11 October 2005
University orientation programs are not meeting the needs of international students, a Monash University study has found.
Professor Felix Mavondo, Dr Yelena Tsarenko and Professor Mark Gabbott from the Department of Marketing surveyed 516 students (382 local and 134 international) to assess their opinion of the university and the likelihood of them recommending it to prospective students.
The key indicators investigated as being important to students were the quality of the teaching and learning experience, access to technology, library resources, student services, and student orientation.
Dr Tsarenko said international students did not view student orientation as particularly important, which could suggest the need for greater sensitivity to issues of cultural diversity.
"For example, international students are generally shy and don't feel comfortable asking questions in front of the class. Introducing teaching staff to the peculiarities of certain cultures and nationalities is one way to ease the transition for international students," she said.
"It is essential for universities to ensure local cultural norms do not preclude international students from fully participating in class and other university activities."
Dr Tsarenko said the globalisation of education had intensified competition among universities, not only for local students but also for international students.
"Local students place a greater emphasis on the quality of teaching and student orientation, followed by library facilities and student services," she said.
"International students attach higher value to the quality of the learning experience and library facilities, with a lower priority on student services."
Dr Tsarenko said the research highlighted the need for universities to balance their resource distribution to better satisfy the demands and diverse needs of domestic and international students.
For further information contact Dr Yelena Tsarenko on +61 3 9903 2354 or Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
| 
