A front page story in in the Sydney Morning Herald today (23.7.2008) describes a growing problem within Australian universities - a divide between international and local students.
Differences in culture, language, religion and lifestyle are cited as the key elements in the disconnect.
SMH quotes Professor Simon Marginson from the Centre for Higher Education at the University of Melbourne who expressed concern that international students who were attracted to study in Australia partly on the promise of the opportunity to experience Australian culture and "mix with the locals" could become very resentful that the reality of their study experience is much different.
Clearly this is an issue that all institutions offering courses to international students need to address. The international study market is very competitive and there are plenty of other options for students who fear marginalisation if they choose to study in Australia.
VET providers also need to be aware of this issue. In most cases they will not have the resources to match the international student liaison and integration programs run by the big universities. However in many cases the student community at a VET provider will be small enough for staff to be more aware of the interaction between local and international students and to implement targeted responses if things appear to be going off the rails.
In summary it is an issue that providers should watch carefully. No institution can afford to get a reputation as a place where there is a lack of harmony between local and international students.
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