Abstract: Most institutions of higher education in the U.S. acknowledge that the future workforce of America depends on a
citizenry that is sensitive to, and aware of, global issues. The broad assumption in academia is that studying
abroad promotes such a worldview, yet there is a lack of theoretical applications supporting this assertion. We
propose a conceptual framework (based on the value-belief-norm models of behavior) for exploring the
transformational impact of educational-travel study abroad programs on pro-environmental behaviors and
global citizenship. The experiential programs, modelled on an approach developed at the University of Georgia
(see http://pacific.uga.edu) and now offered by several other institutions (through a consortium-based
approach), collectively provide study abroad opportunities for ~700 students a year, and aim to foster a respect
and humility for the peoples and environments of the world: Building an understanding and awareness of the
interaction of cultural diversity (including indigenous perspectives) and environmental conservation.
Keywords: Global citizenship, study abroad, educational travel, South Pacific
Abstract: This study sets out to capture the essence of the socio-cultural and academic lived experiences of international students in a private higher education institution as the phenomenon of adjustment has neither been studied extensively nor qualitatively in the South East Asian setting. The narrations of 12 international students from four countries; Nigeria, Korea, India and Indonesia were gathered through prolonged conversational interviews. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and meaning units identified using the selective and highlighting approach. The formulated meaning units were then arranged into clusters which resulted in five themes. The paper concludes with the discussion of specific implications and recommendations to improve the campus climate for diversity.
Key words: international education, socio-cultural adjustments, academic adjustments, phenomenology, essence.
Abstract: The IES MAP (Model Assessment Practice) for Study Abroad was created in response to the growing need for more effective program development and assessment in international education. The IES MAP focuses on four key areas: the student learning environment; student learning and the development of intercultural competence; resources for academic and student support; and program administration and development. Whilst the development of students’ intellectual abilities is the foremost concern of an academic program, the development of intercultural understanding is also significant, and desired. Many American students perceive Australia as being almost an extension of the United States. Of course they see Australia as ‘different’, but those differences are often anticipated as more ‘cute’, ‘token’ differences, rather than disparities that will actually have a significant impact on their time in Australia. This paper explores the development of intercultural competence in American students studying in Australia using qualitative examples.
Choi, Serene Hyun-Jin, Nieminen, Timo A., Bartylla, C., Bertrand, D., Gong, Y. X., Huber, E., Krüger, K., and Therkildsen, K.
Abstract: We explore the experiences, both positive and negative, of six visiting research students in physics in an Australian university. We consider their motivations for coming to Australia, their take-home impressions of their visits, and what institutions can do to maximise the success of such visits for both the students and the institutions.
Keywords: Visiting students, interns, research experience
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 will describe the top nine findings of the survey, highlighting the key issues contrasted across the sectors. This will include the factors most significantly influencing the decision to study in Australia, satisfaction with pre-aarrival information; satisfaction with the course studied; social integration; employment in Australia while studying; and satisfaction with the Australian life and study experience in general.
Keywords: international students, pastoral care, education, support services, social integration
