VISTA SPRING 2013

CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS THE NEW COLOMBO PLAN: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? DO PARTNERSHIPS ADVANCE INTERNATIONALISATION? | INDIA IN FOCUS

SPRING 2013 | 1 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN: THE YEAR THAT STOOD STILL 4 Helen Zimmerman

THE NEW COLOMBO PLAN: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? 6 Phil Honeywood

HARNESSING THE POWER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ALUMNI 9 Joanne Pyke CONTENTS

IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2013 12

Distinguished Contribution to International Education Excellence in Leadership in International Education Best Practice / Innovation in International Education Excellence in Professional Commentary Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis

TONY ADAMS FUND 2013 20

DO PARTNERSHIPS ADVANCE INTERNATIONALISATION? 22 Anna Ciccarelli and Grant Kennett

COUNTRY IN FOCUS: INDIA RETURNS 25 Rahul Gandhi

UPDATES FROM THE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs) 28 Internationalisation of the Curriculum Marketing, Recruitment and Communication Pathways Student Mobility Transnational Education

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONFERENCES 33 HIGHLIGHTS

IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

IEAA’s Excellence Awards celebrate leadership and innovation across international education in Australia. We unveil this year’s winners in this special edition of Vista. Page 12.

THE NEW COLOMBO PLAN: HARNESSING THE POWER OF WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ALUMNI Thought the Coalition’s New Greater investment in alumni Colombo Plan was simply AsiaBound relations could yield major benefits reincarnated? Think again, writes for two of Australia’s most important Phil Honeywood. Page 6. exports, writes Joanne Pyke. Page 9. THE YEAR THAT STOOD STILL

So much goodwill and ■■ International Education Advisory Council’s Report Australia – good intentions have been Educating Globally (2013) invested by all stakeholders ■■ Review of Higher Education – educational institutions, Regulation Report (2013)

peak and professional And the result up until 7 bodies, governments, review September? Still no national committees, regulatory strategic framework for our largest bodies and individuals – services export industry, our greatest ‘soft diplomacy’ asset, in securing the future of and one of the cornerstones Australia’s international of global engagement and a education industry over the global knowledge economy – past few years. However, international education. 2012/13 feels like the year However, the election last month that stood still. of the Coalition Government provides us all with an opportunity PRESIDENT’S COLUMN We’ve invested millions of dollars in to draw a line in the sand on time, human resources and funding inaction and get down to work. of reviews, data gathering and The Coalition has demonstrated consultations to regulate, quality a clear intent to reinvigorate assure and develop a strategic, international education in Australia integrated and national framework and we need to hold them to it. for international education. The New Colombo Plan, in As well as an abundance of solid particular, articulates a plan for statistical data on international deep and meaningful engagement student trends and qualitative with Asia and will have far reaching studies on their experiences, we’ve impacts if the new government had 10 Government initiated matches rhetoric with long term reports in five years: resourcing. Julie Bishop deserves praise for her vision and planning. ■■ Bradley Report of Australian Higher Education (2008) I also welcome the Coalition’s ■■ Senate Enquiry into the Welfare support for implementing of International Students (2009) recommendations contained in the ■■ Baird Report on the Education Chaney Report. Members of the Services for Overseas Students International Education Advisory (ESOS) Act 2000 (2010) Council must have been wondering ■■ Knight Strategic Review of the if their good work would ever see Student Visa Program (2011) the light of day. ■■ Higher Education Base Funding The new Prime Minister, Tony Review (2011) Abbott, has an opportunity to ■■ Establishment of the Tertiary take strong, decisive action to Education Quality and restore our status as a destination Standards Agency (2012) of choice for international students ■■ Review of the Student Visa and to work collaboratively with Assessment Level Framework the industry. Such collaboration will (2012–13) ensure that Australia’s aspirations ■■ Australia in the Asian Century to become a globally engaged White Paper (2012) and respected knowledge economy become a reality.

4 | VISTA The election last month of the Coalition Government provides us all with an opportunity to draw a line in the sand on inaction and get down to work.

IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS This edition of Vista showcases Last but not least, Janice Boey individuals and teams who have from Monash University has been been recognised by IEAA for awarded the IEAA ‘Outstanding their leadership and innovation Postgraduate Thesis’ Award for in international education. These her PhD analysing the education are people who are making our experience and career outcomes aspirations for the international of Malaysian graduates. You can education industry a reality. read all about this year’s winners from page 12 onwards. IEAA has recognised Jennie Lang at the University of New South As many of you know, Professor Wales with the ‘Distinguished Tony Adams was IEAA’s Foundation Contribution to International President and a great mentor Education’ Award. Dr Cynthia to many people working in Cliff from Queensland University international education. The Tony of Technology has received Adams Fund has been set up in the ‘Excellence in Leadership in his memory and provides financial International Education’ award. support for international education professionals to further their The Council of International careers and work. The Professional Students Australia (CISA) has been Development Grant for this year acknowledged for their strong has gone to Ellen Gibson from advocacy and promotion of the the Queensland University of rights and interests of international Technology and the Research in students with the ‘Excellence in International Education Grant has Professional Commentary Related gone to Mark Tayar from Swinburne to International Education’. Online. You can read all about this Congratulations also go to the year’s recipients on pages 20–21. awardees in the ‘Best Practice/ The European Association of Innovation in International International Education (EAIE) has Education’ category. This year IEAA also created an award to honour recognises the innovative work of: Tony’s memory. The Tony Adams ■■ Griffith University for its English Award for Excellence in Research Language Enhancement Strategy recognises a thesis, article or paper ■■ English Australia, UNSW and that impacts internationalisation Cambridge English Assessment theory or practice. This year’s for their Action Research in recipient, announced at the ELICOS Program EAIE conference in Istanbul ■■ The team at The University of in September, was Dr Rahul Queensland and Queensland Choudaha from World Education University of Technology (QUT) for Services for his work in international ‘the desk’ – an online program recruitment and marketing. to promote resilience and well- being in tertiary students. Helen Zimmerman IEAA President

SPRING 2013 | 5 THE NEW COLOMBO WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? PLAN

Thought the New As with any new Government, In her previous role as Shadow Colombo Plan was departmental restructures, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie rebadging of programs and new Bishop discovered there was simply AsiaBound names stamped on policy initiatives a great deal of goodwill shown reincarnated? are inevitable. This may well be towards Australia when she Think again, writes the manner in which a number of met with former Colombo Plan Gillard/Rudd Government programs students on her frequent trips to Phil Honeywood. depart this world and resurface our neighbouring region. Keen under the Coalition. However, to see more young Australians cynics would be wrong to suggest gain access to meaningful study this will be the case with the Abbott and work experience in Asia, she Government’s student mobility plan. thought the region’s leaders would understand and support the notion In fact, the new Foreign of a ‘reverse Colombo Plan’. Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop, conceptualised what she then The concept would give thousands referred to as the ‘Reverse of young Australians access to the Colombo Plan’ quite some time same transformative experience before the Labor Government in Asia (albeit at the Australian announced its ‘AsiaBound’ Government’s and their own initiative. Now in published form, expense) that the region’s leaders as the ‘New Colombo Plan’, it is had in our country. As this policy worthwhile to examine some of its idea gained traction, the ‘Reverse key differences with ‘AsiaBound’. Colombo Plan’ also envisaged providing scholarships to Asian Why the name students to study in Australia. On this basis, it could no longer simply ‘New Colombo Plan’? be ‘reverse’ (implying one direction For those old enough to remember, by Australians only) but needed to Australia gained enormous kudos be termed ‘new’ Colombo Plan. when, as part of the post-World War II Asian nation rebuilding How is it different effort, it signed an agreement to AsiaBound? in Sri Lanka’s capital to offer Sometime after Julie Bishop scholarships for Asian students to detailed her policy initiative, the study at Australia’s universities. Gillard Government announced a From the 1950s up to the late-1970s similar scheme called ‘AsiaBound’. many thousands of Asia’s future This fitted in well with their need political, business, academic and to have an education policy that scientific leaders owed their initial could arguably put some flesh on professional development to this the bones of their ‘Australia in the study experience in Australia. Asian Century’ White Paper.

