practices and their personal values. Based on the discussion of the students’ experiences, it will be argued that the accommodating process they go through seems complex and multifaceted. The study highlights…

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…

Waliul Islam, Helen Borland

Abstract: A look at the recent statistics will show that large numbers of students from South Asia
are now undertaking postgraduate studies in Australian universities. This paper, drawn from data collected for a broader study about South Asian postgraduate coursework students’ initial understandings, expectations of Australian postgraduate studies and their gradual adaptation experiences, will limit itself to analyzing a few themes that emerge in their initial expectations and…

Maria Victoria McCarthy and Lio Lay

Abstract: In this workshop, a sample of evolving integrated counselling approaches will be presented followed by a discussion on hypothetical case scenarios where the said framework may be applied. There will be opportunities for the participants to incorporate their own counselling practice framework while learning from others during the discussion. It is practical and beneficial that this workshop be given 60 to 90 minutes length to maximise participation and…

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…

Gillian O’Neill and Grant Harris

Abstract: This paper first outlines a 12 week programme of Ongoing Academic Orientation (OAO) which was trialled in the Waikato Management School (WMS) during the 2004 A and B semesters and then reports the results of a questionnaire survey given to the students who followed the programme in A semester 2004. The questionnaire had three functions: to gather data on the trial programme’s efficacy, content, timing, and length;…

Jocelyn Wolfe

Abstract : Writing about music is fundamental to the study of music in a university. This may not be surprising to most people familiar with study in tertiary institutions in Australia. However, many aspiring young musicians coming from overseas to study music in Australia are not prepared for this aspect of their music education. Their lack of preparedness is, first, in understanding what the academic requirements are…

Kylie Smith

Abstract: The presentation takes participants through the content of our newly launched website “Keep it Safe: A Guide for International Women Students” . The website content is simple and accessible and provides comprehensive, relevant information that's easy to understand and navigate, with a positive spin on safety for women. Developed from conversations with International women students over a period of 12 months, the 9 sections together take a…

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…

Helen Kalaboukas, Katherine Yannakis, Liza Ng, Michele Kemm, Taeko Sakurai, Theresa Savage

Abstract: Swinburne Integration and Internationalisation Program (IIP) was a joint project between Student Services, the International Student Unit and the Japanese Department. The need for greater internationalization and integration was identified by the Counselling Department and a specific program was designed to address this need.

The aims of the IIP were to decrease isolation and segregation, increase cultural awareness; and enhance intercultural interaction…

Gavin Sanderson

Abstract: This paper reports on research undertaken in a university department to determine if academic staff used a range of theory-based practical teaching strategies that are promoted to assist international students adjust to Australian academe and support their learning. The department has an enrolment of 50 per cent international students and is located at a medium-size Australian university that is in the planning phase of internationalising its teaching and learning activities. A ‘mixed…

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

Abstract: Though the social and economic security of international students is an important factor influencing student and parent decisions regarding where to access international education, researchers have paid little attention to defining the notion of "security". Drawring on literature from a range of fields, the current paper is used to advance the concept of cultural difference and relocation. These issues are contexualised within the rising international educational market and how pastoral care is…

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…

Julie Hockey and Dr Carolyn McSwiney

Abstract: Concern for newly arrived international students must extend beyond the more obvious group of first year students to include a growing cohort of articulant students arriving in Australia having completed part of their degree in their home countries. This paper describes a dual ‘pre-departure’ and ‘on-arrival’ academic library program developed to meet the differential needs of this cohort in the University of South Australia. It is designed to…

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…

Carmela Briguglio

Abstract:It is a common belief that tertiary students acquire intercultural communication competence through interacting with each other in multicultural classrooms. Much research undertaken in Australia, however, indicates that having culturally diverse classrooms will not, by itself, necessarily promote student development in this area. This is particularly true of students working in multinational/multicultural teams, where often the experience can reinforce negative stereotypes instead of promoting understanding. What is required, instead,…

Dr Mona Chung, Martin Kelliher, Dr Wendy Smith

Abstract: The higher education environment in Australia has undergone a radical change since the
1980s with the phenomenal increase in the intake of international students, particularly from what are referred to as Confucian Heritage Cultures (CHC): China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Students from these countries view the Australian higher education system very favourably. The present increase in the proportion of full-fee paying students at…

Debra Langton

Abstract: Two years ago, under the duress of exponential growth in all areas, Macquarie International undertook a significant restructure. The redesign was driven by volume, resourcing issues (both financial and human), relationship management, marketing considerations and professional development opportunities for all staff. One of the major outcomes of the restructure was the creation of Macquarie Abroad, a specialised unit for all of Macquarie’s short term eg study abroad and exchange initiatives. In light…