October
24
The actions of a handful of people can't change the fact that Australian universities remain the world's best destination for Indian students, according to an opinion piece by Jeffrey Smart. The opinion piece was originally published in leading Indian newspaper, The Tribune.
Like everyone in Australia, I was appalled at the spate of attacks on Indian nationals living in my country. The ensuing media coverage has justifiably shaken India and Australia and a stream of politicians and officials have visited this country to reassure the worried authorities, parents and prospective students that the attacks will not be tolerated.
We can't let a few individuals who have engaged in mindless acts of violence to change our dreams and pursuits, or disturb our strong and enduring friendship. Australian universities remain the world's best destination for Indian students. The actions of a handful of people can't change that fact.
And, as is often the case, out of adversity springs change for the better. Politicians, authorities, university and community leaders in India and Australia have met over the past several months and have committed to taking action that will improve student safety. My university -Swinburne University of Technology - has reported that of the 27 individual actions we have committed to take to improve Indian student safety, 14 have been implemented, a further 12 commenced, with one final action scheduled for 2010.
As so many current and former Indian students will attest, the recent media coverage in no way reflects the reality of studying at Australia's universities.
The Australian government has announced a review that will strengthen the legislation protecting international students studying in my country. Swinburne welcomes the toughening of these regulations, and argues that changes are required to weed out the few unscrupulous providers who have exploited vulnerable international students.
Australia has the world's best legislation for the protection of the rights of international students. Everything that an international student attending an Australian university experiences - information, support provided, the learning and teaching experience - is monitored and improved to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act.
If you are considering your overseas study options, don't let isolated incidents stop you from objectively assessing the situation and making the right choice - the same choice that has attracted many thousands of Indians to my country. Swinburne's commitment to supporting our international students starts at the very top of our institution and permeates every aspect of campus life.
Our advisers assist students with course selection, information about living in Melbourne and accommodation for up to two years before students arrive in Australia. Education agents representing Swinburne must be members of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India.
In 2010, Swinburne will be part of a project to provide a 24-hour help and assistance line for international students - free of charge - staffed by medical and legal staff, trained counsellors, and Swinburne experts. If our students run into trouble of any kind, we are there to support them. Our international student support team ensures that students are provided with every assistance possible.
Australia's universities are world famous for the level of care and support provided to international students: and justifiably so. International education has had a transformational effect in Australia. With over 500,000 international students choosing to study in our country - almost one-third studying in Melbourne - our campuses and cities have been immeasurably enriched.
Australia and India will emerge from our recent difficulties as steadfast friends. As more Indian students choose to study in Australia, or graduate and return from their studies, and as more Australian students take advantage of opportunities to study in India, it is inevitable that our mutual respect and understanding will increase.
Australia's universities remain the world's best destination for Indian students. And we are determined to continue to earn that reputation, through our action, our voice, and the outcomes we provide.
Swinburne will continue to play its part to improve the experience of international students studying on our campuses. We are immensely proud of our Indian student population, and our large Indian alumni community. Indian students have enriched Swinburne: in return we have transformed the lives of our graduates.
Jeffrey Smart is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Swinburne University of Technology.
