Sophie O’Keefe1
1Professional Development Manager at English Australia
International students have aggravating risk factors for the incidence of mental ill-health such as language barriers and displacement from family and culture. The frequency of international student mental health-related difficulties is undoubtedly increasing and most stakeholders suspect underreporting. So, what can be done to address this and ensure that providers can empower all students to reach their potential?
This presentation will provide practical examples drawn from research undertaken by English Australia with around 100 institutions nationally in the development of its 2018 ‘Guide to Best Practice in International Student Mental Health,’ supported by Allianz Global Assistance and StudyNSW.
Participants will come away with an understanding of the International Student mental health landscape, with a focus on the ELICOS sector. They will gain insights into challenges faced by institutions in supporting students through mental health difficulties and effective practices to address these.
Biography:
Sophie O’Keefe is the Professional Development Manager at English Australia. Previously, she held Course Coordinator and Senior Teacher roles, where she developed a keen interest in staff professional development and growth and she firmly believes in the potential of professional learning to keep that teaching spark alive.
Over the past year, Sophie has been involved in the research and writing of English Australia’s ‘Guide to Best Practice in International Student Mental Health.’ Throughout this process, she has been privileged to speak to ELICOS student counsellors around Australia and is keen to set the topic of mental health as a priority on the ELICOS sector agenda.