6 | VISTA Some of the first students to study in Australia under the original 1951 Colombo Plan for Cooperative Development in South and Southeast Asia. Source: from the collection of the Naional Archives of Australia.

However, AsiaBound focusses only program. One idea here is that be matched with a student in a on a study abroad experience. short-term mobility may serve to mentorship capacity. The Executive By contrast, from its inception, provide a “taster” experience that Director of the Menzies Research the ‘New Colombo Plan’ intends will encourage students to return Centre, Professor Don Markwell, to promote study opportunities to their Asian university at a later has coordinated a great deal of combined with a course-related stage for a longer period. research and ground work around internship or mentorship in an this aspect of the Plan. Asian city. Unlike AsiaBound, it So why internships? is also predicated on creating What happens to an alumni community and using Numerous surveys of international an interactive IT platform to students currently indicate that AsiaBound? exposure to course-related work maintain ongoing professional and The Coalition Government intends experience is keenly sought. networking opportunities for New to honour the first round of funding Australia is fortunate to have a Colombo graduates. that has already been committed large number of companies with to the previous Government’s offices based in key Asian cities. AsiaBound program. Once this first Are we talking long-term These cities also feature Australian round ceases on 31 December 2014, or short-term mobility? Chambers of Commerce which there is no intention to continue with play an active role in networking Initially, Julie Bishop was keen to see AsiaBound. In the interim, the new with the local business community. New Colombo students undertake Government intends to pursue a a minimum of one semester of A number of large Asian number of New Colombo Plan pilot study abroad. However, it soon corporations also see merit in projects in three or four countries became clear that the vast majority providing work opportunities to (possibly Hong Kong, Indonesia, of Australian students prefer to young Australians. Under the ‘New Japan and Singapore). undertake study in Asia on a Colombo Plan’ it is envisaged that short-term mobility model, which is internships could occur concurrently Just as AsiaBound included a typically over three to six weeks. with studies at an Asian institution funding allocation for VET study While the goal is still to maximise or at the conclusion of the study abroad, the ‘New Colombo Plan’ the period of study abroad, New experience. Where an internship intends to provide support for Colombo will also incorporate cannot be made available it advanced technical skills study short-term mobility to guarantee is hoped that an Asian-based and work experience in Asia. a critical mass of entrants into the business person or NGO might

SPRING 2013 | 7 Kevin McCann, Macquarie Group chairman and head of the New Colombo Plan Steering Committee, Julie Bishop and Tony Abbott discuss the Coalition’s plan for student mobility. Source: Alex Ellinghausen (Fairfax Syndication)

Whereas AsiaBound had a Education and Science Counsellors funding allocation of $58 million based at Australia’s overseas over four years (which included postings in Asia. It is anticipated that substantial funding taken from a high-level committee will assist the ISEP and other student exchange Minister in implementing the Plan. funds), New Colombo will involve The role of Australia’s education approximately $100 million over a institutions in New Colombo will similar period. be crucial to building demand The Plan envisages for places and to supporting Whereas AsiaBound support for Asian students in the program. For language training, alumni example, it will be important had a funding network promotion and that it be a straightforward allocation of $58 million research collaboration. It process for Australian students over four years ... the is also intended to have to gain academic credit, when a number of high-level appropriate, for the period spent New Colombo Plan will scholarships awarded studying and working abroad. involve approximately each year that will be This may work best when quite distinct from the $100 million over a education institutions have existing thousands of mobility for-credit arrangements in place similar period. grants and OS-HELP loans with Asian counterparts. Many such to be provided under the academic partnership agreements general New Colombo will need to be broadened in Plan scholarship category. scope (with possible tuition fee support to Asian partner institutions) Who will administer in order to achieve the critical mass New Colombo? that New Colombo envisages. The Department of Innovation, Clearly, it will be important to through Australian Education continue a consultative approach International (AEI), were given for the effective development the responsibility for administering and implementation of the New AsiaBound. In contrast, New Colombo Plan. There is a great Colombo will be primarily deal of goodwill and research that administered by the Foreign has already been undertaken. Affairs Department with Minister From all of this, Australian students Bishop intended to be the key will be the beneficiaries of a portfolio Minister with carriage for stronger focus on meaningful the program. mobility engagement.

Notwithstanding this, other Phil Honeywood is the Executive Departments will be involved Director of IEAA. He is also a in coordination and support member of the New Colombo Plan roles including utilisation of the Steering Committee. specialist advice available from the

8 | VISTA Greater investment in international alumni HARNESSING relations could yield major benefits for two of THE POWER OF Australia’s most important export industries and for Australian international INTERNATIONAL relations policy objectives more generally, writes STUDENT ALUMNI Joanne Pyke. International student alumni from THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION & TOURISM NEXUS Australia are widely valued for their capacity to facilitate and support stronger connections between Australia and the world regions from which they come. This is particularly the case for China-based alumni who have progressively grown in numbers. Chinese students now represent more than 29 per cent of all international student enrolments in Australian higher education. If all goes well, by the time students graduate, Australia is like a ‘second home’ and the power of alumni lies in their status as ‘transnationals’ with connections and interests in both countries. On return to China, they have the capacity and interest to be a bridge for people-to-people links, investment partnerships, international trade and knowledge exchange. Governments worldwide are recognising this power but there has been little attention given to just how powerful alumni can be, and how this potential can be nurtured.

SPRING 2013 | 9 The nexus between The results suggest alumni are in fact education and tourism frequent travellers with intentions to continue doing so in future. Findings In light of this gap, recent research showed 64 per cent of alumni has been undertaken to explore surveyed had returned to Australia one dimension of the power in the past five years at least once. of alumni networks through an Almost all respondents (93%) intend to investigation of the role and travel to Australia in the next five years. influence of China-based Australian alumni on travel and tourism. Indeed, the majority (54%) said they intend to travel two or The focus on tourism arose due more times. The major reason to China being Australia’s fastest for travelling to Australia was for growing market segment projected education (40%), a holiday (30%) to be worth more than $9bn by and for family reasons (25%). This 2020. A current priority for the tourism is often combined with business industry is to maximise the value of (14%), visiting friends (19%) and this rapidly developing market. professional reasons (13%). There is also increasing recognition When in Australia, the majority of the connections between stay for at least two weeks. They international education and tourism engage in a wide range of and the importance of education as activities and use independent a major driver for travel. One of the means of transport, including aims of the research was to explore public transport (78%) and hire cars this connection. Completed in (32%). The findings also show that March 2013, the research is based alumni play host to many visitors on in-depth interviews and a survey from Australia and recommend of more than 1,200 alumni living in it as a place to have a holiday, China about their connections and do business and to study. These travel to and from Australia. and other findings show that alumni are an important cohort with considerable influence in Enhancing the international promoting two-way travel between China and Australia. student experience is very much on the agenda across Barriers to further travel the sector, but the long-term The findings also highlight a number of barriers to travel benefits to tourism development including a lack of time, the cost is yet another justification for and inconvenience of flights and an increased emphasis on difficulties in obtaining a visa. community engagement. Other barriers include a lack of relevant information about the range of experiences possible in Australia as well as low The project was undertaken as confidence in exploring the type a partnership between Victoria of opportunities available beyond University, Melbourne (VU), the the major cities. This is backed up Australia China Alumni Association by the finding that, while resident (ACAA) and the Central University in Australia, very few alumni (16%) of Finance and Economics (CUFE) had visited anywhere beyond a with the aims of assessing alumni major city and so lack experience travel behaviour, intentions, in non-urban travel. motivations and barriers to travel.

