Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/211962

Title

Benefits of international education: enriching students, enriching communities

Author(s)

Adams, Tony;  Banks, Melissa;  Olsen, Alan

Abstract

In 1985 the Hon Susan Ryan, then Minister for Education, announced a new overseas student policy which allowed the admission of full-fee paying international students to Australian educational institutions. The results of this change of policy have been remarkable. Outcomes include more than two and a half million alumni, 750 000 international student enrolments currently in Australian institutions onshore and offshore, and over 18 billion dollars in annual export earnings. However, there have been other less tangible outcomes which have flowed to countries, communities and individuals. Enhancement of international diplomacy and trade, closer relationships with our Asian region, enrichment of institutions and their communities, and better resourced research and scholarship programs have all benefited Australia. At the same time, the development of human resources, institutional capacity, research capability and technical and commercial expertise has had a significant positive impact on many countries whose students have been educated in Australian institutions. International education has made an extraordinary contribution to Australia and changed the way this country is perceived throughout the world, expanding both its intellectual capital and international influence. These achievements were built on the foundations of the Colombo Plan which started soon after the end of World War II, and on successive international student policy changes, in particular the implementation of the full-fee program in 1986. These benefits are the direct result of the entrepreneurship and innovation of individuals and institutions, assisted by a partnership that has developed between governments and institutions involving regulation, marketing, scholarships, policy and delivery. While the internationalisation of Australian institutions has taken place in the context of a country moving towards multiculturalism and globalisation, the international student program has played an important role in accelerating that move. In recognising the needs of students and preparing them for life in a global society, Australia has become a major supplier of high-quality, internationally competent graduates for both domestic and international employers. Institutions have become more global in their outlook, more business-like and student-focused. As a consequence of the success of the international student program, in times of financial stringency Australian education institutions have been able to invest international student income in building better facilities, courses and support programs, and 111 advancing vital research programs for the benefit of all students. The benefits extend to the country as a whole, with the international student program becoming Australia's third largest export industry and providing over 120 000 jobs in the community. The economic benefits of international education to Australia's national prosperity have been well documented, but the more intangible benefits also need to be acknowledged. The achievement of these benefits has not been without its challenges, including: the social engagement of international students with local communities; Australia's perceived 'commercialised' approach to international education; a lack of balance in inward and outward student flows; issues in relation to Australia's migration program; and concerns about creating a brain drain in developing countries as students leave to study (and often reside) elsewhere. Reports of erosion of academic standards through so-called inappropriate entry qualifications, the legitimacy of some education providers and the issue of English language competency have all been part of an ongoing national conversation along with the need to combat the erroneous view that international students are usurping the places of their Australian peers.

Publication type

Book chapter

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Swinburne International

Source

Making a difference: Australian international education / Dorothy Davis and Bruce Mackintosh (eds.), Chapter 1, pp. 9-46

Publication year

2011

Keyword(s)

Communities;  International education;  Students

Publisher

UNSW Press

ISBN

9781742232768, 1742232760

Publisher URL

http://www.newsouthbooks.com.au/isbn/9781742232768.htm

Copyright

Copyright © The International Education Association of Australia 2011.

Peer reviewed