Internationals & ‘us’ – studying & working

Issues affect international AND Australian lives AND our economy

The Victorian International Students Summit, recently gathered together 60 people connected with international students – including some from ‘skilled migration’ and the workplace – to jointly identify ‘issues’. Many in the industry work in isolation, with limited budgets and resources.

International students and skilled workers are clearly important to the Australian economy. Future policy directions are ‘on the table’ and much of the Summit discussion could well be relevant interstate. PWF is interested to hear if this is so?? DO please shoot off an email.

It is hoped regular meetings will occur in the future and there WILL be a follow up meeting on Wednesday 20 September at 3pm – venue yet to be decided. Find out more from www.newcomersnetwork.com.

What WAS discussed?

Culture shock arriving, and then, after adjusting, returning home. The classroom and workplace CAN be very different eg in Oz you can dispute a point with a lecturer/work superior.

Training IS available to create a positive experience eg Culture Works, Polyglot.

• There is a need for self awareness of one’s cultural background, for visitors AND Australians eg “These are your experiences….so, what have you learnt? Normalise ‘strange’ aspects…not a problem …this is what everyone feels. You’d be strange if you didn’t feel like this.”
• Tertiary institutions could run orientation programs in the ‘country of departure’.
• Lack of self-care knowledge should be addressed eg how to eat well and cook.
• Training is also available for internationls returning home.

English language proficiency

• Testing needs to be tougher. Without the language internationals can’t learn the culture and adapt/socialise.
• One on one conversation opportunities, possibly with local volunteers could work?

Loneliness a big concern

• Internationals can feel ‘stunned’ after initial excitment has worn off.
• Maybe a cross cultural group could be a support.
• We should treat internationals as equals eg with student transport concessions in Victoria.
• Some students only socialise with their own language community.
  • could be shyness;
  • English proficiency;
  • motivation -only interested in their ‘piece of paper’.
• Networking/coffee shop ‘famils’ could work.
• Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) – maybe the picture is NOT as bleak initially thought. Unis are running focus groups as to what students want, how they can help. Important to make sure students participate.
• Box Hill TAFE has a successful buddy system and says getting students to pay a small fee for upcoming activities can overcome difficulties in getting them to participate – they want to ‘get their investment back’!
• Homestay students could get together more.
• Monash Uni is running a monitoring/reference system for feedback to act on.

Communication across the board SO important

• Accurate pre-departure communication vital; course/job expectations not being met can cause problems – academic and emotional.
• We should train ‘front desk’ staff in how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• A survey showed 65% students hadn’t used email before arriving here. We need to teach the skill but not rely on it. Use a range of communication methods: signs, word of mouth, print media. eg Successful Chi & Chat social event for locals & internationals:
  • staff talked to their classes
  • students were primed to talk up the event in their circles
  • a big email went out
  • lots of posters.

  The event: tables for each language group. Australians went to language table that interested them but the end result was everyone mixing – a big success.

Marketing/business approach to attracting internationals

• Little thought is given to the people – sometimes as young as 15 or 16 ‘fitting in’ – when they have no-one to talk to. Their problems could be home-based or Oz-based but they do need someone to talk to. Worldwide, suicide IS a problem with young people, in particular, not ‘coping’.
• International students FEEL different because of their ‘economic value’ BUT interstate/rural Australians also feel bewildered by a different city and not ‘knowing the ropes’. There is a challenge to bring these students together – self-help.

A lot of issues and concerns have been raised – what can YOU contribute?