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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.
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