17/8/06 Victorian International Students Summit in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date: 17 August 2006 Event name: International Students Summit Venue: Parliament House, Spring Street Melbourne Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Guests: 68 Cost: Free Sponsored by: Newcomers Network Views on Event Registration Page: n/a Event Description: Successful student living in Victoria
The Victorian International Students Summit is being coordinated by Sue
Ellson BBus AIMM MAHRI, Founder of Newcomers Network and Marc Barry SDB,
Activities Co-ordinator/Language Educator for RMIT English Worldwide.
It will provide an opportunity for people working in the international
student industry in Victoria to come together and share their concerns and outline
future policy directions around the settlement issues of international
students currently living in Victoria, Australia.
Many people in the industry work in isolation, with limited budgets and
resources. This summit will commence with short briefings from a
range of experts and these experts will then facilitate small group
discussions based around pertinent questions. We will re-convene
to discuss the issues raised and the findings will be summarised and
distributed to all guests and forwarded to policy planners.
It is hoped that a regular meeting of this group may also occur in the
future. You are welcome to forward this invitation to people you
believe are interested in this topic.
Speakers/Facilitator:
Mr Marc Barry SDB Activities Co-ordinator/Language Educator
RMIT English Worldwide http://www.rmitenglishworldwide.com Julian Warner Manager of the Student Liaison Unit
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Melbourne http://www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm Julian Warner has managed the Student Compliance Section of DIMA in Victoria for the last two years - having been with the department for twenty-four years. The Student Compliance Section comprises three teams which deal with student visa cancellations, overstayed students and student welfare. The Student Liaison Unit, with three staff, was set up specifically to deal with student welfare issues and to liaise with Education Providers on student issues. They have some direct dealings with individual students who have welfare problems and they assist other agencies by putting them in touch with the right venue for their student welfare enquiries. They do this in cooperation with both State and Commonwealth education agencies.
They have their own Welfare Reference Group which meets periodically to discuss student welfare issues. This is attended by State, Commonwealth and non-government agencies. If they encounter issues which suggest the need for government policies with regard to overseas students to be changed, they feed this information to DIMA's Student Policy Unit in Canberra. They are currently involved in the consultations on proposed changes to the 'National Code' under the ESOS Act - which may have a significant impact on student welfare. Mr Amgad Elmahdi 2006 SBS Harmony Hero
Council Member, University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association
PhD Candidate CRCIF
IDTC, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering http://www.umpa.unimelb.edu.au/about/councilmembers.html Amgad has eleven years experience in various aspects of hydrology and water management. After obtaining a Masters of Science in Water-Ecological Studies in Egypt, Amgad went on to study environment conservation in Greece and completed a Masters degree in Land and Water Management in Italy. In 2003, Amgad received an award from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt, for Best Master Thesis in Water Resources Management. In August that same year he commenced his PhD on Irrigation System Management at the University of Melbourne.
In addition to his ground-breaking research, Amgad is very active in the life of the University. He is founder of CROSS CULTURAL GROUP at Melbourne Uni from diverse background, departments and faculties. This group now is running for two years and helps students to get integrated and understand other cultural particularly Australian cultural. He was elected as a postgraduate councillor for the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA) in 2004, and then as the Activities and Communication Officer, and was recently named the DIMIA and SBS Australian Harmony Hero of 2006 for his work promoting cross-cultural understanding and dissolving cultural barriers amongst students at the University.
Claudia is of Italian migrant descent. She was born in Australia and until her first years of preschool spoke only Italian. Even though she was very young and had the love and support of her parents, she can still remember what it was like being different to the other children at the creche.
Claudia values her upbringing and experiencing different cultures. She has travelled overseas and offered a home to international students. She cherishes human differences and thrives on learning from others. She is committed to helping people through life's transitions.
Claudia thrives on overcoming challenges. Confronting the question, "What is my purpose in life" steered her to where she is now. Claudia spent many years in the private and public sectors mainly in training and development and human resources. She owned businesses in tourism and transport but says that her career as a coach and writer of people's life stories is perhaps the most liberating journey she has yet embarked on.
Her passion is seeing other people break through boundaries, whether of beliefs, culture, excuses and fears, and other inhibitors that stop people from reaching their potential for freedom.
