smh.com.au
Victoria Seeks to Improve International Student Experience Amid China Trip Agreements
Following a trip to China that included an agreement to boost student exchanges, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledges the need for improvements in the quality of education provided to international students in Victorian universities and TAFEs.
- What immediate actions are being taken to address concerns about the quality of education for international students in Victoria?
- The Victorian government is supporting legislative changes proposed by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) to reform university governance, aiming to increase student and staff voices in university councils. This follows Premier Allan's acknowledgement of shortcomings in the student experience and a need for Victorian universities to deliver on their promises to international students.
- What are the potential long-term implications of improving the international student experience in Victoria, and what are the challenges?
- Improved international student experiences could strengthen Australia-China relations, as highlighted by Premier Allan, while attracting higher-quality students globally. Challenges include implementing significant governance reform and overcoming the perception of universities prioritizing financial gain over student well-being. Addressing student mental health and social integration remains a key concern.
- What are the broader systemic issues contributing to the concerns regarding international student experiences, and how are they being addressed?
- Concerns include short-term thinking by universities regarding international students, leading to class imbalances and poor learning environments. The NTEU is advocating for governance reform to address this, focusing on reducing the influence of political connections and business backgrounds in university appointments, an issue also being examined by a Senate inquiry and state/federal education ministers.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the issues surrounding international students in Australia, including both positive aspects (like the premier's trip and agreements) and negative aspects (like the NTEU's criticisms and student suicides). While the premier's positive statements about international education are highlighted, the article also gives significant attention to the concerns raised by the NTEU and the mental health study. The inclusion of both positive and negative perspectives prevents a one-sided framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although some phrases could be interpreted as slightly positive towards the premier's initiatives (e.g., "truest form of securing the future"). However, this is balanced by the inclusion of critical viewpoints and the use of direct quotes from critics, preventing a significant language bias.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on the number of international students from countries other than China to provide a more comprehensive picture of the situation. Additionally, while the mental health issues of international students are mentioned, specific details about the support systems currently in place or the extent of the problem might provide a richer context. Finally, the perspectives of university administrators are largely absent, offering only a partial view of the challenges involved.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on improving the quality of education for international students in Australia, particularly those from China. This directly relates to SDG 4 (Quality Education), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Initiatives discussed, such as increasing student and staff voices in university governance, improving course delivery, and addressing mental health concerns of international students, all contribute to achieving this goal. The article highlights the importance of providing a high-quality educational experience to attract and retain international students, which is crucial for achieving SDG 4 targets.