ISANA

Neera Handa

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

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