Barbara A. West received her Ph.D. in cultural anthropology in 1995 and has done extensive teaching, publishing and consulting in the area of culture and intercultural communications. Before moving to Melbourne to co-found Culture Works in 2005, Barbara was an associate professor of international studies at the University of the Pacific (California, USA), had lived in four different countries and travelled throughout the world. Since moving here, she has worked with a large number of educational insitutions, including the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, RMIT University, Victoria University, School for International Training and both Box Hill and KanganBatman institutes of TAFE to facilitate the movement of students both into and out of Australia. She has also worked with a number of corporate and community sector clients as well. Master of Ceremonies
Event designed for: People who provide
services, support, resources or information to international students
studying in Victoria, Australia. We are inviting:
. representatives from international schools, TAFEs, colleges and
universities operating in Victoria (this includes country Victoria)
. student union representatives
. a small selection of international students (no more than three from
the same campus)
. local, state and Australian government representatives who have
responsibility for international student policy and procedures
. authors of relevant publications
. service providers to international students (like home stay associations, student accommodation providers, international student agents etc)
All Newcomers Network events welcome anyone who is interested (until the
maximum number of guests have been registered).
Thank you once again for registering to attend the Victorian International
Students Summit being held in K Room at Parliament House, Spring Street
Melbourne on Thursday 17 August 206 from 2:00 - 4:00pm. It is proudly
sponsored by Newcomers Network http://www.newcomersnetwork.com and RMIT English Worldwide http://www.rmitenglishworldwide.com has provided coordination assistance.
This event has attracted far more guests than Marc or I expected, so it is
necessary, in this confirmation email, to give you as much information as
possible so that the event can run smoothly and on time. You may like to
print and read this email.
The event is fully booked and there are people on the waiting list. If you
cannot attend on the day, please reply to this email immediately so that someone
else can attend in your place.
Parliament House has security procedures in place, similar to those at airports
where you walk through a metal detector and if you have a large bag with you,
they will ask for it to be placed in a locker. You will be given a
visitor's sticker to place on your clothing and you can ask for directions to K
Room (Level one at the end of the corridor closest to the Yarra River) on the
left hand side. We do need to start on time to get through the program, so
it is advisable to arrive earlier to allow time to go through the security
process. All guests are required to leave the building by 4:15pm.
As you know, this is a networking event where people in the International
Student Industry in Victoria are invited to come together to discuss the
settlement issues of international students living in Victoria but also to
enable guests to make
policy suggestions for the future.
In an effort to keep the conversation
focused, we would like to suggest the following principles:
Personal Information
. individual cases can be used as examples however personal details cannot
be mentioned
Workshop Group Discussions . a variety of issues need to be discussed so please keep any points you
raise brief
. we do not have separate rooms for the workshop groups, so please have just one
person talking and everyone else listening.
. please allow each person an opportunity to make at least one contribution
. one person will need to make neat summary notes from the conversation (please
consider nominating as a small gift will be provided)
. one person will need to represent the group in the plenary session to mention
the main points of discussion
Event protocol . photos will be taken
. we are planning to have a podcast available after the event so your voice may
be recorded
. please bring your own pen and notepaper and perhaps something firm to write on
Networking Principles . bring your own business cards/brochures and name tag if you have one . if you are attending with other people from your organisation, please make
an effort to be in different groups during the workshop time
. review the guest list below to see if there is someone you would like to meet
on the day
. if you would like to talk about other issues with the guests attending, please
make a time to do so after the event
. say hello to familiar people and make an effort to speak to at least one new
person
Order of activities 2:0 Arrivals and refreshments, please collect your beverage and a biscuit
and take a seat as we cannot congregate in the corridor as it is near the
Parliamentary Library.
2:15 Welcome and introductions, Sue Ellson
Each person to stand up when their name is announced then sit down again
2-25 Guest Speakers
2-37 Summary and instructions for groups
2-40 Workshop Groups - briefly introduce yourself within your group
3-00 Workshop Group Discussion Sheet
Please complete answers to the following
1. Choose one main concern you feel is not being met or not being met adequately
in regard to the needs of international students in Victoria.
2. Share one strategy you use or have created in your particular situation that
is successfully meeting the needs of international students.
3. Share one hope you have for the future of international student welfare in
your situation: an unmet need, a strategy, a possibility; no matter how
'unrealistic' it might be.
3-00 Discuss as a group
3-25 Summarise your group's three main points
3-30 Rejoin the audience
3-35 Plenary of each group's discussions
3-45 Complete evaluation form
3-50 Discussion on next steps with Marc Barry
Launch of new Yahoo Group 'Educating Victorian Newcomers'
If you would like to be kept informed about all developments associated with
this event, please join the Educating Victorian Newcomers Yahoo Group online at http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/educatingvictoriannewcomers/. You will
receive a separate invitation to join this Yahoo Group after the event.
If you would like to attend the 'after party' at The European Restaurant at 161 Spring Street
from 4-30pm (limit of 20 guests and pay for your own refreshments), please reply to this
email (first 20 responses only).
If you would like to attend the follow up event on Wednesday 20 September 2006
at 3:00pm, please reply to this email.
Marc and I look forward to welcoming you on the day.
Guest List Please check your details on the current guest list below and contact us if your
details need to be changed. The final column mentions whether or not you
have subscribed to receive the Newcomers Network free monthly email newsletter.
