Hey - I Need Some Help Where Do I Go?

Well the answer is, in our topic for this week, "support services" for international students studying in Australia.

When I was an international student I thought I was being courageous by leaving Australia and going to the USA, but I had the security of already speaking the language and living in a western country almost identical to America. So the challenges for me in hindsight were nowhere near as great as for those of you from totally different language and cultural backgrounds. I really applaud your bravery. But it is also timely, through the Australian Government's recent review of international education needs in Australia, that the "Baird Report" recommends more support for international students, improved information and stronger consumer protection and improved support for those who live and study in Australia including having somewhere to go when problems arise.

There are many agencies in the community where you will live; the college or university you choose will have special support services; specific cultural groups in each city have special services, churches, youth organisations, YMCA, YWCA local city councils and student associations; your teachers and lecturers and even other students are all potential services and support networks that will be close to you. But remember, if you need help you need to take some responsibility to seek it out. Be confident because remember you will have already demonstrated significant character and qualities as I hinted earlier in this message. By the time you leave home and arrive in Australia, you will have demonstrated independence, resilience, adaptability, courage, creativity and problem solving skills just to name a few, just by coming to another country to live and study. Congratulations!

Hey - guess what? You will have also displayed "job ready skills" that employers look for in seeking new employees. You can already demonstrate you can meet an employer's needs and if you have already graduated and/or when you do complete your studies and graduate, be positive and proud to tell the world what you have achieved. You are already on your way and most probably will use some of the many support services available for international students in Australia.

If you are still considering whether you will take the step of leaving your home country to study in Australia, or are already here, let me assure you support will be readily available to all of you - just ask! Take care and well done.

Professor Ken Hawkins (PhD, FAIM, FAICD)
Deputy Vice Chancellor (International)
CQUniversity Australia