10 | VISTA A further dampener to travel home’ while resident in Australia. students – such as the US, the UK aspirations are a lack of local For international education and China itself – alumni relations connections. While a key services, this requires greater assume a relatively low priority and motivation to travel is to ‘visit attention to strengthening Australia’s success in sustaining friends and relatives’, the contacts international student engagement relations with international alumni is that alumni forge while in Australia with local community, professional relatively patchy. are mostly ‘other Chinese students’. and cultural experiences. This is particularly the case with China- Connections with domestic Enhancing the international based alumni where language students or professional contacts student experience is very and cultural barriers, the size and were substantially weaker. much on the agenda across diversity of China and restrictions A further barrier identified, the sector, but the long-term on communications mean that particularly among younger benefits to tourism development connections with alumni have been respondents, is a perception that is yet another justification for an particularly difficult to maintain. ‘there is not much happening increased emphasis on community The research suggests that alumni in Australia for young people’. engagement. Stronger and are actually very keen to stay This perception is related to the sustained local connections will connected, yet our capacity considerable interest expressed give greater impetus for return to harness this enthusiasm is in a wider range of information travel over the long term. considerably less than its potential. about possible tourism experiences For the tourism industry, a priority beyond the group tours and Again, this is on the agenda is to work with international standard attractions that are through a number of national and education associations and commonly promoted. state-based initiatives. AusTrade institutions to address a number for example, in recent years, have While alumni are interested of ‘disconnects’ between been active in building alumni in exploring opportunities in international education and networks in each of the major Australia further, there is a lack of tourism policy priorities. source countries of international confidence and knowledge about For example, the tourism industry students in recognition of the close how to access what is available. has a major skill shortage of people links between alumni and the Implications for tourism and fluent in Mandarin while at the facilitation of international trade. same time, international students There have been other initiatives, international education need employment. not least of which is some The findings revealed a number Another priority is regional tourism exemplary alumni practice from of implications for the tourism, development while at the same many institutions. At the same time, international education and alumni time, international students and responsibility for alumni relations in relations sectors if the potential their visiting friends and relatives Australia remains fragmented and of China-based alumni is to be are currently not venturing far from the extent to which international realised. the cities. A range of strategies alumni engagement is achieved is With support from the Australia were identified that could address patchy. these barriers and create mutual China Council, these implications One conclusion is that this is a benefits for tourism industry were considered at a recent ‘think- wasted opportunity and greater development and the international tank’ attended by policy makers, investment in international alumni student experience. industry representatives and relations could potentially yield academics from across tourism major benefits not only for two and international education. Enhancing alumni relations of Australia’s most important A number of priorities were Most importantly, the research export industries but for Australian highlighted if we are to sustain findings highlighted that alumni international relations policy long and mutually beneficial are indeed potentially powerful in objectives more generally. relationships with China-based their capacity to facilitate mutually A full report of the alumni alumni. beneficial industry development study is available at outcomes, yet these powers are vu.edu.au/contact-us/joanne-pyke Priorities and opportunities often undervalued and overlooked. One priority is that greater efforts Dr Joanne Pyke is a Senior Compared to countries that Research Fellow at VU’s Centre for need to be made to make compete with Australia for both Strategic Economic Studies. international students ‘feel at inbound tourists and international

SPRING 2013 | 11 IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2013

International education in Australia is renowned for its quality and innovation. This is largely on account of the tireless efforts and talent of many professionals working within our industry. IEAA’s Excellence Awards recognise and reward the outstanding contributions by individuals or teams to international education in Australia. They also provide a benchmark of excellence and best practice for the whole industry. Join us in celebrating the achievements of this year’s winners.

12 | VISTA Distinguished Contribution to International Education

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a professional colleague in international education who has led ground-breaking initiatives that improved international education in Australia.

Proudly sponsored by IDP.

■■ Jennie Lang Vice-President, Advancement The University of New South Wales

Her leadership acumen has benefited a host of committees and industry groups within Australia from the Group of 8, the Export Council of Australia, the Asia-Society Australia and Universities Australia, as well as the NSW DVC/PVCI International committee. Both the NSW State Government and Federal Government have Jennie Lang has been turned to Jennie for advice and spearheading international guidance on diverse issues ranging education within Sydney and from export market development, across Australia since 1987 and bi-lateral research agreements and has played a leading role in student safety. developing an industry that is now Jennie also made a substantial the envy of the world. contribution to the Knight As a marketing innovator, Jennie Review, which focused on has been at the forefront of international student visa system carving out new markets for reform in Australia. Many of her Australian education and led the recommendations for enhancing development of new programs for the quality of the student international students. experience are now embedded in She has played a leadership role legislation and are strengthening in developing many of Australia’s Australia’s international reputation critical policy settings around at a time of increasing competition student visas and post-study work from the US and the UK. rights and has demonstrated strong Jennie has made a substantial commitment to student safety and contribution to the development of student experience. the international education industry, Beyond Australia’s shores, Jennie both at the national and global has contributed her expertise on level for over 20 years. major international committees. These include the prestigious Universitas 21 network of leading research intensive universities and the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA).

SPRING 2013 | 13 Excellence in Leadership in International Education

This award recognises a professional colleague who has at least 10 years experience, an appreciable portion of which has been in leadership positions, in organisations or institutions with a significant role in international education.

Proudly sponsored by ETS TOEFL.

■■ Dr Cynthia Cliff Assistant Dean (Business Development & Engagement) Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology

Over the past 15 years, Dr Cynthia ■■ ensuring continuous Cliff has played a pioneering role in improvement and innovation the development of international at the systems and process education at Queensland level to promote information University of Technology (QUT). sharing within QUT to better serve international students, Dr Cliff has made an outstanding collaborators and alumni. contribution to policy development

IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS and strategic leadership in Over the past 15 years, Dr Cliff has promoting external enterprise, been responsible for generating international engagement activity in excess of 130 projects and at university level and across the $15 million to fund international seven schools in QUT’s largest education activity, primarily in Asia Faculty (Health). and the Pacific. Her contribution includes: Dr Cliff has initiated a large ■■ supporting international student number of strategically important recruitment with strongly international cooperation integrated international agreements, especially with top engagement involving all level Asian universities and health aspects of university endeavour, ministries – well ahead of the Asia including student-centred Century and the worldwide rush learning and solution-focussed to form education and research research and community service links with this part of the world. In so doing, her focus has been on ■■ focusing on the development the development of deep and of deep and enduring enduring relationships which are international relationships which reciprocal and mutually beneficial. are reciprocal and mutually beneficial

14 | VISTA Best Practice / Innovation in International Education

This award recognises the work of an individual or team that has contributed to international education through a ground-breaking development in international education. Proudly sponsored by Hobsons.

■■ Griffith English Language Enhancement Strategy (GELES) Ms Nicole Brigg Mr Andrew Monaghan Dr Ben Fenton-Smith Dr Rowan Michael Ms Pamela Humphreys Mr John Smith Dr Ana Lobo Ms Kerry Sutcliffe Mr Christopher Madden Dr Ian Walkinshaw

Griffith University’s English Language Each of the voluntary strands Enhancement Strategy (GELES) is has seen phenomenal growth a unique and innovative strategy in student participation rates, designed to enhance the English confirming a positive response from language proficiency and academic the key stakeholder – the students. success of students with English as an GELES also reduces the burden for Additional Language (EAL). academic language and learning The implementation of GELES was on academics and other university an enormous undertaking, achieved support services in courses thereafter through a whole-of-institution, and is highly valued by staff. holistic, student-centred approach Interest in GELES has been to English language development. widespread, both nationally and GELES comprises five components, internationally. This is demonstrated which collectively support students by numerous invitations to present throughout the student lifecycle. at industry events on the strategy As a top-down, university-wide and its related research. It is also initiative, it is consistent with the view indicative of the strong research of industry experts that no single culture and the significant mechanism is likely to be effective. contribution GELES has made Notably, the strategy preceded, to the field of English language yet fully complies with, the sector’s acquisition within the higher standards for best practice. education sector. Collectively, the strands have As a result of the success of this contributed to improved learning pioneering strategy, there are now outcomes for EAL students plans to expand. GELES continues identified through research as to be responsive to the needs and being most at risk, including requirements of EAL students, as improved GPA outcomes and a well as those of employers and reduction in reports of academic higher education authorities. integrity from this cohort.