You can see past editions online at http://www.newcomersnetwork.com This will have an international
student feature in future editions and it is not too late if you would like to
subscribe.
As mentioned above, please reply to this email if:
. you cannot attend
. you would like to attend the after party
. you would like to register to attend the next event on 20/9/06 at 3:00pm
. you or someone you know would like to join the Newcomers Network monthly email
newsletter mailing list
Thanks and cheers
Sue Ellson BBus AIMM MAHRI and Marc Barry SDB
Format on the day
We will start by
introducing speakers and guests and then the speakers will provide a
short (three minute) presentation on a topic relevant to our theme.
The speakers will then facilitate small workshop groups of guests - so
you will be invited to discuss some questions that we have already prepared.
One guest from each group will then present their group's three most
important points to all guests and speakers. An evaluation form
will be completed prior to the final summary.
Any remaining time will be used for informal networking over light
refreshments.
The written feedback will be collected and distributed to all guests
after the event. Anyone with an interest in this topic is welcome
to attend (maximum of 60 guests).
If you would like to continue the discussion with some of the guests after the event, we have reserved a small table (10 guests) at The European, a cafe at 161 Spring Street (opposite Parliament House). You will need to purchase your own beverages.
A follow up meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday 20 September 2006 at 3:00pm.
If you would like to be a part of the after event drinks or the follow up meeting on 20/9/06, please send an email to melbourne at newcomersnetwork.com
Comments recorded before going into workshop groups
This is a full list of the comments recorded before participants moved into workshop groups. The question that was asked is listed at the top of each box and the responses are listed by name where a name was given and then randomly by the other guests who did not include a name.
Concern - Choose one main concern you feel is not being met or
not being met adequately in regard to the needs of international
students in Victoria.
Informal learning about the structures of a
democratic society - community and institutional interaction - Jane
Accommodation exploitation, workplace exploitation, discrimination by
state government, involvement of students in policy making - Mohit
Masand
Getting students involved in community - Jennifer Weber
Accommodation - our society does not look after international students
enough - Jason
Physical and emotional welfare - Mark Tully
Culture - Jo
I think most of the international may concern the cultural problem. It
is too difficult to join into the real local lives of Australians - Yue
Yu
Student orientation - building sense of confidence them understanding
their environment and adjusting to it - Anna Koren
Language, poor English Skills - Mehrnoush Salehpour
Concession on public transport - English language support - academic and
related to course content - Melissa Charalambous
Intercultural training for support staff of international students as
well as for all new international students - Frances Murphy
External support groups /cultural community engagement - Darryl Stewart
Pre embarkation information - Julian Warner
Lack of uniformity of service delivery for student accommodation.
Rogue operators not providing requisite services - David and Anna Nesbit
The only one main concern would be the home stay. Some of the
students had very bad experiences with their home stay - Bryan Peng Liu
Welfare for students after hours - Chris Heverin
Students who expect that they can give employment as a higher priority
than studies - Jeff Hyde
International students are isolated from the community - Renee de Simone
Culture support - Eliza Cart
Welfare/self care/self sufficiency -students not eating, not knowing how
to look after themselves - Stase Kaintatsis
Social and emotional support, language barrier - Marion Lau
Accommodation - Margaret Vella
They are often not treated the same even by government bodies - eg fares
on public transport. Jobs are harder to get because of
restrictions - Anna
Connection with local students inadequate - Sally
Who is looking after student welfare - in reality? Who can students turn
to? eg if student has a dispute with provider, who fights for them? The
school has a vested interest, unlikely to go to DIMA etc - Jensen Ma
Depression related to cross cultural dislocation - Carolyn Mills
Accommodation - Monique Lon Ho Kee
Homestay - Theresa Grealy
There are few mechanisms for students to communicate their needs,
concerns - Gail Plowman
Student take the role for their welfare
Cross cultural communication
The welfare of the international students
Transport costs and employment opportunities
Lack of communication that is culturally meaningful to students leading
to victimisation and emotional/mental problems
Worry about students falling through the gaps
A link to a key person they can go to anytime. A clear pathway for
help
Incoming and outgoing training in intercultural communication, values,
learning/teaching styles
They feel barrier in front of them to mix with the local culture and
people
Support, representation, advice
Not receiving enough information or perhaps too much which causes
information overload (during orientation) and therefore no benefit to
students
Homestay, stay for all
Why they not treated equal to local student, to how what their rights
where they can go to find help life if all agencies provide help as well
for them
Strategy - Share one strategy you use or have created in your
particular situation that is successfully meeting the needs of
international students.
