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 of consistent and continued growth, and taking into consideration forecast growth, Macquarie International has completed another significant review of both its structure and resourcing levels. This has resulted in the creation of new roles and amalgamation or reclassification of other roles.
The aim of this review was to achieve best practice in the use of available resources to improve the service delivery of all outcomes to stakeholders, whilst limiting knowledge gaps and communication gaps. With international activities being so crucial to the function of the university, the professionalisation of international activity into an organised unit, governed by strategic business plans and not hidden away inside faculties, is critical. Since the original paper was presented at the 2002 ISANA Conference, Macquarie International has received many enquiries into its structural reviews. This session will look at the history of Macquarie International’s structures and will allow delegates to see the evolution of roles within a large international office. It is hoped this will help individuals, departments and larger units in finding approaches that may fit their needs for managing their own international eduction outcomes.
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. Australian universities, to replenish their fading funds pursue these students and welcome their interest in studying here. However, does the moveable feast of dollar change its tune once the money has exchanged hands and the celebration of diversity change into carping about the differences?
This paper discusses the responses of international students, LAS and international student advisors and academics. Looking at the scenario from different perspectives, the paper aspires to bring a touch of reflection and improvement to fill some of the gaps that remain in the full realisation of the internationalisation of higher education. It proposes to accomplish its aim by contributing to the discourse that universities involved in internationalisation of higher education need to have an international philosophy (Welch, 2002) to create inter connectedness in the world (Dewitt, 2002).
Key words: International students, western universities, diversity, differences, gains
