ISANA

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,…

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.

Dr.V.K.Varughese

Abstract:  This research study investigated approaches by international students from vastly
different educational, cultural and linguistic backgrounds to learning and their academic
performance in Foundation Studies (FS) at RMIT University. This paper explores the
effect of the interactions between various demographic variables and learning traits on
students’ performance under Traditional method of Teaching and Learning (TTL) and
Problem Based method of Learning (PBL). Most universities around the world run Read more...

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…

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…

Maria Victoria McCarthy

Abstract: Learning and practising basic skills in aromatherapy and gentle yoga stretches proved to be a promising venue for both International and Domestic Australians Students to get together in a safe and positive environment. Within International Student Services at QUT, this activity is usually offered from the third week of each semester. It is a one hour program for four weeks where participants gather in a circle and are welcomed to express…

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…

Nicholas Tan

Abstract:  In order to provide better value to all stakeholders, ECU International revisited its key student programs in 2003. Refreshing its approach, it is evolving its Orientation volunteer program and low-cost recreational program into a multi-faceted experience that is inclusive, interactive and responsive to the needs of all participants.

This presentation provides snapshots of the features that are incorporated in the program. The experience is focused on increasing the range and quality 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…

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…

Kay McNamara, Izabela Skorka

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to share the practical ways in which teachers at Kelvin Grove State College (Qld) have attempted to improve contact between international and local students using the award winning Teaching Emphases for English Proficiency Levels (TEEPL) http://www.kelvingrovesc.eq.edu.au/asp/teepl/teepl_cover.asp (presented at ISANA conference 2005).

TEEPL is a comprehensive database of suggestions to support students both academically and socially…

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;…

David Bycroft, Peter Spolc, Chris Everson, Sylvia Lewohl

Homestay is a wonderful, educational experience that provides an ideal opportunity to learn about another
culture. Each year both Australia and New Zealand open their doors to thousands of new international
students, many apply for homestay, believing it to be the very best way to experience a new environment.
Each student must have a safe, supportive place to live and each student must be…

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…

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,…

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…

Angela Liew

Abstract: The foremost concerns of most international Asian students were disappointments with their academic performance and their lack of fluency in English. There was a huge gap between their own expectations and reality, and was primarily caused by cultural misunderstanding and language inadequacy. However, such gap also created unnecessary performance pressures, prevented meaningful interaction and integration between international and local students, and generated feelings of rejections and isolations. Placing appropriate support mechanisms and…

Dr Zakir Rahmani

Abstract: In late 2006 AEI embarked on a benchmarking nation-wide survey of international students studying in Australia across all sectors. The international student survey sought information about international students ’e xperiences in Australia with respect to: their choices to study in Australia; their level of satisfaction with their education; pastoral and support services; social integration; and life in general. It also examined the future plans and aspirations of international students.

The paper…

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…

Sarah Ahern

Abstract:  International education is a major contributor to the Australian economy. By the end of
2007, it was ranked third, after coal and iron ore, as an export earner, having overtaken
tourism to become the most successful service industry in Australia. The financial
success of the industry, however, overshadows other aspects of the trade in education.
In this paper, I focus on the role of government policy in international…