In depth contact with one particular notional
group of international students has given me a greater understanding of
international students' situation - Jane
Involvement of a representative from all industry stakeholders and
individual universities in conducting student forums and focus group and
addressing such initiatives and considering problems raised at those
groups/forums - Mohit Masand
Playgroup for families of international students, friendship program,
global friendship nights - Jennifer Weber
Perth offers discounts for international students - Jason
24 hour access to staff - Mark Tully
Compared with the Chinese education, Australian education is much more
active and practical - Jo
More activities will be helpful for international students. For
the cultural shock, I think understanding each other's culture better is
the better way - Yue Yu
In my case business people, cross cultural training - building cultural
awareness, provide understanding of issues (social and professional),
understanding the personal journey involved in cultural adjustment -
Anna Koren
English Coffee - a place for English discussion at Deakin University on
a regular basis - Mehrnoush Salehpour
Providing students with the opportunity to be heard and a support
network. Being able to refer students to relevant services that
will assist them - university and in the community, DIMA etc - Melissa
Charalambous
Provide that training in professional development formats to Uni staff
and within orientation for incoming international students - Frances
Murphy
Pre departure seminars, timetable to LSU - all new and onshore VCE,
student monitoring program - Darryl Stewart
Outreach information sessions to education providers and their students
- Julian Warner
Encouraging students from different countries to mix and to try to
understand other students cultures. Avoid segregation by
country/language - David and Anna Nesbit
To practice English most times a day and everyday - Bryan Peng Liu
International Student Care offers a 24 hours a day, 7 days per week
welfare service - we are proactive with weekly student contact and
respond to matters such as traffic accidents, homestay issues etc -
Chris Heverin
Introduce many guest speakers from many different sources at orientation
sessions and an active friendship program - Jeff Hyde
International Student Friendship Program linking international students
with community volunteers for the purpose of friendship, cross cultural
exchange - Renee de Simone
Have a orientation to get an idea of how you can live here, to know
about the system and can find the opportunities - Eliza Cart
Networking with students whether at the cafe or at events or at
orientation - so that they know of my services, they have a face to a
name etc, and can seek me in times of need as well as word of mouth to
other students - Stase Kaintatsis
Conversational English training and one to one conselling and mentoring
- Marion Lau
One on one interviews as to what suits each student before they are
placed - Margaret Vella
Orientation - let students talk and get information regarding settling -
teach them how important it is to start making friends immediately -
introduction to buddies - Anna
When teaching, ensuring that all small group work contains a mix of
students - Sally
Defending/advocating for students on immigration and other legal issues
- Jensen Ma
Intensive post arrival orientation support with peer support program -
successful 16 years service inception 1990 - Carolyn Mills
Deakin has introduced a feedback meeting for new international students
in Semester One this year to discuss any issues/concerns etc then we
followed up with any issues - Monique Lon Ho Kee
Connecting with students in high rise buildings, network building -
Theresa Grealy
Getting an issue 'out there' - information may lead to solutions - Gail
Plowman
Linking the international students with local students (buddy)
Cross Cultural understanding
Industry work experience is assisting students in future employment
options and giving them 'hands on' education
Cross culture mentor groups (3C's) - local students mentor international
students, conversation, interview skills, learning skills etc six weeks
Additional tutorial session for the international students to assist
their understanding of the study expectations
Pester Unis and TAFEs until they offer real training - not just the
field trip/booze fests that currently are used by so many
Introduce and invite students to participate local activities such as
BBQ, football match, have a one to one buddy system
Forums, education, workshops where students are educated about their
rights
Providing a program to discuss and share this information as a follow up
Induction program at country of departure, immersion
Working with overseas networks
Hope - Share one hope you have for the future of international
student welfare in your situation: an unmet need, a strategy, a
possibility; no matter how 'unrealistic' it might be.
That international students are more valued as people
that we host futures (sp) is willing to respect and learn from them -
Jane
Fund services specific to international students at the same time
involvement of those students in deciding whats good or important for
them and policy making - Mohit Masand
Breaking down isolation and sense of loneliness - Jennifer Weber
International students can get discount for train or some public
services, public transport - Jason
If the need arises, all students will have immediate access to
assistance when the need arises - Mark Tully
I hope that international students could be treated as the Australian.
For example, as an international student, I cannot buy concession
ticket. I think its really unfair - Jo
Make more local friends, I hope my English proves fast - Yue Yu
That average Australians will understand the
challenges/confusion/ambiguity that foreign students face and be ready
to help them through their experience. In other words, that all
Australians would be more culturally open. Note I haven't used the
work 'tolerant' because I believe it has a negative connotation ie
'something I have to put up with' - Anna Koren
Public transport concession for international student as well as local
students - Mehrnoush Salehpour
All international students having a happy, safe and fulfilling study
experience in Australia. Having a positive and memorable
experience, and learning about Australia/themselves. Taking positive
memories of Australia home with them - Melissa Charalambous
Across the board professional development for staff, across the board
orientations with a strong component of intercultural awareness focus
that one day Victoria will value cultural riches over the financial
benefits international students bring to our state - Frances Murphy
Willingness of students to come forward before 'problems' become
'serious issues' - Darryl Stewart
An acceptance of responsibility for students and their welfare by all
parties concerned, even parents! - Julian Warner
Code of Practice similar to New Zealand to be established for use across
Australia and to accredit accommodation and education agents.
