On Friday 1.4.22 the study support and library team met in the learning and growing session. The article we discussed tittles: As international students return, let’s not return to the status quo of isolation and exploitation. Points discussed, Links to article , research, recordings Points summarised below:
- The article focuses on findings from research conducted by India Institute (based in Melbourne Uni) researching international students’ motivations to study in Australia. 11 universities involved in the research and interviews were conducted with students and stakeholders.
- Research shows helping Indian students to build strong connections with other students, as well as employers, makes them more likely to have a productive and fulfilling time in Australia and to find suitable work when they graduate.
- Research shows Int students are much more likely than domestic students to experience social isolation, financial insecurity, and mental health issues.
- One of the most striking findings was that those who had strong social connections with other Indian students had a much more productive experience than those who did not.
- When students with strong social connections did experience hardships, other international students were usually their most crucial supports.
- During COVID-19 lockdowns, these students shared vital information through WhatsApp about where and how to get financial support and food.
- International students who were connected with each other were also more likely to build connections with domestic students.
- Challenges and opportunities
- The report argues that international students’ experiences will be much more productive and fulfilling when they have strong connections with each other.
- Another key finding is that international students with a strong social network are much more likely to find suitable employment while studying and after graduating.
- Some students reported being underpaid and exploited in part-time jobs and felt there was little they could do about it. This was especially true of those who had recently arrived in Australia and did not have strong social connections.
Graduates with strong social connections also had more success getting jobs related to their degrees.
- Actions and recommendations
- Study Support will organise a meeting with career team to discuss ways of connecting students with employers
- Study support is in the process of discussing retune to campus , services and activities and better ways to reconnect with students on campus as well as online
- Student engagement team should inform their plan to rebuild the students’ relations ships with each other and with staff.
- Taking in consideration the rise of COVID cases in Australia, focus on social cohesion and engagement strategies for all students studying in different modes
- Find ways to improve international students’ experience of building new skills that match their interests and Australian skills needs.
- Australian universities and VET institutions should align social media, websites and other digital platforms to create opportunities for prospective, current and former students in Australia and India to connect to strengthen the recruitment process.
- Australian universities and VET institutions should provide pre-departure pathways for enrolled students to link into digital networks to facilitate their arrival in Australia. 3. Australian universities and VET institutions should support Indian student mentorship programs to assist new Indian students navigate the challenges of living and studying in Australia.
Australian universities and VET institutions should work with the Indian business diaspora to assist Indian students to connect with potential employers and gain work experience.