Abstract: International education is a thriving industry, but relatively little is known about its
consequences for the social integration of international scholars in educational institutions or
the wider community. This paper reviews research on attitudes toward international students
as a key component of intercultural relations and a significant marker of social cohesion. An
organizational framework for the investigation of these attitudes is proposed with threat
mediating the influences of personal and situational factors on attitudinal outcomes and
contextual factors influencing the process of attitude development and maintenance. A model
derived from this framework is then tested with student, teacher and community samples. A
“tipping point” in attitudes toward international students as a function of the proportion of
international enrolments in educational institutions is also explored. Finally, the applicability
of the findings for promoting social cohesion in educational institutions and the wider
community is discussed.
Abstract: The ISANA Conference theme of “Promoting Integration and Interaction” could be as relevant to those
charged with the responsibility of Quality Assuring international education as it is to the education
providers who deliver it.
Increasingly, international students coming to Australia engage with a number of education providers
and education sectors, undertaking pathways from exchange, school or ELICOS student through VET
providers and then to the Higher Education sector.
Education providers have, in recent years, increasingly responded to student’s needs, with an
increasing range of multi-sector providers, offering ELICOS and Foundation Studies, or pathway
programs from Certificate courses through to higher degrees.
Across Victoria, 70% of international students are enrolled with a CRICOS registered provider offering
programs in more than one sector. Several Victorian TAFE Institutes have students enrolled across
up to five of the eight sectors of international education:
1. ELICOS
2. Foundation Studies
3. Higher Education
4. Non-Award programs
5. School programs
6. Trans-national Education
7. Vocational Education
8. Exchange Students
Despite this growing integration in the sectoral structures of international education, until recently
government regulatory and quality assurance arrangements have largely remained unchanged,
sectoral and unintegrated
Abstract: Recognising the numerous benefits of an overseas study experience, the Australian Government encourages young Australians to immerse themselves in social and academic cultures of other countries by undertaking an international study experience.
Outbound student mobility can: help address skill shortages through improved global skills and knowledge; ensure that
Australia keeps pace with global industry trends and competitiveness; and help to build human capital and capacity to
contribute to productivity gains.
A number of Australian Government funded projects and programs currently being undertaken seek to support Australian
tertiary education providers in further developing and diversifying their linkages with counterpart institutions overseas and also
facilitate student and staff mobility. Among these projects have been studies on the current practices of outbound mobility in
Australian tertiary institutions. Theses studies have acknowledged that the outbound mobility of Australian students is gathering momentum.
Keywords: Outbound student Mobility, Australian Government, Australian Education International.
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 will appreciate the dissemination of important information as an active learning experience. This experience will incorporate both EST and ISANA expertise.
Keyword: international students, National Code 2007, learning experience.
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 and among members of the host culture. Educational institutions face losing a lucrative market if they do not pick up the opportunity to engage differently with this diversity. The challenge is to facilitate interactional experiences that will improve working relationships and provide potential for ongoing collaboration between all students and between students and staff of all backgrounds. University of South Australia recognises the potential of inclusivity in developing qualities of global citizenship among all students and is researching critical elements that make a difference.
This paper explores alternative interactive strategies being developed at UniSA that explore the effect of differing worldviews on interaction among international and local students and staff. This inclusive model is based on Process Oriented Psychology which emphasises change through increasing awareness among participants. It discusses the critical role of intercultural interaction in developing awareness about cultural assumptions and expectations of themselves and others, and how these shape ongoing and future interactions. Central aspects that have previously received little attention are the role and impact of rank in determining a dominant communication style and how each person’s culturally defined understanding of power and rank impact their ability and choices to contribute in any given context.