Distribution of students to Accredited Accommodation and Education
Agents by Universities/Colleges to exclude rogue operators - David and
Anna Nesbit
I hope that the quality of overseas students can getting better and
stronger - Bryan Peng Liu
That education providers recognise the need for independent, specialist
assistance in coordinating student welfare after hours - Chris Heverin
To have all staff at my institute fully aware of the needs and
aspirations of international students. To help them gain a better
understanding of the benefits that international students bring to our
society - Jeff Hyde
Feel supported whilst studying in Australia and that is a good
experience for them - Renee de Simone
Personal growth and enrichment from the experience - Stase Kaintatsis
They will not be exploited - Marion Lau
To create an harmonious environment for students living in local
communities - Margaret Vella
That after all the hard work they do studying that they are able to get
jobs in their own field without prejudices - Anna
I hope that all Australian students recognise the fabulous learning
opportunity their international students provide by their presence among
us - Sally
That an independent body/group will be set up to help international
students in need - Jensen Ma
That Victorian Government might see the light and recognise the value of
international students to the community rather than burden on taxpayers
by making them eligible for transport concessions - Carolyn Mills
International students should have concession fare for public transport
- Monique Lou Ho Kee
Better management of homestay program - Theresa Grealy
Students must learn about Pigs Will Fly and use this as a forum to voice
their concerns leading to a powerful grassroots 'chorus of voices' or
lobby group - Gail Plowman
All welfare service running by students not staff
All international students to be supported to fulfill their dream
An embracing of the Australian culture to become an active member within
the community 'assimilation'
Information resources that are informed by a social and cultural
discourse. Students, both Australian and international share
knowledge of each others culture
Each portfolio establishes its own 3C's program. Through the
encouragement of locals, international students become confident enough
to tell 'us' what they want
Arrival programs whilst good but really meets the students individual
need - culturally and for an extended period of time until they state
they no longer require the assistance
All institutions offer series of trainings not just one off hours or 2
of Aussie football and beer
Seeing them mentally happier, mix with local students express their
feelings freely
The creation of an Ombudsman to protect international students and help
with their issues
That they could have perfect information!! Both before departing and
once arriving in Australia
Prevent rogue agents and guardians from exploiting the opportunity
presented by naive potential students - eg clean it up
To be treated like local student
Better understanding of differences
Other comments you would like to add
Monash committed to supporting international students - investing in
developing programs that focus on promoting well being and are
preventative and link into community - Jennifer Weber
That people in positions of authority realise they have a duty of care
to international students placed under their care - Mark Tully
Establishing a network for accommodating new students. I mean a
better organisation for just focusing on accommodation issues of new
arrivals - Mehrnoush Salehpour
Lobbying needs to happen to get transportation concessions for
international students - Frances Murphy
At CQU Melbourne International Campus, we are looking to build on our
already strong 'support ethic' and expand our 'Cultural Awareness' of
'Australian Ways' by employing leading community members to interact
with students and staff. Don't just listen, hear - Darryl
Stewart
Great event, suggest more regular to follow. Suggest aim for three
and a half hour sessions with coffee break between segments. Would avoid
rushed feeling if too short. * Code of Practice for the pastoral
care of international students written by the New Zealand Ministry of
Education (good pro forma) http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=6902&indexid=11320&indexparentid=6666 - David and Anna Nesbit
It's lovely to be in this summit - Bryan Peng Liu
The need for being proactive with parents and students in their home
country and assisting and explaining cultural and welfare differences in
Australia - Chris Heverin
Would be interesting to hear a bit more from the guest speakers - Jeff
Hyde
The International Student Friendship Program at Monash University was
developed to meet the needs of international students that were isolated
and lonely. It links students with community volunteers. The
volunteers act in the capacity of adult friend and contact/link between
community and student. Would love to talk to with Newcomers
Network about this initiative and other programs Monash University is
running to support international students - Renee de Simone
Governments and educational bodies must not abandon their
responsibilities to international students once they have accepted their
educational fees - Marion Lau
Great idea to share ideas and see others point of view as we all tend to
work in isolation on our own projects and become 'tunnel-sited' -
Margaret Vella
Loneliness and living skills are much harder to combat than the actual
courses - Anna
I believe most students just don't know where to turn to if they
encounter a problem/dispute - Jensen Ma
Previously discussed the idea of a 24 hour hotline that provides
anonymous support specifically to international students. This
would provide the opportunity to connect, alleviate cultural fears of
approaching police etc - Theresa Grealy
This a real good network, we can use it for improve international
student welfare
There appears to be a lack of cohesion between all educational
facilities, due to market driven competition between institutions.
