Abstract:
International students are an integral component of our higher education system. Historically, Australian universities have viewed international students in an increasingly materialistic manner, following a shift in philosophy from educational "aid" in the 1950s to educational "trade" in the 1970s. A recent development of policy by the Government, and consequently universities, is the policy of internationalisation. As universities competitively market courses to this growing group of fee-paying students, questions are emerging regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of the education offered to them and the scope of their needs. What is the current state of play of international students in the Australian higher education system? What is the nature and direction of research in the area of international students in Australia, and elsewhere? This paper explores the discourses that characterise the debate on the provision of education and support for international students, particularly the state of research into the quality of the educational experience for such students.