International students from across the country have collaborated in Canberra to develop strategies to improve the Australian study experience.
University of Queensland postgraduate Ratna Fitriani represented international students from UQ, and was one of 31 students at the conference, which was held on September 14 and 15.
The roundtable assessed the challenges facing international students and their experience in Australia, including pre-arrival information and visas, the quality of education, access to services, social integration, fair treatment and the cost of education.
“There were six main issues that were discussed at the roundtable; being a part of these activities was very challenging and interesting, it gave me a chance to reflect on how democracy is implemented in Australia,” Ms Fitriani said.
A student in the Master of Development Practice program at UQ, and an Australian Development Scholarship holder, Ms Fitriani appreciated the opportunity to review international education with students from multiple backgrounds.
“Education agents should adapt existing mechanisms to manage the whole process of providing education to international students, such as English preparation and training, and the provision of introductory academic programs,” she said.
The students recommended a number of actions, in particular the establishment of international student information centres as one-stop shops to access services vital to their education and welfare while in Australia.
“Australia still needs to improve how it engages international students in the community and workplace as many international students who have professional backgrounds end up in casual jobs,” Ms Fitriani said.
“If these students could get formal jobs that suit their training, it would provide a good opportunity to share knowledge, skills and networks while strengthening international relationships.”
Ms Gillard acknowledged the students’ hard work and thoughtful response to the issues facing international students. The various levels of government will now consider the actions suggested by the students.
Media: Darren Wise (d.wise@uq.edu.au) or Trudi Saul at UQ Communications (trudi.saul@uqconnect.edu.au)
.jpg)