These issues should be addressed from an unilateral perspective
English language needs, are we as a sector too soft in our standards
required. Variation between institutions
English testing not tough enough IELTS average scores can leave people
with significant skill deficits
Cultural issues aren't addressed in orientation, indirect communication
non verbal communication heirarchy
Not given enough time to study English
We need to adapt, to slow down speech
Loss of VSU may not mean loss of services
Make sure the students are participants in decision making
Are there special safety issues for international students? fewer safety
nets, their unfamiliarity with the city and culture, fear - speaking
with strangers and authority figures
Housing and transport costs and discrimination
This is a great opportunity for government representatives, institutes
and students to have a dialogue openly about their issues.
Promote the summit widely and encourage the institutes to participate.
They don't know what they're missing out. To hear from the
international students about their issues
This should include homestay providers
Evaluation Results
37 evaluations were completed - there were approximately 68 guests in
attendance.
Question 1 asked: Why did you decide to come today?
Hear the speakers - 26 said yes 75%
Meet other professionals - 23 said yes 62%
Network - 27 said yes 73%
Other reasons included:
Hear issues
Know outcomes of summit, especially community links, opportunities for
international students
All of these
Hear other people's ideas, experiences, knowledge
To find out how people are thinking about international students
To gather information for research
New ideas
Share Polyglot's initiative
Meeting international students
Achieve some changes
Students opportunity
Question 2 asked: Did you enjoy the function overall?
Everyone said yes.
Question 3 asked: What has been the best part so far?
The following items were mentioned:
Grassroots information
Discussion, Barb's speech
Picking ideas from other groups
Common issues, common goals
Speakers - all done so far
Discussion
Listening to the different experiences and comments
Feedback from students
Speakers were diverse, different perspectives - everyone has different ideas
Exchange of experiences and ideas getting to know new people
Opportunity to hear others' experiences
Networking/Meeting other people
Networking x 2
Hearing ideas from experts
Hearing issues/possible solutions
Smaller groups
Interaction with other like minded people
Workshop x 3
Information sharing
All are interesting
Hearing stories from all stakeholders
Sharing concerns and ideas
Group discussion
Share ideas
Hearing and sharing
Hearing from students
Established new thought processes
Level of interest
Interaction with other professionals
Question 4 asked: Which of the following are helpful for international
students living in Victoria?
Fee free services - 22 said yes 59%
Student activity groups - 25 said yes 68%
Cultural training - 29 said yes 78%
Information gathering skills - 20 said yes 54%
High level English skills - 25 said yes 68%
More informal support networks - 27 said yes 73%
Universities that collaborate - 22 said yes 59%
Professional support networks - 22 said yes 59%
Other suggestions included:
All these are important
Student centred government policies
Study skill in Australian context
Religious connections
Provide support dollars for external support/buddy groups
Cultural engagement with community support groups
It's vital to put time and dollars into these programs
Concessions on transport
Access to community groups/events where student has an interest
Question 5 asked: What is your 'priority issue' for international students
living here?
The following items were mentioned:
Two way communication
Safety in homestay for underage students
Housing/transport issues
Provide support to help them achieve their academic goal
Student advocacy
To have a safe and happy experience
English language needs and Aussie experience
Equality and allowing them to get the jobs they want
Better intercultural communication
Socialisation and security
Adjustment
To be equal to the local student or at least equal to international students in
other states
Accommodation
Integration with university culture and domestic students
Integrate them into local communities
Isolation
Providing accurate information to international students before and after
arrival
Welfare
Integration
House renting
Support and help
To have the opportunity to work in my profession (preschool teacher)
Housing. part time work
Rogue homestay operation impacting negatively on other agents/students
Code of Practice similar to New Zealand for all stakeholders
Personal survival and learning
Find a good job
Communication
Social inclusion
Cultural adaptation training
Financial problem
Concession for transport
English classes
Cultural training - communication, cultural competency
Welfare concerns
Question 6 asked: Any other thoughts or suggestions?
The following items were mentioned:
Follow this afternoon up - it was a great beginning!
Concession for public transport, buddy programs - local/international
This function should be longer for more time to interact
Tertiary bodies accept more responsibility for social and welfare supports
I hope this meeting to be the first step for change, not to be for listening
Follow up of today's summit
Thanks!