SPRING 2013 | 15 Best Practice / Innovation in International Education

■■ thedesk – an online program to promote resilience and wellbeing in tertiary students Professor David Kavanagh, Queensland University of Technology Associate Professor Alan Ralph, The University of Queensland Dr Helen Stallman, The University of Queensland

Mental health problems have a A number of features have been significant negative impact on identified by international students student academic outcomes. On as particularly helpful, including top of the stressors experienced by quizzes that provide personalised all students, international students feedback and recommend may experience stress caused by modules, Get Help resources that cultural adjustment, language link them directly with specific barriers and social isolation. support at their institution, and the social networking component of However, the prevention of the program. IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS mental health problems can have significant economic and thedesk has been praised as psychosocial benefits for both ‘outstanding’ by students who students and tertiary institutions. have found the program personally Web-based interventions offer the useful. Student support staff have potential for widespread reach added it to their suite of available and enable students to access resources and academics who information and learn skills, if and have incorporated it within their when they personally need it. curriculum to support students’ coping and resilience. thedesk is the first strengths-based internet intervention in the world Students from more than 100 specifically aimed at improving countries have used the program the success and wellbeing of and 45 Australian tertiary tertiary students. Its development institutions are registered users. was informed by evidence- The University of Florida has also based psychological theory and committed $50,000 to increase the practices, as well as research on internationalisation of the content. best-practice web design and thedesk offers a low cost, minimally functioning. intrusive initiative for Australian The content is informed by tertiary institutions to support students, support staff, academics, all students in optimising their and administrators from Australian academic potential. tertiary institutions. thedesk normalises common student issues, builds on students’ existing strengths, and connects students with other students and targeted resources from within their own institution.

16 | VISTA ■■ Action Research in ELICOS Program Katherine Brandon, English Australia Professor Anne Burns, The University of New South Wales Dr Hanan Khalifa, Cambridge English Language Assessment

The Action Research in ELICOS The program provides ELICOS Program offers English Language teachers with the tools to explore Intensive Courses for Overseas their own teaching context and Students (ELICOS) teachers around combines three elements essential Australia the opportunity to learn the for success: skills needed to investigate their own ■■ A large national network of teaching practices. It encourages ELICOS colleges, provided by and supports classroom-based English Australia; research leading to higher levels of professional practice as well as ■■ Expertise in action research in innovation in ELICOS. English language teaching, provided by Professor Anne The program aims to equip Burns from the University of New teachers with the skills to enable South Wales, acknowledged them to explore and address internationally as a leader identified teaching challenges in in language teacher action the context of Australian ELICOS; research; and and to share the outcomes of ■■ Funding, provided mainly by this research with colleagues and Cambridge English Language peers through publications and Assessment (a not-for-profit presentations. department of the University English Australia, the peak body of Cambridge), which delivers representing ELICOS colleges, a range of qualifications for instigated the program to raise learners and teachers of English the professionalism of Australian based on a strong research ELICOS. It provides professional division. development to teachers actively The Action Research in ELICOS involved in the program by Program was introduced as a pilot developing teacher peer networks; program in 2010 and is now in its increasing teacher engagement fourth year, with funding secured with research and academic for the near future. Through this researchers; and providing a base program, English Australia provides for teachers to further their formal visionary leadership both in professional development. Australia and overseas.

SPRING 2013 | 17 Excellence in Professional Commentary

This award recognises excellence in journalism, social media commentary and/or publications which focus on international education. Awardees might be individuals or teams from senior levels of Australian media, media commentators, or authors of academic publications directly related to international education. Proudly sponsored by Partnered Allianz Global Education. ■■ Council of International Students Australia (CISA)

CISA’s advocacy on international CISA uses press releases extensively student issues has become so to announce new initiatives or comprehensively accepted across comment on development in Australian international education policy and practice. Its website that no major event or issue would and social media communication be regarded as complete without tools, including Facebook, enable the student voice being heard feedback to be provided by through CISA. members on key issues. This is a tribute to the excellent The CISA conference is an IEAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS work done by the leadership important annual communication teams in the short time since CISA tool with two days set aside for was established in July 2010 – invited speakers from politics, particularly given the fractious government, regulatory and peak and contentious state of student bodies. This is followed by two representation they inherited. days for members to undertake elections and discuss policy. Key themes that CISA has taken up This year’s event in Sydney in in its commentary include: July attracted a “who’s who” of ■■ International student policy and international education to explain practice in institutions, regulatory policy and respond to students’ and government bodies, state questions and issues, along with and federal a record number of student ■■ Student welfare issues such representatives. as safety, accommodation, CISA works cooperatively with medical care and crisis peak bodies, institutions, other management student groups and community ■■ Community engagement organisations to advocate for an through events and projects improved student experience. ■■ The importance of a quality CISA not only raises issues of experience to enhance Australia concern, but offers collaborative as a study destination. solutions to those issues. Journalists frequently seek Advocacy is done with assertion comment from CISA on a but appropriately. Australian wide range of issues leading to international education would be regular quotes in the major daily the poorer without CISA’s ongoing newspapers. positive contribution.

18 | VISTA Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis

This award aims to assist with establishing the research career of a recent masters or doctoral graduate. It is open to individuals whose masters degree or doctorate has been conferred by an Australian university in the three preceding years up to 1 July each year. Proudly sponsored by i-graduate.

■■ Janice Boey Research Officer, Monash Postgraduate Association PhD topic: ‘Addressing gender blindness in research on international education: An analysis of the education experience and career outcomes of Malaysian graduates from Monash University Australia’

Janice Boey’s thesis benefits Again, as Professor Volet notes international education in several “the importance of contextualising significant ways. Not only does it international students’ experience provide a comprehensive literature in regard to the education and review of research on international socio-cultural context of their home student experiences, which is country (pre and post international argued to have turned a blind eye experience), in addition to their towards the gender issues, it also contextualised experience in successfully addresses this gender the host country cannot be over blindness and therefore makes emphasised. It is well overdue in an important contribution to the the literature, and this thesis moves existing body of literature. the field forward in this regard”. As articulated by thesis examiner Finally, the thesis makes a Professor Simone Volet, “the issues significant contribution to our of gender had indeed been understanding of the medium to neglected so far, and this research long-term benefits to graduates has highlighted in a scholarly and of their Australian educational powerful way its importance”. experience. In doing so, it adds to our The Australian educational understanding of the international experience is richly transformative student experience in Australian for this large cohort of Malaysian higher education. graduates. The data which speaks Janice’s thesis also includes the to this experience highlights pre- and post-Australian education the contributions made by the Awards Jury Panel experience – not simply focussing distinctive and informal style Brett Blacker on the time spent in Australia. of Australian teaching to the Anna Ciccarelli Aleem Nizari This provides a holistic view of the development of critical “soft skills” Kathleen Newcombe international education journey. in graduates. Students assess Diane Seath It also provides an in-depth and this as positively impacting on Andrew Smith contextualised analysis of the their careers and their lives after international student experience graduation. Research Award in terms of the economic, political, Betty Leask social and cultural processes of Fazal Rizvi their home country. Chriz Ziguras

