TKN reported in August 2023 that a Deakin University project team were developing a set of best practice guides on key aspects to support international student engagement and promote good practice across the international education sector.
TKN is excited to report that the Guides have been published and can be accessed here.
Each guide provides evidence-based and practical information – and examples drawn from the sector – on how to enhance international student engagement in activities, programs, and services.
Below is a snapshot of each individual Guide; its intended audience; and its guiding principles. More information to come on trends and patterns identified across the Guides in the coming weeks.
The guides are complemented by a Virtual Map: this map acts as an international student services directory to provide information about state-specific services which international students can access while living and studying in Australia.
Guide for enhancing international students’ mental health and well-being
This guide is designed to assist practitioners and staff who teach, work with and support international students across all education sectors, professional organisations, government and non-government organisations and local communities.
This guide advocates that the design and delivery of programs and initiatives supporting international student mental health and wellbeing should be underpinned by the following principles:
- De-stigmatising mental health
- Prevention and early intervention
- Developing culturally appropriate services
- Raising staff capability to support students
- Ensuring availability and preparedness of support services
Guide for supporting international students with accommodation
This guide is designed to assist practitioners and staff working for education providers and organisations that are involved in supporting international students in understanding the accommodation market, securing appropriate accommodation, and being aware of their rights while renting in Australia.
This Guide advocates that programs and initiatives supporting international students with accommodation should be centred around the following principles:
- Supporting students to have realistic expectations
- Supporting students to find suitable accommodation
- Educating students about their accommodation rights
- Supporting students to seek help and report misconduct
Guide for enhancing international student engagement through teaching, learning and language
This guide is designed to assist teachers, English language instructors, academic skills advisors, and staff working for education providers and organisations that are involved in supporting international student engagement through teaching, learning, and language.
This guide advocates that programs and initiatives supporting international student engagement with teaching, learning, and language should be focused on the following principles:
- Understanding international student needs
- Utilising students’ cultural knowledge and embracing diversity
- Integrating English Language and academic skills support
- Internationalising content and pedagogy
- Designing pedagogies for flexible and supportive environments
- Enhancing engagement in online and blended learning
Guide for enhancing international student engagement in work-integrated learning and their employability
This guide is designed to assist practitioners and staff working for education providers and organisations that provide career and employability services to international students.
This Guide advocates that international students are more employable when education providers and stakeholders implement the following:
- Deliver career orientation and advice
- Encourage students to develop a professional portfolio
- Enhance employer’s understanding of, and appreciation for, international students
- Facilitate collaboration between education providers, employers, and professional and community organisations
Guide for international students’ intercultural and community engagement
This Guide is designed to assist practitioners and staff working for education providers and other organisations who work to support international students with intercultural and community engagement.
This Guide advocates that programs and initiatives supporting international students in their intercultural and community engagement could be centred around the following principles:
- Embracing cultural diversity
- Promoting shared learning
- Preparing students for study
- Encouraging student participation
- Providing ongoing support
- Implementing a whole-of-institution approach
Guide for supporting international students with crisis navigation
This guide is designed to assist practitioners and staff working for education providers and organisations who are involved in supporting international students through a crisis or critical incident.
This Guide advocates that programs and initiatives supporting international students during a crisis should be centred around the following principles:
- Improving communication
- Assisting international students to seek help
- Implementing a targeted response to a crisis
- Coordinated support
- Tailored support