Longer sessions, more information from guest speakers, opportunity to ask
questions
Can be studying with local people it's well to learn English easy
Great event, David Nesbit
More workshop once started by 'doers'
Budding system
Would love to see more of these happen
I hope international students can buy concession ticket
Great initiative, thank you
Emphasis on individual motivation and support
Provided to integrate international students
Plenary notes from workshop groups
Main concerns
Well integrated into their culture and get more out of the experience
(personally)
English language support - academically and culturally, one is as important as
the other
Being treated as equal to local students eg public transport concessions
Multicultural training for front desk staff and service areas - both within
universities and external agencies/services/governments
Initial arrival period ie first few weeks, eg accommodation
Don't integrate and learn the language
Universities should do an induction program at the country of departure
Lack of self care knowledge eg students not knowing how to cook, or what to eat
Rogue agents exploiting naive potential students
Making successful community links
Strategies
Networking with students at coffee shop or at events so that they fell
comfortable and have a contact if and when they're in trouble
One to one conversational class
Culture shock
Often English skills aren't adequate to pass exams
- new environment
- poor language = poor self esteem
- affects studies
- sticking in own community means no language training and experience
Poor experience therefore don't encourage other students to come to Australia
Students with poorer English are not as successful
IELTS language testing needs to be upgraded - its not tough enough, doesn't
follow that students are okay/successful
Often there are more issues than language - like context or fear of poor
pronunciation cultures who are indirect in communication
Issues Language skill
Communication differences
If English skills aren't great, then can't understand culture
Not enough time to study English language
Have to understand what is being learnt and sometimes then do presentations
where English is a second language
Must slow speech down - accents, understanding (so many education/communication
styles)
We must become responsible not put onus on students
Learning and teaching styles differ
Monash - does focus groups to understand needs, improves student experience,
local international friendship programmes, family playgroups
Cultural competency is becoming more widespread (locals and foreigners)
Student research They want friendship, Australian experience - don't want Penguin tours, want
dinner with Australian families
Externally universities aren't admitting welfare problems - depression,
lonelines, victims of crime however internally, problems are being addressed
Is crime a problem? International students become victims of crime as they are
wide eyed, innocent, aren't aware - perhaps they are nervous about going to
authority. They don't have a safety net/they're unfamiliar
Students fear 'everything is by ourselves'
Stress - coordinating, renting house/costs, finding good part time work, no
job/no house and then have to study
Transport issues (no student travel concessions)
Brian - concerned about the closure of the International Student Association and
amalgamation information the student union at RMIT
Homestay doesn't have enough quality control for students and the family
Low numbers of students coming to support programs/trips etc even they need the
support
Psychological care for quite young students, find it hard to meet mentors
Loneliness, especially for students from collectivist cultures - lack of
institutional support
Issues are too intellectualised and not practical. Also, international
students should be encouraged to attend programmes/events with local students
integration rather than separation
Balance between studies and work - concern that some courses are saying they'll
work around employment schedule instead of the other way around
Need more intercultural training for staff and students
Access to knowledge about what's out there - eg community services, campus
services etc
Issues arising from the Victorian International Students Summit - notes
from Marc Barry.
Pre-amble: collated from notes taken from plenary session. Have attempted to
group them into common themes, but am also aware that there is a lot of
'overlap'. Have juxtaposed overlapping themes.
A. Communication of Information:
. pre-arrival,
. on arrival (orientation/induction), including things like
. attitudes to authority e.g police (who are not to be feared.)
. Issue of culture shock fits in here too.
B. 'Acclimatization':
. personal safety (info and support),
. familiarization with physical and cultural environment, as well as educational
style (Australian and individual), Culture Shock: info and support (loneliness,
motivation),
. strategies for inclusion,
. self-care (hygiene, cooking etc),
. Time management: study-wise, work and study
C. Academic Issues:
. Real levels of English in relation to IELTS (and other) testing systems.
. English Language support
. Education provider (University/school) Policy : of the uni to students/for
students about the uni
D. Onshore support/Social
. Familiarization with local speech patterns
. (Paid for activities are preferred by students rather than free ones.)
. Strategies for involving students in uni/school environment
. Practising language skills
. Mentoring
E. Onshore support/practical:
. Accommodation: real estate, homestay, shared accommodation
. Feedback mechanisms to find out satisfaction levels and needs on an ongoing
basis
. Work
. Time management
. Concession fares
F. Attitudes of Education providers
. Multicultural training and sensitivity for teachers, lecturers and admin staff
. Adapting teaching styles to meet students half way.
Suggest that for September 20, an 'action' is needed; something(s) that can be
actioned ASAP: already have Yahoo group – could consider broadening its content:
promoting activities by such groups as Polyglot, making general invites
(inter-school) as a way of getting students together (both local and
international.) Suggest a diversified approach as each provider is constrained
by idiosyncratic parameters e.g. a mentoring system for us at REW is extremely
difficult to implement as we do not follow the uni schedule – our busiest time
(Nov – Feb) is when all the students are on holiday: things just don't knit.