SPRING 2013 | 19 Professional Development in International Education

■■ Ellen Gibson Manager, International Careers Queensland University of Technology

As a key component of the grant, TONY ADAMS FUND Ellen aims to disseminate her findings at conferences such as the Career Development Association of Australia and the National Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services. Through this, Ellen hopes to enhance the provision of relevant services provided to students from China and to encourage Australian career Ellen Gibson has been awarded this counsellors to become more culturally year’s professional development sensitive. grant of $1,500 to observe career Ellen began her deep interest counselling and development in career counselling working in services provided to students in the secondary schools. Her interest in People’s Republic of China. international students began at the Ellen will visit universities in Shanghai University of Southern Queensland and Beijing to increase her (USQ) and then at Queensland awareness of the cultural needs University of Technology (QUT). of students in relation to career She has been a careers counsellor management and development. for a total of 22 years, the last 12 of which she has been Manager, “It will enable us to understand International Careers at QUT. further the career management needs and models relevant to During this time, she has become international students from the PRC very much aware of the mismatch and the appropriateness of current between the culture of most career western cultural career counselling counsellors and the cultures of models to those students,” says Ellen. many of their international clients. To investigate this phenomenon Ellen plans to use this experience further she has commenced study to enhance the career counselling on a Doctorate which should be methods provided to students from completed in 2015. China who are currently attending Australian universities.

20 | VISTA The Tony Adams Fund aims to continue the work of the late Professor Tony Adams, a revered leader and mentor to many people working in the international education industry. He was also IEAA’s Foundation President. The fund provides annual financial grants to individuals from Australia and internationally to undertake professional development and research in international education. On behalf of the Fund Advisory Committee, we are pleased to announce the 2013 grant recipients.

Research in International Education

■■ Mark Tayar Unit Coordinator Swinburne Online

“The Tony Adams grant means a lot to me because Tony was one of my role models when I studied and worked at Macquarie University. Tony championed student mobility and it was because of him that I went on three student exchanges and then started to research the sector.” “The Tony Adams grant and the IEAA network will help me extend my PhD research so we can better Mark Tayar has been awarded understand the potential role of this year’s Tony Adams grant for MOOCs as a branding and student research in international education. recruitment strategy.” Mark will use this $3,000 grant to Mark will conduct his research investigate the factors constraining in January and February 2014. and enabling growth of eLearning The initial findings will be ready as a mode of export for Australia. for submission to the Australian With the advent of Massive Open International Education Online Courses (MOOCs), there are Conference (AIEC) in 2014 and he opportunities to promote Australian plans to submit an article to the education to new audiences. Even Journal of Studies in International so, the business case for MOOCs is Education. unclear and MOOC users may never “As an early career researcher, convert to fee-paying students. this project will help me gain new “This grant should help me insights and should also help me determine why international progress towards a career like Fund Advisory Committee students are reluctant to study Tony’s – blending higher education Family members online with Australian universities. management and academic Pauline Adams With this understanding, hopefully research,” says Mark. Julia Grainger the industry can engage more Education representatives international students in fully online Stephen Connelly courses or online delivery blended Hans de Wit with onshore or offshore programs,” Debra Langton says Mark. John Hudzik

SPRING 2013 | 21 It is taken for granted that cross-border DO PARTNERSHIPS university partnerships and agreements work to advance the cause ADVANCE of internationalisation and bring significant INTERNATIONALISATION? opportunities and benefits to students, researchers and administrators. Anna Ciccarelli and Grant Kennett argue for a different approach.

Certainly agreements can create opportunities and might very well bring enormous benefit, but they are not fated to do so. In some cases agreements will not produce high-level engagement despite best efforts; agreement champions move away, research interests diverge, institutional priorities shift, funding diminishes. Given the investments of human and capital resources that universities make in partnerships, it is common sense (though still uncommon) to question the returns, let alone devise and apply outcomes measures. The University of Queensland’s partner engagement framework, or PEF, has been created to objectively assess the outcomes and impacts of agreements with more than 200 university partners. It is, we believe, a unique approach to the issue. The PEF was born out of a directive to determine: “Who are our most highly engaged partners; our top 10? And how do we know? How could we apply a data-informed and evidence-based approach to this issue?” After all, we are a research-intensive university. The difficulty in answering what seems like a simple question is that the ways universities engage will be as diverse as their individual efforts in teaching, research and service. International engagement is now a part of everything we do, particularly in research.

22 | VISTA Developing indicators To create the clearest picture But more than this, the framework Much relies on the intent of the of engagement we resolved to can also reveal partners where the agreement itself as well as the leverage existing datasets and relationship has significant potential partner university’s location, its size information resources to bring to grow, where the collaboration is and institutional priorities. together reliably reportable strong, but in a specific area, and The list of the university’s most indicators of our international efforts. yes, those instances where there is highly and broadly engaged little or no activity. This will help the These would be catalogued partners is predominantly made university to determine whether individually in a framework, up of, unsurprisingly, partners who current agreements should be rather than boiled down into a are like us: large, comprehensive, maintained, expanded or, in a few league table. This would provide research-intensive institutions in cases, ended. a comprehensive view of economically developed, English- engagement with an individual We gladly share our data and speaking nations – that is, from partner, and allow users with a assessments with our partners. systems that are already highly specific area of focus to better Through openness, fully laying out emergent and globalised. access meaningful information. the nature of our collaborations, This, of course, does not mean we can more ably discuss the ways Ultimately we developed 13 we do not have relationships with in which these can further develop, indicators for the framework, with specialised universities, teaching- and what resources are needed to these grouped into three broad focused institutions or those in the support this. categories of engagement: developing world. learning, staff and research. In most instances, international Our collaborations here are Indicators include data on partners have been most surprised valuable and important, but the student mobility, articulation, joint and pleased to know how much shape that capacity-building research programmes, jointly we are doing together in the engagement takes is significantly authored publications and funded bilateral relationship and across different, and can be more collaborative research projects. these three broad areas of activity. restricted in both scope and depth. The information in the PEF has As with any dataset, the framework Different indicators may be certainly answered the question of must be read carefully, and with an required to fully capture who the University of Queensland’s appreciation of context. We do not developmental engagement – but most highly, and broadly, engaged expect every partner to rate highly, that is for another day. partners are. or even score, in each indicator.

PARTNER ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK INDICATORS The University of Queensland’s Partner Engagement Framework (PEF) has been created to objectively assess the outcomes and impacts of agreements with more than 200 university partners.

LEARNING RESEARCH STAFF Student Exchange Joint Publications (Volume) Alumni of the partner employed Inbound Study Abroad Joint Publications (Quality) in Academic Positions at UQ Alumni of the Partner Commencing Joint Publications (Breadth) in UQ Coursework Programs Joint Funded Research Projects Spread of the Partner’s Alumni Across UQ Coursework Programs UQ Sponsorship of Partner’s Alumni Enrolled in UQ Coursework Programs

Alumni of the Partner Commencing in UQ Research Programs UQ Sponsorship of Partner’s Alumni Enrolled in UQ Research Programs Joint Research Programs (Cotutelle and International Collaborative Mode)

SPRING 2013 | 23 Global comparisons Universities implementing a framework should develop The application of our procedures to allow for the future methodology is not restricted to collection of those data points those institutions with which we that are not available currently already have an agreement. This but are necessary to guide future exercise can be conducted to engagement practice. assess the university’s relationship with any other institution worldwide. Universities with less centralised information resources may choose As such, the framework is of use to undertake institutional surveys of to universities in assessing the engagement across any number viability of proposed agreements of indicators. This approach through determining the baseline becomes less practical as university of engagement. It is certainly much size increases, and the University easier to build a partnership where of Queensland did not take this there is already some activity, even approach for any indicator. at very low volumes, than where there is no activity at all. We and colleagues at the University of Queensland The framework can also reveal partners have gained and continue to where the relationship has significant gain significant benefit from implementing the PEF and we potential to grow, where the collaboration is endorse this approach for other strong, but in a specific area, and yes, those universities, although with the instances where there is little or no activity. advice to pay heed to specific institutional contexts. For other universities, the relevant indicators Next initiative used are unlikely to be the same. At the University of Queensland, While the intent and general the next initiative is a Country approach we have used is Engagement Framework that will transferable, any specific collection look at the university’s relationships of indicators will depend on a in a much broader fashion, university’s own mission, whether it incorporating links with governments be focused on teaching, research and government agencies, research or a combination, its international institutes and sponsoring bodies strategy and, most importantly, its as well as university partners. We data capabilities. hope to provide a comprehensive Before collecting any data at all, time-series of the university’s colleagues should first determine a activity in particular countries and list of those things that are important regions of focus: a whole-country to measure in their own university. engagement overview. This is a task for senior international Individual universities and education managers rather than the statistics sectors as a whole can benefit unit, which may be too led by what from such efforts to capture and it already knows to be available. measure engagement outcomes, Once this list is developed, the next and from systems that allow for an step is to work with statistics units to informed and intentional approach determine a list of indicators that to internationalisation and university can be reliably captured. engagement. The University of Queensland’s The full PEF methodology is information resources, while available at bit.ly/17WeDIP comprehensive, are certainly not complete. There are many useful Dr Anna Ciccarelli is Deputy Vice- indicators we could not use due to Chancellor, International, at the a lack of data, or poor data quality. University of Queensland. These included staff mobility of any Grant was the UQ Planning Officer kind, capacity-building efforts, joint responsible for internationalisation laboratories, and student mobility metrics and reporting. He is now outside of exchange and study- Senior Project Officer at Innovative abroad programs. Research Universities.

24 | VISTA COUNTRY IN FOCUS

INDIA RETURNS All eyes are once again When it comes to numbers, Australian education providers on the Indian market, India is certainly one of the most have been visiting India and impressive countries. promoting Australia as a study which is showing promising destination for almost 20 years. The It has a population of almost 1.25 signs of recovery since Australian market in India has grown billion people and – after more than tremendously: from 5,900 students in its mammoth decline in 7 per cent growth in gross domestic 2003 to 54,610 students in 2009. 2009–10. profit (GDP) each year for the past 10 years – it is the third largest The market took a massive hit with What matters most to economy in the world in terms of the so-called ‘Indian student crisis’ this new cohort of Indian purchasing power parity (PPP). in 2009-10, but numbers are again on the way up from 5,519 in 2012 to By 2030, the number of urban, students? Return on more than 9,000 students in 2013. middleclass households in India is investment and successful The way things are, the Indian expected to reach 91 million (up market for international education career outcomes, from 26 million currently). writes Rahul Gandhi. in Australia will continue to grow.

SPRING 2013 | 25

VISA GRANT RATES From 1 April 2013 to 30 June 2013 the grant rate for offshore student visa applications was 83.5% – up from 51.7% in the same quarter in the previous year. Indian student visas granted between 1 July 2012–30 June 2013: 9,383 (Offshore), 15,412 (Onshore).

Source: Student visa program quarterly report – ending 30 June 2013 (DIAC).

CURRENT SCENARIO The Association of Australian Nepal is 1,122. This includes 5 per Education Representatives in India cent lodged offshore and 20 per Let me try and explain the current (AAERI) – the peak body of Indian- cent that include a spouse visa. scenario and factors that affect based representatives of Australian This leaves only 850 visa approvals students from India. universities – is strongly lobbying the remaining. India accounts for Indian Ministry of Finance to re-look 80 per cent of these, which is Most students who choose Australia at the current policy and increase approximately 600 approvals for as a study destination opt for an the limit to a minimum of 30,00,000 572 category visas (TAFE and non- education loan to fund their tuition ₹ (A$51,000) per year. Government VET). There is clearly a fees and living expenses. Tuition case for access to streamlined visa fees currently average A$25,000 processing (SVP). (₹14,50,000) per year and living CAUSES expenses are around A$18,000 (₹10,44,000) each year. A typical FOR CONCERN Packaged offers Australian bachelor degree requires Is TAFE the neglected child? Packaged offers with higher four years of study or two years for a education courses are also cause TAFE is one of the gems of master degree. for concern. After obtaining Australia’s education system, but it packaged offers, I have seen a few Against the Australian dollar, the has been treated like a neglected students who eventually change Indian Rupee (₹) has depreciated child. It has been 10 years since education providers on completion from ₹37 in 2008 to ₹58 currently. efforts were made to export it to of their diploma course. Under non- Tuition fees, on the other hand, have India, but as yet there hasn’t been streamlined visa processing, they increased from A$18,500 in 2008 a successful business model to would in fact never have been to A$25,000. In the last five years, run collaborative TAFE institutes. granted a visa. depreciation is approximately 80 per India needs more than 11 million cent and the fees have increased vocational skilled professionals per Another concern is the academic approximately 30 per cent. year over the next 15 years, but in progress requirements of English As per the Reserve Bank of India the absence of any professional language courses to commence guidelines, students can opt for skills training institutes both the main course. If a student fails a maximum education loan of countries are at a loss. to achieve the required grades and is unable to commence their ₹20,00,000 (A$33,900), which is If current data is anything to go by, main course, he/she may wish to subject to repayment capacity. the TAFE and non-Government VET change education provider. Under This does not even cover the first sector is bleeding badly. According non-streamlined visa processing, year of tuition fees and living to the DIAC website, the total they would not have gained any expenses. What’s more, it hasn’t number of lodgements under the visa access. been amended in the last 15 years. 572 visa category for India and

26 | VISTA THE WAY FORWARD The Indian market is currently They could forge better relationships driven by the following key factors: and connections with Indian companies or other offshore Insecurity companies to assist students in their Against the US dollar, the search for employment opportunities. Indian Rupee has significantly I have seen careers departments depreciated by 17 per cent in the at American universities start last six weeks: from ₹55, it is now contacting students about careers sitting at ₹65 to the US dollar fairs and job placements from Chances are, the Indian rupee their first day of enrolment. Indian will depreciate even further. This education providers are similarly creates insecurity in the minds proactive with placing their of the Indian students and their students, which is highly attractive. families seeking greener pastures. The opportunities for careers This is a driving force and the pull departments are endless. Some of factor for increasing marketshare these include: of Australian education in India. 1. Career fairs showcasing Post-study work Indian companies in arrangements Australia and India The opportunity to find work 2. Circulating job after study clearly attracts announcements from Indian many students. From 2004–2009, companies to international international students were often students studying in Australia able to find work after study and 3. Promoting internships with this had a significant effect on Indian companies for Australia’s student numbers. international students in Canada has offered post-study Australia work since 2008 and its numbers 4. Enhancing connections with are growing significantly from various Indian Chambers 2,600 students in 2007 to 13,000 of Commerce on the students in 2012. employment scenario The big question is, can Australian 5. Inviting Indian entrepreneurs education providers rely on to inspire students as guest Government-led post-study speakers. work arrangements to increase marketshare? Frankly speaking, if There is a growing need to post-study work arrangements are internationalise careers and stopped today, Australian numbers employment services. If Australian could fall by approximately 4,000 education providers can offer students a year. world class careers services, they will have a much greater edge in If Australia wants to grow without their promotions and marketing. the blessings of post-study work For consistent growth that is not arrangements, it will need to dependent on Government-led break down the wall between policy, this is the way forward. international offices and careers and employment departments. Rahul Gandhi is the Managing I’m not suggesting students should Director of Take off Educational have guaranteed jobs, but careers Consultants in Ahmedabad, India. departments would do well to internationalise their focus.

SPRING 2013 | 27 Internationalisation of the Curriculum SIG

In the last edition of over the last 40 or 50 years”. Then how internationalisation of the Vista we argued that it he argued, “But more of us must curriculum can be addressed is time for a more serious reciprocate. It cannot be a one- across all disciplines to prepare consideration of what it way street. It must be a two-way students to live, work and meet means for Australia to be street. We have as much to learn local, regional and global in Asia, and for Asia to from our friends and neighbours in challenges (session C-043). be in Australia. That is to the region as they have to learn say, it’s time to give more from us.” Those of us who have The SIG continues to explore serious consideration to the been involved in international ways to grow and extend its interpersonal dimensions of education for a long time know membership. We will hold our the relationship between all too well the benefits that are annual meeting during AIEC. We Australia, its people and its derived from study exchange extend a welcome to anyone closest neighbours. programs. Such experiences are with an interest in addressing the transformative. intercultural dimensions of teaching New Colombo Plan and learning, irrespective of We also recognise, however, that discipline or levels of experience. The September election for a vast majority of students resulted in a new contemplating study abroad, Asia Internationalisation of the Government. We are excited is not the first destination they have curriculum is a whole of university by the possibilities of a in mind. Yes, there will be financial enterprise. We also welcome those readjustment in foreign and assistance, there will be grants and outside the higher education education policy toward there will be plenty of political and sector too. The VET sector has engagement with Asia. With personal benefits flowing out of an much that it can contribute UPDATES FROM THE SIGs the incoming government, increasing number of Australian to internationalisation of the and in particular Julie Bishop, students studying in universities curriculum given its depth of it seems that international throughout the region. There will experience with international education will receive also be significant hurdles for students here and transnationally. significant attention through the government and universities Likewise, the Schools sector, with policies such as the New to address. Perhaps the most its responsibility for developing Colombo Plan. significant will be capturing the the language and cultural We anticipate a renewed focus on imagination of a generation of capacities of the next generation promoting educational exchange youth who still see North America of Australians. opportunities in the region. But as the place to study abroad. This this will not be a one-way flow will be the challenge and it will We need to work together in a from East to West as it has largely have to be addressed not only in holistic and sustainable manner been in recent decades. In his the school sector, but within the if we are to meet the challenges speech announcing the ‘New university sector too. and realise the opportunities that Colombo Plan’, Mr Abbott praised will come from a closer alignment the original Colombo plan as a AIEC Canberra 2013 between Australia and Asia. This is ‘triumph’ of soft power. the challenge we set ourselves as One of the exciting challenges a SIG in light of the new emphasis for the Internationalisation of the Tim Dodd’s comments in the on engagement with the region: to Curriculum SIG will be exploring Australian Financial Review grow connections and encourage ways to support the development (2/9/2013) regarding the exercise interaction. of a new social imaginary – one of Australia’s ‘soft power’ in the that views Asia and its people as region are interesting. Dodd links Craig Whitsed & Wendy Green our neighbours. soft power to a means of exerting SIG Conveners influence (political/social) in a To that end, the sessions we ‘friendly way’. While the ethics of have organised for the 2013 Connect with us on such a position can and will be AIEC Conference are aimed LinkedIn at linkd.in/1cpHYxk debated, we are reminded of Mr at stimulating thought and Abbott’s comments when he first discussion by considering announced the New Colombo how national priorities will Plan. Mr Abbott noted “it’s great shape internationalisation that so many people from Asia of the curriculum in the 21st have beaten a path to our door century (Session C-017) and

28 | VISTA Marketing, Recruitment & Communication SIG

Australia is once again the flavour Australia was recently ranked of the month... that is for the English the most expensive destination language, Foundation and Pathway country for international students, programs that provide avenues beating the US, Britain, Canada to higher education. Vocational and Hong Kong. A HSBC Bank Education is unfortunately still study found Australia on average declining. The increase in numbers cost international students an come from our ‘traditional’ markets: average of $AUD41,500 a year in China, India and Vietnam. But tuition fees and living expenses. Department of Immigration and Despite our pricey reputation, Citizenship (DIAC) data confirms we have remained one of the growing numbers in markets such as world’s most popular destinations Thailand, Brazil, Pakistan, Colombia for international students. Overall, and The Philippines. with the introduction of streamlined visa processing and the falling Offshore visa grants grew 30 per Australian dollar, we should see cent for the higher education sector Australia returning to the ‘flavour of with China boasting a 29.2 per cent the month’ once again. increase in offshore visa grants over the past 12 months. India was up 93.4 per cent; Pakistan and Nepal More bang for your buck? rose 106 per cent and 119 per cent With two professional development respectively. This is presumably due sessions down, we have one to go! to the opportunities for post-study Our last professional development work opportunities at the duration workshop for 2013 is called ‘More of a 92-week degree program in Bang for Your Buck: Making Australia. the Most out of Your Marketing Budget’. It will showcase innovative In regards to the VET sector, and cost effective initiatives from a offshore visa grants dropped 12 number of institutions. per cent over the past year and more worrying is the onshore VET You will hear case studies from visa grants which dropped a Griffith University who will present on massive 49 per cent. One silver aligning your marketing strategy to lining was India; which saw 5 per your marketing spend. The University cent growth in offshore visa grants. of Melbourne who will show case English Australia has reported that their ‘Virtual Agent Recruitment Fair’ “The picture (is one of recovery). initiative and Queensland University If you’re in higher education, or of Technology will present their in ELICOS that does pathway to innovative ‘Marketing Automation: higher education, but stand-alone New Approaches to student English language is still struggling,” Recruitment’ project. according to Sue Blundell. It is aimed at marketing and A number of factors have assisted recruitment managers who want international student enrolment to drive their marketing budgets recovery. The strong Australian further and get more bang for their dollar, which has been the bane buck. It’s scheudled for Friday 8 of frustration for the past few November in Brisbane. years, is now falling. With the dollar dropping below US .90 (Sep 2 Justine Morris 2013), this is surely good news and SIG Convener should see Australia’s popularity rise for continuing intakes in 2013 Connect with us on and Semester 1, 2014. LinkedIn at linkd.in/17jyYEa

SPRING 2013 | 29 Student Mobility SIG

International education and AIEC Canberra 2013 student mobility continues to The AIEC program identifies sessions receive attention from both sides focussing on mobility and those of politics and respected public that influence our sector. With airplay. many delivered by our local and international colleagues please Professional Development support them come conference Social media was the focus time. In planning your conference, of our August professional lock in Wednesday and Thursday development workshop hosted lunchtime for the SIG Annual by Australian Catholic University meeting and the IEAA AGM. (ACU), Sydney. Keri Ramirez from Studymove education consultants Forum and Circuit 2014 led participants through a The Outbound Mobility Forum and kaleidoscope of social media tools Exchange Fair Circuit program available and using analytics to dates for 2014 have been released. guide strategy and contribute to With many institutions looking informed market decisions. to creative alternatives to a traditional fair we welcome you New Colombo Plan sharing these new approaches. Kevin McCann AM, Chair of the In a commitment to forward New Colombo Plan, delivered planning, the 2015 draft program UPDATES FROM THE SIGs the steering committee report will be released for discussion at to Tony Abbott at a University of the Canberra SIG meeting. Melbourne function. This places student mobility as a key element SIG Leadership in the Coalition’s Foreign Affairs In July, we welcomed Russ Braby and Trade platform. The report is from Murdoch University as Deputy available at bit.ly/16onvU4 Convener until October 2014. With rotational elections a deputy Brazil – Science Mobility convener position is open for program nomination with an announcement made at AIEC. In September Go8 Universities hosted a delegation of Brazilian Thank you for your feedback institutions sending students to around small project based Australia through the Science working groups and the interest Mobility Program. This initiative of expressed in opportunities to the Brazilian government enables contribute to IEAA work through thousands of students to be small taskforces. We are pursuing mobile, building the international this model to ensure we harness dimension of Brazilian higher energy from around the country. education. Program information is With our public exposure, at bit.ly/SScseU wonderful opportunities exist to reinvent the way we are perceived and to broaden influence across other sectors. Please don’t hesitate to contact the SIG leadership to open new discussions.

