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Cultural Understanding: Reality in valuing diversity

Presented by: Aditya Tater

National ConvenorNational Liaison Committee

For International Students in Australia

Who is NLC?Established in 1986

Peak representative body recognised by the Federal Government

Committed to ensure quality education, equitable welfare and multicultural understanding

Incorporated in 1998

Works in conjunction with NUS-International Student Department

Mission

To represent and further the interests of international students in Australia

To co-ordinate and assist with the activities in support of international students in Australia

To maintain and improve the quality of education available to international students in Australia

To promote international student understanding and the principle of multiculturalism in Australia

To oppose any discrimination, injustice, inequality or intolerance which obstructs the achievements of NLC’s aims & objectives

The National Liaison CommitteeFor International Students in Australia

Administrative Executive OfficerInternational Research Officer

Staff

National Convenor

National General SecretaryNational Campaigns CoordinatorNational Publications OfficerNational Womens OfficerNational Queer Officer

National Office

Notre Dame ISAUWA ISSECUISCCurtin ISCMISA

WA Branch

OSAFISAUSASA

SA Branch

ISSANUUCOSA

ACT Branch

UOW SRCSUPRACQUSA(Sydney)WUPAUTS SACSU International Club(Albury)CSU ISA(Wagga Wagga)UNE ISACSU ISA(Bathurst)NUSA ISDNewcastle Uni(Ourimbah)UNSW STUDENT GUILD ISD

NSW Branch

DUSAMUISS(Clayton)OSS(Caufield)OSS(Peninsular)CQUSA(Melbourne)RAIS(Bundoora)RAIS(City)Ballarat Uni SASISAVUISALa Trobe(Bendigo)La Trobe ISA(Bundoora)MUOSS

VIC Branch

CQU ISAJCU Student AssociationUSC Student GuildUSQ Student GuildQUT Student GuildGUGC ISAISA BondGU Nathan ISAUQ Union

QLD Branch

UTAS SA(Launceston)UTAS Union ISC(Hobart)

TAS Branch

National Executive

National Conference

NLC MilestonesAmbulance cover on OSHC

AVCC Code of Ethics

Lobbied for deregulation of OSHC Cover

Participated in reference group for the drafting of the National Code of Practice (2000), as well as currently sitting on the Steering Committee of the ESOS Act review

Multicultural Week (MCW)

Growth in international education

International students number has increased to 303,000 in 2003 and their contribution to the

Australian economy is around $5.7 billion. (AEI)

Internationalisation

Internationalising means the integration of an international dimension into teaching and learning,

research and development and the policies and management of the university.

- Curtin University discussion paper on Internationalising the curriculum

Internationalisation

Internationalisation is not about going overseas or having a lot of international

students.

Internationalisation

True internationalisation can be achieved when cultures meet and evolve and accept their

difference yet keep their uniqueness and are in harmony with each other.

It is a two way traffic

The issue

Can universities achieve true internationalisation?

Perception

An exclusive community

Lack of interaction between local and international students

Lack of participation of international students in various campus/university activities

Perception

Research shows that Australian students want international students to adjust according to

them and not vice-versa (Smart, Volet, and (2000)

What is culture?

Culture is a set pattern of value,beliefs and traditions.

Brings people together and build a foundation of better society

It builds an organisation, a person and above all

Community

Cultural differences

Personal issue (food, accommodation, etc)

Social issues (customs, values, work ethics, etc)

Language (miscommunication)

Racial prejudices (generalising or identifying certain section of community with a particular trait)

Present situation

Currently, many universities are focusing on developing a Cultural Diversity policy. The policy should clearly provide the objectives and guidelines that university wants to achieve through diversity.

The cultural diversity is an asset to the university.

Major players

University academics and staff- Responsible for providing knowledge and support. They have an

impact on students and help in sustaining and promoting cultural diversity.

Students- Ambassadors of their country and culture. They provide a different perspective and an insight.

Advantages of having international students

Cultural sensitivity and tolerance

Sharing culture

New perspective

Respect

International Networking

Culture influences change

Arrival of international students have brought many things with them such as variety of food, dance,

music, etc.

For example, Yum Cha, Tandori Chicken, Sushi, Salsa

Tapping on cultural diversity

Tailored services

Professional development for staff

Internationalisation of curricula

Cultural project (domestic and international)

Broad representation of international students

Recognition and support for International Students Organisation on campus

The presence of international and multicultural student bodies on Australian campuses creates ideal social forums for fostering the development of cross-cultural awareness, communication skills and social

cohesion.

- Volet & Ang (1998)

Example

Griffith University Cultural Project- Initiative to involve community and students of Gold Coast region.

International student ambassador project undertaken by Melbourne city and Australian National University

Conclusion

Universities should be proactive in identifying the diversity on campus and promoting it with the help of various inside organisation such as guild, faculties, etc.