However, there are always other ways around the problem.
First Name
Last Name
Title
Organisation Name
Desma
Smith
International
Student Adviser - Victorian campuses National Exchange & Study Abroad
Coordinator
Australian
Catholic University Ltd
Wesa
Chau
Honorary
President
Australian
Federation of International Students Inc
Dinesh
Malhotra
Bharat Times
Jeff
Hyde
International
Marketing Manager
Box Hill
Institute of TAFE
Anne
Roubin
Manager,
Training, Employment and Careers Melbourne International Campus
Central
Queensland University
Taane
Sage
Student
Advisor
Central
Queensland University
Darryl
Stewart
Campus
Director
Central
Queensland University - Melbourne
Stase
Kaintatsis
Client
Services Manager
Central
Queensland University, Melbourne Campus
Lily
Wang
Director,
Principal Consultant
Chinalink
Australia
Theresa
Grealy
Place Manager,
Customer Relations and Place Management Branch
City of
Melbourne
Fiona
Snedden
Councillor
City of
Melbourne
Samuel
Boon
Project
Development Coordinator
Committee for
Melbourne
Bill
Horman
General
Manager Community Affairs
Crown Limited
Barbara
West
Co-Founder
Culture Works
Frances
Murphy
Consultant
Culture Works
Carolyn
Mills
Manager
International Student Support
Deakin
International
Monique
Lon Ho Kee
International
Student Enrolment Officer
Deakin
University
Hilde
Lovegrove
Associate Dean
(International)
Deakin
University
Mehrnoush
Salehpour
International
Student
Deakin
University
Julian
Warner
Manager,
Student Liaison Unit
Department of
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Michael
Gavrilidis
Student Visa
Liaison Officer
Department of
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
John
Muller
Planning
Officer Settlement Planning and Information Unit
Department of
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Margaret
Vella
Director
Familystay
Australia
Claudia
Doria
Director
Globally
United Publishing
Heather
Noske
Communication
Manager
Globally
United Publishing
Amanda
Fenn
Senior
Administrative Officer - Compliance
Holmesglen
Institute - International Centre
Stefan
Morgan
Director
Homestay
Australia
Louisa
Condorelli
Senior
Counsellor
IDP Education
Australia
Jason
Xue
Manager
IDP Student
Services Melbourne
Mark
Tully
Managing
Director
International
Student Care
Chris
Heverin
Director
International
Student Care
Sally
White
Writer
Ironbark
Communications
Liz
Ralph
Interactive
Producer
Ish Media
(producing a script for an international student production)
Marion
Lau OAM JP
Management
Consultant
MCAT
Anna
Bordignon
Manager Client
Services and Operations
Melbourne
Institute of Technology
8 students of
Developing New Networks
Welfare
Diploma
Melbourne
International College
Anna
Nesbit
Principal
Melbourne
International Homestay
David
Nesbit
Principal
Melbourne
International HomeStay
Renee
de Simone
Coordinator
International Student Friendship Programs
Monash
University
Jennifer
Weber
Head of Family
and Child Care Services
Monash
University
Sue
Ellson
Founder
Newcomers
Network
Gail
Plowman
Editor
Pigs Will Fly
Info Exchange
Rachel
Murray
Director
Polyglot
Anna
Hutchens
Research
Officer
Polyglot
Grace
Guo
Consultant
Prime Student
Services
Brian
Sockalingum
Vice President
(Education)
RMIT
Association of International Students
Chadi
Sarieddine
President
RMIT
Association of International Students
Marc
Barry SDB
Activities
Co-ordinator, Language Educator
RMIT English
Worldwide
CaAtherine
Meredith
Transition
Coordinator
RMIT
University
Romaine
Simmons
International
Student Advisor
RMIT
University
David
Marama
International
Student Advisor
RMIT
University
Melissa
Charalambous
International
Student Coordinator Academic Development Group
RMIT
University City Campus
Cherie
McMahon
Project
Officer
Skilled
Migration Program Department for Victorian Communities
Jensen
Ma
Partner
Tan and Tan,
Lawyers and Consultants
Bronwyn
Polson
Author
The Beginner's
Guide to University
Amgad
Elmahdi
PhD Candidate
CRCIF (Activities Officer-UMPA) IDTC, Dept. of Civil and Environmental
Engineering
University of
Melbourne
Anna
Koren
Cross Cultural
Training Consultant
Various
Organisations
Samantha
Thompson
International
Student Advisor
Victoria
University
Mohit
Masand
Director of
Activities, International Students Association and Victorian Branch
Convenor
Victoria
University and National Liaison Committee for International Students in
Australia Inc
17/8/06 Victorian International Students Summit in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