Trevor Goddard Convener

Connect with us on LinkedIn at linkd.in/17jykXs

30 | VISTA Pathways SIG

Meetings and PD Future Projects Workshops There is still the need identified The Pathways SIG conducted two previously to develop standardised recent workshops as part of the measures for tracking subsequent IEAA Professional Development student performance, enabling program: large scale studies and bench- marking. This will be pursued in 2014. ■■ The Road Less Travelled: There has also been much Rethinking Conventional discussion around the need for Pathway Models a uniform interpretation of the (Melbourne, 14 August) Foundation Standards, and the ■■ Mobile to MOOCs: place of shorter Foundation- Enhancing eLearning for type programs in the regulatory International Pathway Students framework. (Sydney, 6 September)

To date most participation has Leadership Group been from Foundation and Both Paul O’Halloran and Andrew Diploma providers from the eastern Dawkins will step down from their states and ACT. A challenge for respective SIG roles in October the SIG is to engage a broader 2013. We wish the incoming range of pathway providers from leadership group all the best all locations and sectors. for the continued growth of this important component of Australia’s Market Trends: international education. Foundation and Higher Education Diplomas Paul O’Halloran SIG Convener The recovery evident through early 2013 continued into the YTD June Rosie Giddings & Andrew Dawkins AEI figures, with commencements Deputy Conveners up 13 per cent for Foundation and 17 per cent for HE Diplomas. The major China market increased by 16 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Note that most, but not all, Diplomas are Bachelor pathways. These increases, together with new offshore higher education visa applications and grants, give reason for cautious optimism – although there is some anecdotal evidence the increases are not uniform.

SPRING 2013 | 31 Transnational Education SIG

TEQSA Provider Standards education experience from a graduate’s perspective and their In August the TNE SIG delivered impact in the workforce. Over a repeat workshop on the last decade there have been ‘Understanding TESQA Provider over 200,000 students complete Standards’ in Brisbane (delivered Australian university degrees in Melbourne earlier in the year). In through TNE or distance education. front of a small but highly engaged Historically (and especially due group, Dorte Kristoffersen gave an to the AUQA audit process) there update on TEQSA’s insights into have been concerns about the the provider standards specifically quality of TNE. However, today related to third-party arrangements the reputation of Australian TNE in TNE contexts. This was followed provision internationally is high and by an excellent presentation by most operations are very robust. Christina Magri on the approach We are all aware of TNE graduates that RMIT is taking to ensure their within our own institutions who TNE partnership review process have done extremely well and built is compliant with minimum extremely successful careers. threshold standards for third-party arrangements. Accounting for over 25 per cent of all international student AIEC Canberra 2013 completions, it would be a worthwhile project to better UPDATES FROM THE SIGs For AEIC this year the TNE SIG has understand the TNE graduate’s collaborated with the Pathways journey, their experience in a TNE SIG to deliver a pre-conference program, and the benefits and workshop on ‘Developing outcomes of this experience. Transnational Education The UK government recently Pathways to Maximise Onshore highlighted the ‘soft power’ Commencements’. element of TNE in a white paper While overseas pathways might titled ‘International Education not fit the traditional definition Global Growth and Prosperity’. of TNE, they are becoming an Australian institutions have long increasingly important recruitment led the way globally in TNE, and it strategy and all institutions will might be timely for the Australian benefit from sharing experiences government to support research and engaging in collaborative into our TNE alumni, to better discussion on this topic. Hopefully understand the contribution this will see an increase in cross- of this soft power on Australia’s sectoral discussions across international standing and higher education, VET, English economic growth and prosperity. and the Schools sectors on the opportunities and challenges Lorne Gibson for these types of institutional SIG Convener partnerships. Connect with us on Shape of Things to Come 2 LinkedIn at linkd.in/13ww6CO The British Council released its TNE study, ‘Shape of Things to Come 2’ in September (bit.ly/18w4AbN). While the report has undertaken a deeper review of why countries encourage and support TNE, there is still very little understanding of the impact of a transnational

32 | VISTA EXCHANGE FAIR CIRCUIT & OUTBOUND MOBILITY FORUM 2014

Exchange Fair Circuit 31 March–9 April

Outbound Mobility Forum University of South Australia 10–11 April

Proudly presented by IEAA’s Student Mobility Special Interest Group (SIG)

ieaa.org.au/mobility

Join 1000+ leaders of international higher education and submit your proposal for Going Global 2014

Going Global delivers a global forum for world leaders of international education to debate the role the international arena plays in global tertiary education policy. Call for poster presentations We are inviting proposals under three themes: Inclusion, innovation and impact. For further details see our website: http://ihe.britishcouncil.org/going-global Submit your proposals online before 20 December 2013

http://ihe.britishcouncil.org/going-global @HEGoingGlobal #goingglobal SPRING 2013 | 33

2387_BC_Global Global advert_05.indd 1 13/09/2013 12:33 INTERNATIONALISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC: SYMPOSIUM

Hosted by IEAA in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE), this two-day symposium will be a uniquely collaborative forum aimed at developing mutual, long-term engagement between institutions in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

It will bring together university academics and professional staff, government representatives, business leaders and students for an open discussion on the two key themes of enhancing student mobility and fostering research collaboration.

Date: Thursday 12–Friday 13 June 2014 (Welcome reception Wednesday 11 June 2014) Location: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ieaa.org.au/asiasymposium

This symposium received funding from Austrade as part of the Asian Century Business Engagement Plan.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS More Bang for Your Buck: Strategies to Enhance Making the Most Out of Students’ Global Your Marketing Budget Employability

Want to drive your marketing budget Explore strategies to instil a global further? This workshop will showcase a mindset in your students and number of innovative marketing and determine what skills they need recruitment initiatives designed to get to be successful in the global you more bang for your buck. employment market. Date: Friday 8 November Date: Wed 20 November Location: Brisbane Location: Webinar Cost: $200 IEAA members Cost: $70 IEAA members $290 non-members $100 non-members More info at ieaa.org.au November 2013 CONFERENCES Canadian Bureau for International Education 17–20 November 2013 Vancouver, Canada www.cbie.ca

CIEE Annual Conference 20–23 November 2012 Minneapolis, United States www.ciee.org

December 2013

ISANA 24th Annual Conference 3–6 December 2013 Brisbane, Australia www.isana.org.au

2nd International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference 2013 9–10 December 2013 Sarawak, Malaysia www.curtin.edu.my/TL2013

February 2014

AIEA Annual Conference 16–19 February 2014 Washington, United States www.aieaworld.org

March 2014

Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 17–20 March 2014 Seoul, Korea www.apaie.org

International Association of Universities (IAU) 19–21 March 2014 Iquitos, Peru www.iau-aiu.net

April 2014

Forum on Education Abroad 2014 2–4 April 2014 San Diego, United States www.forumea.org

Going Global 29 April–1 May 2014 Miami, United States ihe.britishcouncil.org/going-global

SPRING 2013 | 35 Contact us

IEAA Secretariat PO Box 12917 A’Beckett Street Melbourne VIC 8006 Australia +613 9925 4579 [email protected]

ieaa.org.au

36 | VISTA