After a fabulous Welcoming Reception on the Strathmore Hotel’s rooftop garden, the International Education faithful made their way to the Adelaide Convention Centre to formally kick off ISANA 2024, the 34th Annual Conference.
Following a stirring welcome to country the conference was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University, Jess Gallagher, who reminded us of the exponential value of International Students.
“We must all certainly be aware of the critical role that international students play in our communities: they bring not only significant economic benefits, but also add so much to the rich tapestry of diversity and multiculturalism in South Australia.”
Much of the discussion on day one centred around recent developments in the International Education sector, and delegates were ready to freshen up their toolkits and refresh themselves for what will undoubtedly be an interesting 2025.
Highlights for Day One
A panel session hosted by ISANA’s Vice President, Bronwyn Gilson “Government Policy change – where to from here?” Joining her on the panel IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood, CEO of Study Adelaide, Jane Johnston and Managing Director of Insider Guides
James Martin, Discussions focused on some of the short-term impacts of recent policy developments that we may see in the next 12 months.
Jane Johnston, CEO Study Adelaide, galvanised the audience to remain committed to our sector, “Outside of the Caps, we need to remember the bill had a number of elements that we all agreed will to strengthen the integrity of the sector.” Jane went onto say “As an Industry we will have to focus on the areas we can control.”
James Martin made comment regarding the perspective of students who are grappling with the changing political and policy landscape “The students that we are engaged with are not angry they just confused.”
Phil Honeywood confirmed “It has been a terrible time for international students and their collective voice is missing. We need to rebuild collaboratively. The coming election will be more important for our International Education sector than ever before.”
The delegates then made their way into the concurrent sessions for some sharp 15-minute presentations.
The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science took the audience through their peer-to-peer mentoring programme, highlighting the importance of resources and communication. They were pleasantly surprised regarding the level of ownership taken by the mentors saying, “by semester two if we weren’t there, I don’t think it would have mattered.”
The University of Adelaide then demonstrated how they had powered up their pre-departure using student focus groups to ensure they focussed on the areas that would keep students engaged through the process we can often be lengthy and cumbersome.
Delegates were buoyed throughout the day by disruptors Bosco Anthony and James Martin urging them to form meaningful connections with their recruitment and marketing peers and think outside the box.
As Day one of ISANA 2024 concluded delegates made their way to the National Wine Centre for Dinner, Networking, and the ISANA Awards.
The Koala thanks Chris Pitt for the story. Chris is the Principal and Founder, Visascape Pty Ltd.
