International students and pre-departure information: What are they getting and what do they need?

Dr John Wellard¹

¹Universities Australia, Deakin, Australia

Australia’s international higher education sector makes a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural climate of Australia. International students choose Australia because of its quality education, safety and its warm and welcoming environment and lifestyle.

Nevertheless, anecdotal reports suggest that the information students receive before they leave their home country is, at times, not sufficient to prepare them for life in Australia. Reports of international student isolation and difficulties in integrating with campus and wider communities have been linked to students feeling under-prepared for life in Australia.

Providing consistent, accurate and culturally appropriate pre-departure information is essential to maintain Australia’s reputation as a study destination of choice, and to equip students with the knowledge they need to have a positive student experience.

Pre-departure information is currently being provided by a variety of stakeholders including universities, agents, government in-country posts, private websites and organisations, and peer-to-peer information from returned alumni and fellow nationals already studying in Australia.

This paper discusses the links between pre-departure information, student experience and success and highlights the diversity of needs with different cultural groups. We highlight new work being done by the university sector with pre-departure information and explore examples of best practice.

Biography:

John joined Universities Australia in March 2016 as Policy Director Research & Innovation, taking on the role of Policy Director International in November 2016. As Policy Director International he has responsibility for developing and coordinating policy and services in relation to the Australian university sector’s role in international engagement through education and research collaboration. Prior to working at UA, John was the Counsellor for the Australian National University at the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC.