VISTA SUMMER 2013

10 TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL CHANGE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION THE HOUSE THE COALITION ASPIRES TO (RE)BUILD: 2013 IN REVIEW LATIN AMERICA IN FOCUS: THE (NEXT) PLACE TO BE? | AND MORE... SUMMER 2013 | 1 THE HOUSE THE COALITION ASPIRES TO (RE)BUILD: 2013 IN REVIEW 4 Helen Zimmerman

10 TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL CHANGE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION 8 Rob Malicki

STREAMLINED VISA PROCESSING: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR? 12

CONTENTS Phil Honeywood

LATIN AMERICA IN FOCUS: THE (NEXT) PLACE TO BE? 14 Sofía Pereira

FORGING PARTNERSHIPS IN A CHANGING INDIA 20 Eugene Sebastian and Abid Khan

STUDENT SAFETY IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INCLUSION 22 Gordon Scott

SUPPORT SYSTEMS ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 24 Exemplary Academic Integrity Project Team

WHERE DO WE STAND IN THE MIGRATION DEBATE? 26 Joanne Barker

UPDATES FROM THE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs) 27 Admissions & Compliance Internationalisation of the Curriculum Marketing, Recruitment and Communication Pathways Sponsored Students Student Mobility Transnational Education

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONFERENCES 34 HIGHLIGHTS

TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL CHANGE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION How can technology help you do more with less? Rob Malicki stretches 10your ideas about how technology can be used in the workplace and how important it is to the future of international education. Page 8.

LATIN AMERICA IN FOCUS: STUDENT SAFETY IN THE CONTEXT THE (NEXT) PLACE TO BE? OF SOCIAL INCLUSION Australia consistently ranks among Gordon Scott reflects on the the top destinations of choice for lessons learned from the tragic Latin American students, writes loss of Korean student Eunji Ban Austrade’s Sofía Pereira. Page 14. in Brisbane. Page 22. 2013 IN REVIEW

THE HOUSE THE COALITION ASPIRES TO (RE)BUILD

It’s been a tumultuous year in politics. But the election of the Coalition Government – and Christopher Pyne’s bold plans to build a “new architecture for international education” – show promising signs for international education in Australia. Helen Zimmerman reflects back on the year that was and casts her eyes to 2014.

The Land Down Under: that Australia was unwelcoming the world’s most expensive? to international students, and increasing international In 2013 Australia was competition have all contributed unceremoniously declared the most to an overall decline in export expensive destination country for value from $18.1 billion in 2009–10 international students. According to just $14.7 billion in 2011–12 to research released by HSBC in (a figure that the ABS has since August, the typical annual cost revised downwards). of tuition and living expenses for However, some relief came international students in Australia is with a sharp fall in the value of $US38,516 ($42,195). This compared the Australian dollar, following with $US35,705 in the United States, a Reserve Bank decision to cut $US30,325 in the United Kingdom interest rates in May. The dollar and $US26,011 in Canada. dropped almost 12 per cent, This wasn’t welcome news for an reaching its lowest point since 2010 industry plagued by overregulation, – around US$0.90. If this level can sliding enrolments and other be maintained going into 2014, challenges over the last few years. then this will hopefully reduce the The high Australian dollar, widely cost barrier of studying in the Land publicised attacks on students in Down Under. 2009–10, tougher visa rules, a view

4 | VISTA “This is the time to begin building the new architecture that will sustain the international education sector through decades of future growth. An export industry not only to be proud of, but sure of.”

Christopher Pyne, AIEC 2013

Image: Yme Tulleners (Kirkland Photography)

Peak bodies join forces Among other issues, the peak After four changes of Labor for headline of the year bodies called on the incoming Education and Immigration government to create a high- Ministers in six months, the new The headline of the year surely level ministerial council (as government brought a new sense goes to The Australian’s Higher recommended in the Chaney of optimism to restoring Australia’s Education Supplement, which report), review the Genuine international education industry. likened Australia’s international Temporary Entrant (GTE) test and In his first address to the sector as education industry to the “bastard overhaul visa charges following Education Minister, Christopher child of Australia’s export industry”. counter-productive changes since Pyne assured delegates at the the Knight Review. “International education is treated Australian International Education like the bastard child of Australia’s “International education is Conference (AIEC) in October that export industry with no political at a crucial turning point in “restoring international education ownership, fractured policymaking, Australia, and governments have to its rightful place as one of our marketing and promotion, and two choices,” said IEAA’s Phil most valuable exports” was one of an almost wilful disregard for the Honeywood in an accompanying the Coalition’s key priorities. changing realities of the market,” press release. “We will deliver a clear strategy, opined Julie Hare and Bernard Lane “They can persist with a one that lays out a path to growing (The Australian, 14 August 2013). fragmented, unhurried approach a world-class education and The editorial came in response to two to managing global shifts in research industry, that realises pre-Election communiqués delivered international education and watch our economic potential, reduces by a joint coalition of international as students vote with their feet barriers and frees the sector to education industry peak bodies, in by choosing to study elsewhere. be more productive and globally which IEAA took a coordinating role. Or governments can take strong, competitive.” The peak bodies over the past few decisive, action to restore our Pyne committed to respond fully to years have consistently called for a status as a destination of choice for recommendations in the Chaney whole-of-Government approach international students.” report (“Australia – Educating to international education so it Globally”) which included: was timely for us to show that the Out with the old, industry was focused on a whole-of- and in with the Coalition ■■ easing sector regulation, industry approach. Given previous ■■ boosting outbound mobility, and divergent policy positions on a Tony Abbott’s election as the ■■ expediting streamlined visa range of matters, this coordinated 28th Prime Minister of Australia in processing for low immigration approach was widely welcomed by September came as no surprise to risk providers. international education stakeholders. ardent poll watchers.

SUMMER 2013 | 5 Archiving the Asian Century a study abroad experience, the New Colombo Plan intends to promote The year began in earnest on the back of the Labor Government’s study opportunities combined much-vaunted ‘Australia in the with a course-related internship or Asian Century’ White Paper. It mentorship in an Asian city. It also was heralded as the blueprint for envisages support for Asian language Australia’s engagement with the training, alumni network promotion region for years to come. Instead, and research collaboration. it has been quietly sent to the The Coalition will honour AsiaBound archives of the National Library – funding commitments until the first not even a year after its release round ceases on 31 December 2014. – by the newly-elected Coalition In the meantime, the New Colombo Government. Plan’s pilot phase will be rolled No-one disagreed with the White out across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Paper’s aim of developing deep Japan and Singapore in 2014, and meaningful engagement with before taking full effect from 2015. our Asian neighbours and supporting New funding totalling $100 million young Australians to study overseas has been committed for the Plan’s and learn an Asian language. implementation over four years. In fact, international education providers had been forging links with The New Colombo Plan has the Asia for many decades. potential to be a game changer PRESIDENT’S COLUMN in our engagement with Asia However, for all its laudable and the opportunities it offers national aims, action was slow. As young Australians. It will lay deep Murdoch University’s Mark Beeson foundations for our growth as a described it in The Conversation, nation for generations to come. the Asian Century White Paper became “yet another example It has the potential to sit above of lofty rhetoric with little of politics, having bi-partisan, industry substance committed to actually and business support and one of implementing policy.” our great and inspirational national leaders as its Patron, the Governor One tangible and welcome General, Her Excellency the Hon outcome of the White Paper for Quentin Bryce. IEAA is also pleased the international education industry to have Executive Director, Phil was the Gillard Government’s Honeywood, on the Colombo allocation of $37 million over Plan’s Steering Committee. three years for 3,500 AsiaBound scholarships per annum (up to $5,000 for each student), plus The world of SVP $1,000 for intensive Asian language Two years ago, Australia’s public tuition. This was substance, not universities welcomed the Michael rhetoric, and has been built on by Knight review of the student visa the Coalition Government with its program and the introduction of New Colombo Plan. streamlined visa processing (SVP).

The New Colombo Plan Notwithstanding the initial accolades, SVP came at a cost. The New Colombo Plan was officially The Government has taken the launched on Tuesday 10 December view that shared benefits mean 2013. It is big and bold, a cornerstone shared risks. Universities and their of the Coalition’s international nominated educational business education policy – and close to partners have been required to the heart of Foreign Affairs Minister, sign up to stringent conditions, Julie Bishop, who sees it as ‘rite of investing in new systems and passage’ for Australian students. personnel to ensure the integrity of Whereas AsiaBound focussed only on the process.

6 | VISTA “The current SVP methodology works for universities, degree granting HE institutions, and their educational business partners and should remain. However it was not designed for the small or the non-degree granting niche; it also doesn’t consider providers with long and strong track records in quality education provision.”

It has not been easy, however A recent report from the UK1 has the results have been positive for some advice for us as they strive to universities and their partners this improve their competitive position year. Universities have certainly vis-a-vis other countries. “The seen an increase in student visa government must clamp down grants and commencements. By on poorly performing institutions contrast, student numbers have not by ensuring that procedures and recovered in other sectors apart practices in education institutions are from ELICOS, parts of which provide robust and effective. However, this pathways to higher education. needs to be balanced with allowing While ELICOS is seeing a return the sector some freedom and ability to growth, the VET (public and to flourish in the global market.” private) and schools sectors have The current SVP arrangements are continued to decline. limiting our ability to flourish across Staying true to its election promise, the whole of the international the Coalition announced its education spectrum. We need to intention to expand the list of address this in 2014. education providers who will have As we cast our eyes to the new access to SVP. Twenty-two degree- year, the key to a much-improved granting higher education providers landscape will surely be a reduction (TAFE and private colleges) were of the silo effect in governance of our invited in November to apply for industry. State Governments including SVP, creating in the eyes of many in New South Wales, Queensland and the industry and in our key market Victoria have done much to better source countries a divide between recognise, support and coordinate ‘the in’ and ‘the out’. their international education The current SVP methodology sectors. The new federal Ministers of works for universities, degree Education, Immigration, Trade and granting HE institutions, and their Industry and Foreign Affairs have hit educational business partners and the ground running on a number of should remain. However it was fronts and have all articulated their not designed for the small or the belief in the value of the Australian non-degree granting niche; it also International Education industry to the doesn’t consider providers with long nation’s future. A Federal Ministerial and strong track records in quality Coordinating Council will also do a education provision which don’t great deal to bring about effective fit the current model. It is time for a collaboration across government and fresh look at ways to meet the intent provide a national approach and of SVP, namely to support all of national leadership. Bring on 2014! Australia’s quality low-risk providers Helen Zimmerman in attracting genuine students to IEAA President Australia.

1 Sachrajda, A and Pennington, J (2013) “Britain wants you! Why the UK should commit to increasing international student numbers”, Institute for Public Policy Research.

SUMMER 2013 | 7 TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL CHANGE 10INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Image: Andrew Rich (iStock) Rob Malicki stretches your ideas about how GOOGLE technology can be & GOOGLE used in the workplace ENGAJER.COM APPS 2 3 and how important My favourite video platform of the Google dominates the internet. it is to the future of past 12 months is engajer.com – an Consider these statistics: Google international education. interactive platform that gives users facilitates 115 billion web searches a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ per month, has 53 per cent market style of engagement with your share of mobile advertising revenue, short videos. 43 per cent of web browser market SMARTPHONES My company, AIM Overseas, was share, $40 billion in ad revenue (and & THE VIDEO looking for a solution that allowed growing) and 80 per cent market REVOLUTION students heading overseas for share of mobile operating systems. 1 study to view our pre-departure Google will transform international The post-PC revolution is already videos in whatever order they education in two ways: firstly through here. If you’re not mobile-focused wanted. Some students had access and secondly through driving you’ll quickly be left behind – travelled before, while others collaboration. In 2012, Google particularly as the digitally native had not, so the information they launched a series of Wifi-generating generations get older. needed was very different. balloons in remote New Zealand. These balloons stay aloft through Between 2012-2013, internet usage engajer.com was a unique a combination of solar power and from mobile devices has grown 50 platform we found that – when clever engineering and provide per cent. It now accounts for 17 per coupled with strong back-end internet access in incredibly remote cent of all web traffic (and more still analytics – allowed us to get areas. Google plans to release such in some regions of the world). There our information to students and balloons in many remote areas of are well in excess of one billion monitor what they watched, the world, opening up education smartphone users and the number when and for how long. As an opportunities – and thus international of mobile web users will surpass inexpensive, cloud-based video education – to a whole new those tied to their desktops in 2014. delivery solution it is absolutely second to none. demographic. Mobile commerce will grow They have also launched Google fivefold by 2016 and mobile web Fibre in a number of US cities. Think users are five times more likely to Australia’s National Broadband abandon a task if their site isn’t Network (NBN) running up to 50 optimised for mobile. times faster at half the cost. Having As such, mobile technology internet speeds that are so fast, at will fundamentally change such low cost, will revolutionise the international education in the way way people access and engage people browse for information, with education. It will be possible purchase educational offerings to stream video in HD across the and engage with their institutions. world, download enormous files in If your institution’s website isn’t seconds and collaborate (such as optimised for mobile, prospective via video conferencing) in ways students will simply look elsewhere. not yet imagined. The possible ways to internationalise the But there’s another characteristic curriculum, through engaging with of Smartphone users that is critical partners and organisations around for international educators and the world, will be almost limitless. that is the incredible consumption of video on mobile devices: 75% This collaboration will be driven of users will watch videos on their by another of Google’s hallmarks: phones and 92 per cent will share the pioneering Google Apps videos from their phones. The post–PC suite. A great many institutions More than a third of ‘millenials’ revolution is have moved to the Google watch more content online than already here. Apps Ecosystem because of its on TV – 60 per cent watch no unrivalled capacity to create, store TV at all! Naturally, the use of If you’re not and collaborate on documents, mobile video becomes critical mobile-focused spreadsheets and presentations. along all points of the recruitment, you’ll quickly be And we’ve only seen the beginning education and post-study stages of of what Google will make possible an international education journey. left behind... in the Apps/collaboration space.

SUMMER 2013 | 9 This device captures data about the way someone runs, in real-time, and feeds that to a Smartphone. This kind of technology could GLIFFY.COM be used by sports scientists on 4 different continents, and in different While we’re talking about climatic conditions, to synchronise collaboration, one of my great experiments and measure the frustrations was always Microsoft impacts on athletes. Real-time data- Word’s inability to make it easy to sharing would allow for adjustments create flowcharts and diagrams. to the experiment, increasing the effectiveness and vastly speeding up Cue gliffy.com, a cloud-based flow the research process. chart program that allows you to create all manner of diagrams – from seating plans, organisational charts and project plans – for about $60 per year. 3D PRINTING Gliffy (and its main competitor,

TECHNOLOGY 6 Lucidchart) have made The most incredible technology collaborating on this sort of for international research platform easy, cheap and collaboration will be the 3D printing accessible anywhere. revolution. You can print just about anything in 3D – from guns and body parts to sophisticated models and mechanical parts. In the past, the biggest restriction WEARABLE on this technology has been TECHNOLOGY the prohibitive cost. But all that is changing with the advent of 5By 2020 one technology futurist 3D printers such as the Form1 has predicted that an average and Zeus. These 3D printers are ‘western’ human will have up to designed to be desktop-based six technological sensors on their and inexpensive (around the cost body. We have already seen the of a high-end desktop computer). beginning of this with ‘Google Researchers and students working Glass’, a computer and screen on collaborative projects on built into your regular glasses. opposite sides of world will be able How will wearable technology to share objects almost in real-time. change international Imagine an engineering student education? One of the biggest Google Glass will working on a design problem. barriers to students studying enable students to They ‘send’ their design to another internationally is language. student on the other side of the attend lectures in any Google Glass will enable world who 3D prints the part they students to attend lectures language, providing are working on, makes changes, in any language, providing real-time translation then ‘sends’ it back to the original real-time translation direct into student. direct into a student’s a student’s line of sight. It will line of sight. render language barriers non- 3D printing is the closest humans existent or, at the very least, will get to teleporting objects in greatly diminished. foreseeable future. There are even predictions that within five years Wearable technology also you will be able to ‘download’ the opens interesting possibilities design for your favourite running for international research shoes and print them at home on collaboration. Consider the your 3D printer! Sensoria fitness sock (www.heapsylon.com). Find out more about 3D printers at http://youtu.be/b09H7EcWKG8

10 | VISTA

The most incredible 10 technology for FACEBOOK international GRAPH SEARCH research No article on technology is really complete without at least some collaboration mention of Facebook. The social will be the media behemoth has more 3D printing than 1 billion active monthly users and 350 million photos revolution. are shared daily. What’s more, one third of millennials are more likely to buy from a company or organisation that has a Facebook page. Facebook’s latest thing is Graph Search (not yet available in TOUT APP LINKEDIN Australia). It’s like a web search, 7 9 but it takes in all the info contained Smartphones are changing the way Social media, and in particular in your profile and those of your people consume information and LinkedIn, has changed the way friends. Say you’re travelling the explosion in apps is driving this we present our professional overseas and want to know which – there is literally an app for almost capabilities. Some 80 per cent of of your friends are currently living everything. One of my favourites in employers have Googled potential in a particular city. At the moment the past 12 months is Tout App. employees. it’s very difficult to work out without You know how you’re never The impact of LinkedIn for sending lots of messages and quite sure if that important email international education is in the visiting lots of sites, but Graph arrived at its destination and has way that we prepare students to Search will make this instantly been looked at? Tout App is your be job-ready and help them to available to you. solution. Tout App (www.toutapp. develop their ‘pitch’ to potential Likewise, if you want to find a new com) is an impressive email employers. LinkedIn provides a band that you might like, Graph productivity solution that allows you powerful platform for students to Search will allow you to very simply to build powerful email templates brand themselves effectively, pitch search for all the bands your and follow-up workflows. You can themselves for jobs and maintain friends like. Or what if you were also put those into action through their professional contacts. strong relationship and email interested in studying overseas? LinkedIn Premium is the extension tracking analytics. You could search for universities of the free network and it provides that your friends have studied at or great value for individuals who recommend… need I say more? really want to capitalise on the Technology is fundamentally power of the platform. Additional changing the way the world features include seeing who has works and the way we interact. viewed your profile, detailed QWIKI International education is in analytics on the performance no way immune from this and 8Qwiki is another ingenious iPhone of your posts and more detailed must also rapidly adapt or – like app that rapidly converts photos information about people within everything affected by the speed and videos from your library into your network (and wider contacts of technological change – risk a single video set to a piece of three-steps removed). music from your iTunes account. being left behind. Perhaps the best feature is Its simplicity is staggering and the ability to contact anyone the resulting videos are beautiful, Rob Malicki is a Director of AIM within your network directly, helping anyone with an iPhone Overseas, a leading provider of even if you are not personally become a videographer in just independent study abroad programs connected to them (think about minutes. Imagine the ease with for Australian university students. the HR Director of that company which you can create simple, yet www.aimoverseas.com.au you were interested in working for). effective, campus tour and other student experience videos.

SUMMER 2013 | 11 Long and winding road Two years ago, Australia’s 39 STREAMLINED public universities were delighted when the Michael Knight review of the student visa program gave them sole participation in a new streamlined visa procedure (SVP) policy framework. No longer would they be thrown into the same diminished “brand Australia” mix as their public TAFE and private education college cousins. A whole new world awaited them of fast tracked student visas, VISA less rigorous vetting by the then Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the PROCESSING likelihood of increasing their fee-paying international student BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR? numbers compared with other providers. All they had to do to pay for their right to party was The Abbott government has open their books, recruitment expanded the list of education procedures and academic providers who will have access to progress performance measures to SVP, but if the experience of our a group of accommodating public servants from Canberra. public universities is anything to go by, it may well be a case of ‘be Unfortunately, a number of our universities discovered, to their careful what you wish for’, great cost, that the visitors from writes Phil Honeywood. Canberra came with forensic investigatory powers and skills that left no institution’s internal policies and procedures unturned. The end result of these investigations was that some universities were put on notice that the gift of SVP status would be for a probationary period only. The potential public relations disaster of losing that much- vaunted status 12 months down the road almost stopped some universities from proceeding. The end result of then being admitted to the SVP club was a requirement to spend large amounts of scarce university revenue on enhanced quality assurance departments and personnel. Many academic pathway partner colleges were also ditched along the way as the universities came to realise that they would wear the risk if these feeder colleges did not meet the new strict performance measures. Despite the initial trauma, however, most universities would now probably agree that the SVP journey has been worth the effort. After two years in operation, the

12 | VISTA public higher education institutions other criteria might be applied. university providers, will apply even are definitely receiving the lion’s The rumour mill worked overtime more rigorous audit criteria. On share of fee-paying international as to who might make the list. But the other hand, the attractiveness student visa grants. By contrast, for its own reasons, Labor baulked of marketing your institution to student numbers have significantly in announcing this expansion. education agents and prospective diminished at non-SVP-accredited Some suggested that it was a King students as “government (and non-pathway-accredited Solomon syndrome – not wanting endorsed” may well be irresistible. ) TAFE and private colleges. to get off side with TAFE directors While the new government Unfortunately, this has set up a and private college owners who has provided no timetable for winners-versus-losers dichotomy might find themselves excluded announcing expansion of SVP which, on any measure, was not from SVP entitlement. Others sustainable. argued that Labor was sitting on a status to high-quality VET providers, DIAC-recommended expanded philosophically it appears inclined to do so at some point. Labor prevaricates list because it needed policy consistency in its campaign against Certainly, sector-specific industry While Knight’s review allowed the 457 visa for skilled workers associations, such as TAFE Directors public universities to enjoy the – opening up Australia to more Australia and the Australian monopoly of both the new post- international students might not sit Council for Private Education and study work rights policy and SVP well at the same time. Training (ACPET), will be lobbying entitlements, anyone familiar hard for this expansion. Education Whatever the reasons why the with Australia’s $15-billion-a-year peak bodies will also be arguing international education industry Gillard Government ignored its own for a separate new methodology would know that this situation COAG-imposed deadline, their that recognises small enrolment could not prevail. For one thing, constant prevarication did not go institutions, mostly secondary the similarly timed Bradley review down well with many international schools, as low risk for student visa of higher education had directly education stakeholders. In the approvals. advocated for private providers run up to the September election, to take up a greater share of they lobbied hard for an incoming In the meantime, the government education delivery if the nation Coalition government to make has moved to placate the VET was to meet growing student good on its overtures to quality sector by abolishing country risk demand. VET and higher education non- assessment levels 4 and 5. This university providers. makes the risk criteria and financial It only took a few months, after support requirements less onerous post-study work rights (PSW) were for some student source countries. announced, for the then Education What’s next? There are those who will argue, Minister, Senator Chris Evans, to After some cross-portfolio however, that until other aspects of succumb to lobbying and open negotiations, Ministers Christopher Knight’s architecture, such as the up PSWs to all higher education Pyne and Scott Morrison recently genuine temporary entrant test, degree providers (both public announced that 22 non-university are liberalised then VET enrolments and private). Not long after this higher education providers will be will continue to suffer. announcement, a Council of invited to apply for inclusion as Australian Governments (COAG) SVP accredited institutions. The key meeting agreed that streamlined word here is “invited”, which offers Student visas: visa procedures would also be providers the option to decline. It the long view opened up to high-quality, low-risk also provides political justification After two years of agitation, the private colleges and public TAFEs. as to why, for commercial in initial monopoly of fast-tracked The subsequent May 2012 COAG confidence reasons, the list should student visas given by the Knight communiqué committed the not be published. As the list was review to public universities is Gillard Government to announcing apparently derived from that of no more. This should come as an initial list of new SVP providers the previous government, it is also no surprise to those who read by December 31 that year. But politically defensible. the major parties’ pre-election Labor then hesitated at the starting However, based on the institutional statements on international blocks for the next 18 months. pain that was inflicted on the education. How this gradual Former Minister Chris Bowen began public universities when they opening up of student visa a stakeholder consultation process agreed to accept their invitation regulations will affect Australia’s on SVP expansion with seemingly to the SVP party, it will come as reputation as a quality education good intentions. Indications were no surprise if some of the recent destination will, as always, take given that 40 providers might be invitees decide not to proceed. It some time to assess. put onto an initial list, that providers will be a balancing act for each Phil Honeywood is the would be required to have a of them. On the one hand the Executive Director of IEAA. minimum of 400 international public servants, many of whom students to qualify and all sorts of are genuinely sceptical of non-

SUMMER 2013 | 13 LATIN AMERICA THE (NEXT) PLACE TO BE?

14 | VISTA Image: Lifesizeimages (iStock) LATIN AMERICA IN FOCUS

Australia consistently ranks among the top destinations of choice for Latin American students. Austrade’s Sofía Pereira offers her insight into this diverse region.

Whether you choose to describe Latin America as a quiet achiever or a hidden treasure, there are several facts that the Australian international education sector cannot afford to ignore about this emerging market:

■■ With 26 per cent of its total population of 582 million aged 15–29 years, the region has a high demand for education services (Latin America and the Caribbean, The World Bank/Youthpolicy.org, 2012)

■■ The region continues to expand economically (GDP growth forecast at 2.7 per cent in 2013); and

■■ Australia is seeing growth in international student enrolments and commencements from Latin America at a significantly higher rate than the global average.

SUMMER 2013 | 15 AEI’s October 2013 year to Transforming Australia’s A continent of date statistics show that Latin market position opportunities... if you’re American enrolments grew in Latin America strategic by 15 per cent compared In 2002 there were just 8,000 Latin America’s expanding middle to the same period in 2012. international student enrolments class is clearly demanding greater This is well above global from Latin America in Australia; access to quality education. by 2012 this figure had grown Its governments are focussed enrolments which grew by to 32,000. This can largely be on improving productivity and only 2 per cent. attributed to the introduction of generating greater employment scholarship programs funded by opportunities, either by attracting Latin American local governments. The Chilean more foreign investment or commencements over the Government’s Becas Chile generating local research, same period also grew by Program paved the way with development, innovation and talent. Australia as the pilot destination, an impressive 19 per cent A better educated and highly both at the higher education – also significantly higher skilled workforce is required and and vocational education and both government and industry than the global figure of training levels. This reflected are looking for ways to close the 9 per cent. In both cases confidence in the quality and skills gaps. English language skills, stature of our education system. Latin America recorded the for example, are low and more highest growth of any other Australia now consistently ranks often than not essential in an region in the world. among the top destinations increasingly competitive labour Source: Australian Education International. of choice for Latin American market. Australian strengths and students studying abroad with capabilities are a perfect match the support of local scholarships. for Latin America. Austrade was In Brazil, for example, where quick to identify this when it took Australia hasn’t traditionally been on the responsibility of marketing regarded as a higher education and promoting Australian destination, we are now ranked education in 2010. as the fifth most important host Promoting Australia just as an country for students funded by education destination was not the the Science without Borders right approach. Making Australian Program. education and training relevant for This is no small feat. Competing Latin Americans was the key. So, at with traditional international the core of Austrade’s education education destinations such as sector strategy in the region is its the US, the UK, Germany and cross-sectoral focus. What is Australia France, Australia has done what good at? Where do we have a other countries have perhaps competitive advantage? What failed to do: transformed itself are Latin Americans looking for to into a high-quality, attractive, strengthen their own workforce, supportive, welcoming and economies and industries? rewarding international Mining, water, food security and, education destination for more recently, energy have Latin American students. For emerged as the key sectors of example, the recent Austrade- focus in Austrade’s cross-sectoral led ‘Win your Future Unlimited’ education strategy in Latin digital campaign attracted America. Australia has unique more than 835,000 visits to the teaching, training and research campaign website, with the strengths and capabilities in these largest country visits coming sectors. It therefore makes sense from Brazil, at almost 160,000 to proactively pursue opportunities (and the week six finalist of the in these areas using Austrade’s competition is from Brazil!). badge of government, its extensive networks, and its specialised market know-how.

16 | VISTA LATIN AMERICA IN FOCUS

By showcasing the best of what Australia has to offer, Austrade is giving rise to new and exciting Australia has done what opportunities for Australian other countries have education and training providers. The key is focus, commitment perhaps failed to do: and perseverance. While some opportunities are quick to transformed itself into a emerge, others require a longer high quality, attractive, term approach. A successful strategy for providers requires supportive, welcoming and similar ingredients. rewarding international Key ingredients for success education destination for A solid strategy, focus, Latin American students. commitment and perseverance are the key ingredients for success in Latin America. Australia has come far in terms of positioning itself in the region. Latin American students bring much welcomed diversity to Australian classrooms and they often choose less traditional programs. However, the geographical, cultural and academic diversity that this market offers is also matched by the diversity of opportunities. Transnational education, teacher training, capacity building, curriculum development, collaborative research, joint program delivery, corporate clients and online education – these are all alternatives to pursue in addition to self-funded and scholarship funded international students. As a former PROEXPORT campaign said of foreign visitors to Colombia, “the only risk is that you will want to stay.” In the case of Latin America, much the same can be said. When you visit the market for the first time, you will wonder why it took you so long to venture there in the first place.

Sofía Pereira is Austrade’s Education Commissioner in Latin America. Based in Santiago, Chile, she leads a team of Education Managers located in Austrade posts in Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Mexico.

SUMMER 2013 | 17 18 | VISTA EXCHANGE UPDATES FROM THE SIGs 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

SUMMER 2013 | 19 FORGING PARTNERSHIPS IN A CHANGING INDIA

A new joint Australian and is such quality, excellence and to an independent directorate and Indian research academy potential in the Indian higher is aimed squarely at addressing education sector that Cambridge the joint issues faced by the two offers some clues to a wishes to collaborate rather than nations, through a model that successful partnership compete, to be a partner rather shares talent. than a rival.” model, write Eugene The partnership is unique for at Sebastian and Abid Khan. This response seems to echo least four reasons: (i) a unique similar sentiments expressed focus on industry challenges, (ii) Partnerships between leading by Massachusetts Institute of a highly multidisciplinary problem institutions will be absolutely Technology, while Yale and set, (iii) its physical scale, and (iv) crucial to innovation and success Stanford categorically declined its focus on postgraduate training in tackling the major issues in a the invite. and mobility … the goal being to create high impact global citizens. changing world. A small number Many foreign universities have of critical factors affect the long- some form of presence in India. It actively tackles complex issues term success of such collaboration: The vast majority operates a very of major importance to the two (i) the depth of the alliance, (ii) traditional model, involving small- nations where the partnership of the two universities’ capabilities is shared aspirations and strategies, scale partnership activities with greater than the individual parts. (iii) unified governance and (iv) the local universities or companies, or Specifically, it physically combines deployment of shared talent. through local representative offices the best researchers from both When India’s human resource aimed particularly at student institutions and actively applies development ministry recently recruitment. them to particular themes such sent out queries to top 30 global So how do partnerships with Indian as advanced computational universities inviting them to set institutions move beyond the engineering, simulation and up campuses in the country, the perfunctory and small scale? manufacture, infrastructure response was hardly enthusiastic, engineering, clean energy, water, with many echoing the need for nanotechnology, biotechnology collaboration over a physical The relationship X Factor and stem cell research. presence. A partnership that offers a clue Unlike most traditional international to a successful arrangement is In fact, Professor Leszek Borysiewicz, collaborative models, the the Indian Institute of Technology Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge partnership has a large-scale joint Bombay (IITB) and Monash University, said while it is “an physical presence that is primarily University’s joint Research interesting development which research driven, with a major focus Academy in Mumbai. marks a growing trend towards on PhD training. About 130 Indian transnational education, the Launched in 2010, the Academy is PhD students are enrolled and varsity prefers collaboration over a 50:50 arrangement, in a not-for- jointly supervised by Monash and competition… Our own approach profit joint venture. It has a shared IITB staff. Students graduate with a to global partnerships is that there mandate and strategy that reports joint degree from both institutions.

20 | VISTA Their students have already Second, both agreed on a shared As vice-chairman, it successfully published 72 papers in top journals. aspiration. At the outset of the attracted RA Mashelkar, former The Academy’s enrolment is set to relationship, IITB and Monash agreed director general of the Council grow to about 300 by 2015. that their joint venture would be of Scientific & Industrial Research. driven by four elements: produce Murthy has taken such serious Another reason why the industry facing research; deliver interest that he has attended 13 partnership is unique is that the impact on global issues based meetings out of a total of 16. The venture is fully oriented towards on their mutual strength; conduct Academy also appointed a highly industry engagement. Research collaborative and multidisciplinary regarded academic as CEO, is expected to work on areas of research; and attract the best talent Mohan Krishnamoorthy, who was interest to Indian and Australian – students as well as academic and Associate Dean of Engineering at companies. About 30 per cent research staff. Monash University. of research currently undertaken is industry sponsored. This figure Third, they put in place an effective Over the next decade, we can governance structure that will drive expect major changes to India’s is set to reach 70 per cent in the relationship. The structure was R&D sector. Its government is the near future. When students critical in ensuring both institutions progressively reforming and scaling complete their PhD, many are from top to bottom were fully up public investments into science placed in jobs with industry engaged; that processes and and technology. A changing R&D partners. The academy already academic procedures were sector will invariably create new attracts funding from BHP Billiton, aligned; and that they created a opportunities for foreign institutions. Orica Mining Services, Infosys, hybrid PhD program that captured India’s young demographic Reliance Industries, P&G, Intel, Tata the best from two different profile, huge talent pool, Consultancy Services and Jindal systems. Professor Tam Sridhar, expanding science base, shared Steel Works. Monash University’s Vice-President grand challenges and growing As a final point of uniqueness, it (China and India Initiatives) attraction to foreign firms seeking also allows students and staff to be and prime mover behind the to internationalise R&D offers new mobile between two nations. partnership reinforced this point points of connection. And as when he recently noted “industry Leszek Borysiewicz proffered, India – academia partnerships do not is ready for partnership rather than Critical success factors work if you leave it to individuals. rivalry. It is also ready for innovative Four key success factors define You need an engine room for models for engagement. this partnership. First, the bilateral partnerships.” Dr Eugene Sebastian is Director, relationship has been given the Finally, they deployed the best Global Engagement. Professor appropriate time to cultivate. The talent. From its inception, IITB and Abid Khan is Pro Vice Chancellor partnership began in 2005 when both Monash targeted the best people (Global Engagement) and Pro Vice institutions were actively looking for at the top. For its research council, Chancellor (Industry Engagement potential partners that were robust it secured Infosys co-founder NR and Commercialisation) at Monash and deep enough to substantively Narayana Murthy as the chairman. University. tackle major research challenges.

SUMMER 2013 | 21 STUDENT SAFETY IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INCLUSION Gordon Scott reflects Are we promoting When we couple this on the lessons learned complacency? understanding about their emotional state with the from the tragic loss of In its endeavour to remain likelihood they have read or Korean student Eunji competitive on the world stage, been told that Australia is safe, Ban in Brisbane. Australia has every right to market it is possible that some students its safety record. There is no doubt take their safety for granted. Eunji Ban lost her life in the early our country is among the safest hours of the morning in late of student destinations. This is Safety programs November on her way to work as something of which we should a cleaner in a local hotel. be proud. By the same token, it is available in your city possible that the industry’s safety Most Australian cities have student STUDENT SAFETY According to media accounts, message can be overplayed. or youth safety programs that she was on her own at the time institutions can leverage. Some Terms such as “one of the and was attacked. A local are coordinated by state or safest” and “a very safe place teenager is in custody accused territory police, and others by local to live and study” permeate our of her murder. This crime has government. Safety messages must marketing and public relations shocked and outraged Brisbane extend beyond personal security, messages across the year. The residents. and can be as far-reaching as lifestyle and safety expectations to include issues around tenant Many are now asking: how could of students choosing Australia and employment rights, safe sex, this tragedy have been avoided rate highly in market research fire risks, driving, water safety and when evidence overwhelmingly surveys, especially during peak drugs/alcohol use. suggests Ms Ban was simply in the enrolment periods. wrong place at the wrong time It is important to remember Students arrive in Australia and was the victim of a random institutions don’t need to shoulder expecting to have a positive attack. the responsibility of safety experience. They are usually awareness alone – there are Perhaps a more pertinent excited, feeling adventurous, various agencies across Australia question our industry should and full of hope – wanting that can offer support to students. ponder is: do students come to to make their family our country with a false sense of proud of their security? academic achievements.

22 | VISTA New cohort 2014 – how will you brief them about STUDENT WELCOME SERVICES their safety? Student Welcome Services (SWS) provides a customisable pre- and post- Every provider in our industry arrival online orientation program to ensure your international students has a duty of care requirement have the opportunity to learn and understand the issues relating to for overseas and domestic living and studying in Australia. SWS is also translated into many different students alike, and I know those languages so students can access information about their new life from requirements are taken seriously. their home country before they set foot on Australian shores. My message to you is simple: As an initiative of Allianz Global Assistance, SWS has been established please ensure that your next to assist Australian education institutions to meet industry and legislative incoming cohort is more than expectations for orientation services and duty of care requirements. adequately briefed about their safety. The first line of defence Allianz Global Assistance invites education providers to join SWS and for each student is to know their offer this unique online orientation program to your international immediate environment. students. Education providers who are already using SWS as an additional value-add tool to complement their current orientation Let us all be reminded that visiting package are finding students arrive with a more educated and realistic international students are the sons expectation of their life in Australia. This in itself enables a smoother and daughters of Australia while adjustment period and a more positive student experience. they are here. Rest in Peace, the late Eunji Ban Key benefits for education providers Korean student, daughter of Busan and Brisbane. ■■ Customised content and branding specific to your institution ■■ Multi-topic and multi-lingual orientation program to support existing Gordon Scott is Director of Export on-campus orientation activities at Brisbane Marketing and an IEAA Board member. ■■ Fully auditable and provides confirmation of student understanding of key compliance areas ■■ Assists you to meet industry and legislative expectations with regard to orientation services and duty of care to international students (Standard 6 - National Code and ESOS Act) ■■ Easy administration for education providers, supported by a specialist account management team.

Find out more at www.studentwelcomeservices.com.au or contact your local Allianz Global Assistance representative.

Image: wx-bradwang (iStock)

SUMMER 2013 | 23 The team behind the Exemplary Academic SUPPORT SYSTEMS Integrity Project discuss the latest results of their project and the importance of ON ACADEMIC academic integrity for international students. INTEGRITY FOR The Exemplary Academic Integrity Project (EAIP) aimed to build on and extend previous research undertaken by the Academic INTERNATIONAL Integrity Standards Project (AISP) and addressed two critical areas identified by Bretag et al (2013). STUDENTS First, support systems were developed for vulnerable student groups including English as an Additional Language (EAL) international students, and educationally ‘less prepared’ (ELP) students who struggle to understand the concept of academic integrity without assistance. Second, the lessons about exemplary academic integrity policy and support frameworks were extended to include postgraduate higher degree by research (HDR) students. A Roundtable of project team members, Reference Group members and selected invitees was held in Brisbane on 28 February and 1 March 2013. The Roundtable provided an opportunity to share implementation details of exemplary academic integrity policy, adapt best practice for specific student groups and for public and private higher education (HE) providers to collaborate on issues of academic integrity. Following the Roundtable, key recommendations for enacting exemplary academic integrity policy were identified by the project team for immediate dissemination via the National Speaking Tour led by our two international experts, Dr Tricia Bertram Gallant and Dr Erica Morris.

24 | VISTA Plain English definition The EAIP, in consultation with are provided as introductory of academic integrity TESOL SA, has further adapted material for each video and are this definition to meet the needs summarised in a selection table One of the findings of the project of international EAL students, and available on the EAIP website. Roundtable was the need to this is presented in plain English as Academic integrity issues are have a plain English definition of follows: academic integrity that could complex and multi-faceted. The be used by higher education “Academic integrity means selected videos were intended providers in their efforts to promote acting with the values of to capture student interest and academic integrity to the project’s honesty, trust, fairness, respect open a conversation on academic target student groups. and responsibility in learning, integrity. The categories of teaching and research. It is YouTube videos were: The following definition was drawn important for students, teachers, from AISP: ■■ Why academic integrity is researchers and all staff to act in important “Academic integrity an honest way, be responsible ■■ The difference between encompasses a number of for their actions, and show intentional and inadvertent values and ideals that should fairness in every part of their academic integrity breach be upheld in an academic work. Staff should be role models institution. Within the academy to students. Academic integrity ■■ Collusion versus collaboration there is a fundamental is important for an individual’s ■■ Academic integrity breach obligation to exercise integrity, and a school’s reputation.” decision making which includes honesty, All HE providers have been ■■ The link between academic trustworthiness and respect. encouraged to use the simplified integrity and real world Within an academic structure definition above to assist EAL experience those values must be evident students to understand the ■■ Consequences of academic in the research as well as the complex and sometimes confusing integrity breaches teaching and learning activities concept of academic integrity. ■■ Peer to peer support of the institution. Dr Fiona Henderson at Victoria ■■ Research integrity Academic integrity involves University (Project Leader: Building ■■ Educating students about a ensuring that in research, and Academic Integrity Project) has particular aspect of academic in teaching and learning, both developed a Chinese translation integrity (e.g. plagiarism) staff and students act in an of the plain English definition of academic integrity using the honest way, that they’re open The YouTube videos, tutorials, Delphi technique. In addition, and accountable for their and compilation of resources participants at the 6th Asia Pacific actions, and that they exhibit on academic integrity are freely Conference on Educational fairness and transparency when available on the project website. they’re dealing with people or Integrity (Macquarie University 2–4 with research. Furthermore, it October 2013) expressed interest For more information, contact is important that staff members in translating the plain English Project Leader, Dr Tracey Bretag at all levels be role models and definition of academic integrity at [email protected] demonstrate integrity as an into other languages such as Hindi or visit www.unisa.edu.au/EAIP example to students who will and Bahasa Indonesian.

progress through the education

system and then transition into YouTube videos, professional life. tutorials and resources Academic integrity impacts on on academic integrity Reference students and staff in these core Based on the EAIP Roundtable Bretag, T., Mahmud, S., Wallace, activities, and is fundamental discussions, the project team M., Walker, R., McGowan, U., to the reputation and standing agreed to select YouTube videos East, J., Green, M., Partridge, L., & of an organisation and its using a set of criteria that included James, C. (2013), ‘Teach us how members.” video quality, duration, student to do it properly!’ An Australian (AISP Interview transcript: appeal, educational approach academic integrity student survey. Law Academic, University A) and language level appropriate Studies in Higher Education, for EAL students. These details DOI:10.1080/03075079.2013.777406.

SUMMER 2013 | 25 WHERE DO WE STAND IN THE MIGRATION DEBATE? Joanne Barker The word “students” was not We seek assurances from DIBP mentioned by the Assistant Minister that future policies relating to shares her insights or by any of the DIBP speakers. onshore applicants will align with into the Immigration Future migration policy plans were Education Minister Christopher Department’s not covered in the presentation, Pyne’s views expressed in his AIEC much less was there any speech on 9 October 2013: recent migration opportunity to critique such plans. “….But other students, those consultations. A member of the audience, that study here, gain an The Department of Immigration Professor Graeme Hugo, Professor Australian qualification, make MIGRATION and Border Protection (DIBP) of Geography and Director of friends, bring their family out has undertaken a national the Australian Population and to visit, participate in, and roadshow in November and Migration Research Centre at the are able to contribute to our December with a series of University of Adelaide, asked what society by filling an area of “consultation meetings” with policies are under consideration genuine workforce shortage. key business representatives for the transitioning of the They are exactly the kind of from peak bodies and temporary onshore categories people we want, and should community groups. which would include 457 visa want, at the front of our holders, students and working migration list – not at the end.” The Assistant Minister for holiday makers. The opportunities Immigration and Border It was mentioned at the meeting for passage from temporary to Protection, Michaelia Cash, in Adelaide that the Department permanent migration status is an is fronting the consultations and Minister will conduct an important consideration for many with the intention of seeking in-house review of the Regional prospective international students community views on the Migration Program. There should considering the countries in which size and composition of the be scope for students to be an they might undertake their studies. annual permanent Migration important part of that review, as No answer was provided to this Programme for 2014–15. there is potential for them to be question. a crucial element in the Regional The consultation I attended IEAA has long argued in the Program. The international in Adelaide on 26 November media and to politicians about education sector looks forward focused heavily on the past and the benefits of accepting to the opportunity to participate the traditional sources of family Australian-educated international in more focused discussions with and skilled migration. students as migrants. DIBP about the specific issues concerning student migration. Joanne Barker is Director, International Office at The University of Adelaide and an IEAA Board member.

26 | VISTA UPDATES FROM THE SIGs ADMISSIONS & COMPLIANCE

After months of gaining quiet Professional development momentum, the Admissions and Once the leadership team is Compliance SIG finally came finalised, they will be able to begin into fruition at IEAA’s AGM at the work coordinating professional Australian International Education development events as part of Conference (AIEC) in October. IEAA’s national program. This was largely the result of These are set to include events Simon Davies Burrows, Manager on international admissions International at Edith Cowan and compliance related issues University, who took the lead in including, but not limited to: generating interest and submitting the formal proposal to get the SIG ■■ International admissions; up and running. Education Services for Overseas Students Act (2000); Tuition The proposal was supported by Protection Service; Australian 56 admissions, compliance and Autonomous Sanctions Act other professional staff from all over (2011); Streamlined Visa Australia. Since its official formation, Processing (SVP) and student the SIG now has 125 members! It’s visa issues fantastic to see such a great level of interest and is testament to the need ■■ Forums with industry peak for a specialised network of staff with bodies, Government an active interest in the area. departments and other stakeholders regarding long- term strategies and opportunities Leadership team ■■ Networking events allowing We’ve since been on the lookout specialised staff to meet others for dedicated and passionate staff working in similar roles, allowing with an interest in admissions and for the sharing of information compliance to become part of the leadership team. and best practice. Each SIG is comprised of a Join the SIG Convener and two Deputy Conveners. These positions provide The SIG aims to provide support, a great opportunity to develop professional development and your own leadership skills as well networking opportunities for IEAA as shaping the development and members and other interested professional skills of those working in professionals who work, or have an the wider sector. interest, in international admissions and/or international compliance. Expressions of interest for the Convener and Deputy Convener Membership is open to IEAA (x2) roles closed on Friday 13 members and non-members. December and we received a Join the SIG mailing list at good number of nominations. bit.ly/1duxewB We hope to have the inaugural leadership team finalised in early January, so the SIG can be firing on all cylinders, and continue gaining momentum, in 2014.

SUMMER 2013 | 27 INTERNATIONALISATION OF THE CURRICULUM SIG

Seasons Greetings readers and In fact, achieving the aims of the all the best in the New Year. It is New Colombo Plan will require a hard to imagine where the year concerted effort to internationalise has gone! It only seems like several the curriculum. Before we can short weeks ago that we were expect Australian students to at the Australian International engage intellectually with Asia- Education Conference (AIEC), from Pacific region, they must want to where we last reported. Without do so – they need to develop a doubt this has been a huge year in sense of curiosity and humility, a Australian politics for foreign affairs sense that there is really something and education, both areas of worthwhile to be learned through obvious interest to the IoC SIG. such engagement. A consistent message in the Australian media In our last update we drew seems to be that ‘engagement’ attention to the New Colombo with the Asia-Pacific region is a Plan and contemplated some of fraught, dangerous undertaking. the opportunities and challenges It is hardly surprising that many associated with its implementation. young people do not engage As Jan Gothard recently observed deeply with the region, or see in The Conversation (26 September, their languages worth the effort of 2013), while the emphasis on learning. UPDATES FROM THE SIGs furthering engagement with the Indo–Pacific region through the Looking forward to a new year New Colombo Plan is laudable, for the IoC SIG, we would like to caution needs to be exercised congratulate and thank Dr Shanton to ensure that domestic students Chang (University of Melbourne) are not neglected, nor their for his appointment to the Deputy contribution to the international Convenor’s position. We have met student experience undervalued. with Shanton and begun planning workshops and presentations for Incoming international students 2014. These will be announced in from the Indo–Pacific region the New Year. accounted for 200,000 plus enrolments (2011) compared to just Craig Whitsed & Wendy Green over 20,000 outbound international SIG Conveners experiences undertaken by students enrolled in Australian Connect with us on university in 2011 (Chaney, 2013, LinkedIn at linkd.in/1cpHYxk p.18). This imbalance underscores the value of a focus on the curriculum at home as a means of encouraging domestic and international students to learn from each other as they develop their intercultural capabilities, global perspectives and understandings, sensibilities and imaginations.

28 | VISTA MARKETING, RECRUITMENT UPDATES FROM THE SIGs & COMMUNICATION SIG

It’s the festive season, filled with For next year, we are also seeking Christmas parties and end of year your input on what you’d like to get-togethers. For those of us in see offered by the Marketing, international education, it’s also Recruitment and Communication an extremely busy time of year. SIG. In the first half of the year Continuing on from the growth we will run a workshop on experienced in Semester 2 2013, utilising international alumni for admissions staff are busy trying to international recruitment activities get those offers turned around in and also a session on the world of record time while maintaining both student recruitment in 2014 utilising SVP and GTE requirements. Twitter, Google Ad-words and virtual fairs. Reflecting on our professional development sessions in 2013, it’s From Abizer, Ingeborg and myself, important Abizer, Ingeborg and we wish you all the best for the myself thank those who generously festive season. Happy holidays, gave their time and expertise to stay safe and we look forward assist the Marketing, Recruitment to a jam packed professional and Communication SIG to develop development year in 2014. innovative and insightful workshops throughout the year. We are hugely Justine Morris appreciative and thankful. SIG Convener

I’d also like to take the opportunity Connect with us on to welcome Ms Ingeborg Loon to LinkedIn at linkd.in/17jyYEa the SIG leadership team. Ingeborg has many years of international education experience including working at Griffith University. Ingeborg is currently the Assistant General Manager, Partnerships, at Academies Australasia.

Ingeborg joined us in October and is already an active member hosting a Christmas Networking Event in Sydney on Thursday 5 December. The event was held at Academies Australasia in Kent Street and was attended by around 20 enthusiastic SIG members.

Ingeborg reports that it was a successful evening. Even those who couldn’t attend emailed her to say what a wonderful initiative. In light of the positive feedback, we will host networking events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide in 2014. Please continue to check our LinkedIn page for upcoming events and feel free to actively post articles pertaining to our industry.

SUMMER 2013 | 29 PATHWAYS SIG

While there are various elements While there have been some of Pathways covered in this Vista difficult times of late with student instalment, the most important numbers, there are very clear signs aspect is to acknowledge the of a gradual recovery which we contribution of Paul O’Halloran in all welcome. We note in particular the emergence and development that the key market of China has of the Pathways SIG. Paul has been shown growth in the double digits the much respected Convener for HE Diplomas and Foundation for this group and his efforts have visa grants, which is a positive sign. provided the opportunity for However, we need to be conscious many to gain valued insight and of competition from areas such as understanding of this area of the direct Bachelor entry, transnational education industry – including relationships, online delivery and standards, statistics and services... competition from the USA via to name a few. I am sure you have Community Colleges especially. all appreciated his efforts over the Overall, there is cause for cautious years, and know that although optimism for growth into the future. not now directly involved, we can count on him for input in the future. The Pathway SIG workshops are Thanks Paul. being planned in advance, with the key focus to be related to the It is also appropriate to development of the customer acknowledge Andrew Dawkins value proposition for Pathways UPDATES FROM THE SIGs who was an immediate past into Australia – essentially all the Deputy Convenor. I’d also like good reasons to choose a degree to thank Rosie Giddings who is pathway program in Australia continuing in a SIG role, and to so as to increase their market Nathan Asher who has also joined share. The second theme will the Pathways SIG team. be a review of the Foundation Standards. Presenters for these The Pathways SIG group has many will be required, and the aim is to identified members which is a have reference groups on these good indication of the interest in advance so as to ensure the in this area of international workshops give maximum value for engagement. Pathway programs the attendees. Keep these in mind! in various types commenced in the late 1980s and have been a We encourage you to look out for growing feature of the education these events and we look forward landscape since that time. to seeing you there.

Indeed, there are potentially Peter Krikstolaitis Pathways alumni who will have Convener children ready to enter higher education – it would be good if their experience was such that they believe a Pathway program is the option they prefer.

30 | VISTA SPONSORED STUDENTS UPDATES FROM THE SIGs

Welcome We have also established a LinkedIn group for the SIG. We see Welcome to our very first SIG this as a place to share stories, update! The Sponsored Students information and relevant articles SIG was officially born at the IEAA as well as being a space where AGM at AIEC 2013 in October. you can ask questions and seek After several months of gathering assistance. Along with the other support, putting forward pitches SIGs, we are also helping to put and developing a terms of together IEAA’s Professional reference, it was great for the SIG to Development program for 2014. finally turn from proposal to reality. We hope that you will be able to attend one of our activities. We Leadership team also hope to hold a networking I will be taking on the role as function in the first half of 2014. inaugural convener for this new SIG. I have worked with sponsors Thank you and sponsored students in a variety Thanks to all who have expressed of roles, and from a variety of support for the SIG during its perspectives, over the past decade. development over the past few These roles include working for months. We are passionate about a managing contractor, and as international education and International Scholarships Manager scholarships, and we feel there at Victoria University. I now work as an is a role for a SIG like this to help International Education Consultant. support the staff working with sponsors and sponsored students. Deputy Convener is Sarah Treadgold, who works at Austraining The SIG will give specialised staff International as Program Manager (and we are specialised!) an of the Australia Awards Prime opportunity to further expand and Minister’s Pacific Program. Sarah develop their professional skills; a previously worked at Curtin place to network and share stories; University in the International and a place where best practice Sponsored Students Unit. can be seen, adopted and implemented. We are seeking expressions of interest for a second Deputy We look forward to working with Convener. More information is you over the next year. available on the IEAA website at bit.ly/1jjyO8U Anna Kent Convener What’s happening? Connect with us on It has been an interesting year for LinkedIn at linkd.in/IrrQRk the sponsored student area. From various political controversies, huge growth from Latin America and – most significantly – the integration of AusAID into DFAT following the election in September.

While it is still very unclear how this change is going to affect the Australia Awards, there is no doubt that there will be some impact. We are keeping a close eye on things and will be sure to let our members know if we hear of any changes.

SUMMER 2013 | 31 STUDENT MOBILITY SIG

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie As the capacity of the IEAA Bishop officially launched the secretariat continues to grow through pilot phase of the New Colombo wonderful staff support, we are close Plan in Canberra in December. to an integrated communications The pilot phase of the Coalition strategy for release in early 2014. Government’s signature study This will enable us to communicate abroad program will commence across an IEAA-hosted list serve (for in 2014 and includes Hong Kong, day-to-day office and operational Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. discussions), a SIG mailing list (for formal news and announcements) Planning for the Outbound Mobility and via our LinkedIn group. Forum in Adelaide is well underway for 2014. The theme for the second IEAA, in conjunction with day will explore our Asian mobility APAIE, will host a symposium on relationships. Dates for the Exchange Internationalisation of Higher Fair Circuit are now confirmed and Education in the Asia-Pacific in we look forward to welcoming a June 2014. Student mobility will growing cohort of international be a central theme, providing an partners to Australian shores as well additional focus on the region in as seeing some exciting alternatives light of AsiaBound (which continues to the traditional ‘fair’ being held by until 31 December 2014) and some universities. the implementation of the New Colombo Plan. The AIEC pre-conference workshop

UPDATES FROM THE SIGs on ‘Mobility 2.0’ successfully Following our AIEC meeting, the pushed us toward innovative SIG leadership team continues to program development. Other call for ideas to engage further AIEC highlights included Rob with the VET sector in presenting a Lawrence’s insight into ‘Generation unified mobility front. We welcome G’ and movement toward multiple proposals, ideas or names being short-term experiences. Rob put forward to explore how we Malicki’s presentation on the way might progress this. Thank you to technology can drive our industry conveners past and present and and change the way we do the wealth of industry experience business was also a standout. contributing to ongoing projects. As always please continue to Alan Olsen’s AUIDF data shows provide feedback, contribute continued growth in short-term or communicate through the programs and other mobility IEAA secretariat or the Mobility options outside the exchange convening group. format. The ability of universities to respond to this and the growth being asked for by international Trevor Goddard offices is both encouraging Convener and demands we look to new programing styles and options. Connect with us on LinkedIn at linkd.in/17jykXs On the back of our AIEC meeting, and the discussion on external providers, a working group is being formed to look at the way Australian universities engage with this provider group. We are all at differing stages of this journey and this group will look to draw the collective experiences together.

32 | VISTA TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION SIG UPDATES FROM THE SIGs With 2014 rapidly approaching I From an Australian perspective, would like to take the opportunity the results from the survey should to reflect on what has happened also be useful as a benchmarking during 2013 and the priorities for exercise since for many Australian the New Year. institutions, their TNE engagement has consolidated around a strong As with previous years, the branch campus focus, when Transnational Education (TNE) SIG compared to the manner in which has focused its efforts on providing UK universities have continued to timely and relevant professional expand via TNE partnerships in development opportunities for the recent years. sector through delivery of topical workshops throughout the year. Finally, it’s clear that interest in TNE in Australia is increasing, with These events have continued to over 280 people now on the SIG be well attended with positive mailing list and more than double feedback on the topics and the members on our LinkedIn group presenters. In 2014 we plan to offer when compared to last year. workshops on blended learning models for the delivery of TNE programs, designing and managing Lorne Gibson joint and dual degrees, and a Convener market update on TNE in Indonesia. During the TNE SIG meeting at Connect with us on AIEC in Canberra, interest was LinkedIn at linkd.in/13ww6CO also expressed in investigating TNE business models, an update on TNE international regulatory frameworks and the opportunity to trial webinars for topics which might not justify a half or full-day workshop. In the middle of 2013, the UK Government released its international education policy and from this has commissioned research into better understanding the impact of TNE in hosting countries from a soft diplomacy perspective. The researchers have launched a series of online surveys targeting a broad range of stakeholder groups, and Australian institutions will be invited to participate. The results of this research are to be released in the first half of 2014 and should give an interesting picture of how TNE is perceived by stakeholders in the targeted countries.

SUMMER 2013 | 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. These key themes will cover:

■■The current state of play in staff ■■Ethics in research

ASIA-PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM and student mobility across and the impact of funding Australia and the Asia-Pacific ■■Research support across ■■The impact of short-term mobility different fields in the region versus long-term mobility ■■Research collaboration between ■■Internships and business Australia and Asia – what is connections, preparing students happening, what are the for placements and employer opportunities, why do we need perspectives to collaborate?

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

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

Register now at ieaa.org.au/asiasymposium February 2014 BRITISH COUNCIL GLOBAL CONFERENCES

EDUCATION DIALOGUES AIEA Annual Conference The East Asia Series 2013–2014 16–19 February 2014 Washington, United States As countries in East Asia work to sustain, or www.aieaworld.org accelerate, the economic growth of recent Universities Australia Conference decades, investment in education is central. 26–28 February 2014 With six universities in the top 50 Times Higher Canberra, Australia Education World University Rankings (2013–14), www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au it is clear that East Asia is a region putting education at the heart of its future development. March 2014 The British Council’s East Asia Series is for key policy makers and influencers in the region and the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education UK to debate the challenges and opportunities (APAIE) ahead. They are high-level facilitated events, 17–20 March 2014 each with a focused agenda, supported by Seoul, Korea published outcomes and commissioned research. www.apaie.org Forthcoming dialogues include: International Association of Universities (IAU) ■■ Inclusive Leadership 19–21 March 2014 (Hong Kong, February 2014) Iquitos, Peru ■■ Reputation Management in Higher www.iau-aiu.net Education (Japan, March 2014), and ■■ A smarter internationalisation agenda: who benefits? (Indonesia, March 2014). April 2014

Education development is central to Forum on Education Abroad 2014 Indonesia’s future success, but will require 2–4 April 2014 significant investment, arguably best achieved San Diego, United States by working in a collaborative way. www.forumea.org

This important Global Education Dialogue in the International Association for Teachers British Council series considers how the UK and of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) Australia might work with Indonesia to tackle 2–5 April 2014 challenges across higher education including Harrogate, UK research, mobility and capacity building. www.iatefl.org On the eve of the first Australian students Going Global commencing in Indonesia under the New 29 April–1 May 2014 Colombo Plan, the dialogue will invite government, Miami, United States university and industry participants from the three ihe.britishcouncil.org/going-global countries to collaborate on tangible outcomes.

British Council Global Education Dialogues May 2014 have a limited number of places to maximise knowledge sharing and interaction. While participation is by invitation only, we welcome 4th QS–MAPLE Conference & Exhibition expressions of interest in attending or in 6–8 May 2014 receiving the published outcomes. Please Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates contact [email protected] www.qsmaple.org

■■ For more information visit, NAFSA 2014: Pathways to Global Competence ihe.britishcouncil.org/education-dialogues 25–30 May 2014 San Diego, United States www.nafsa.org

SUMMER 2013 | 35 Contact us

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

ieaa.org.au

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