Our people – Anna Ciccarelli
There are probably few more challenging sectors in which to work today than higher education in Australia. Working in the international education segment of higher education adds another level of uncertainty and excitement.
Somehow being at points of cultural and linguistic interface has been a constant theme throughout my career. Whether it’s been with migrant and refugee education in the secondary sector; international students in the ELICOS sector; or for the past five years in higher education – establishing common ground and getting the work done in intercultural settings, has been a rewarding but steep learning curve.
The current shifts and trends in international education across the globe are fascinating. If the judgement and actions of other countries are anything to go by, Australia has been outstandingly successful. Others are simultaneously describing our achievement as very competitive or aggressive while emulating our development. Simon Marginson calls Australia the global polytechnic and I read this as both a critical comment and a statement of achievement.
But within our success, especially in transnational education, we need to engage with what is important to us in international education and to think about sustainable long term regional relationships that are characterised by mutual benefit and understanding. It’s great to work on all these issues (and more) at UniSA because we are a values driven institution.
On a personal level – working in transnational teaching and with alumni has been so rewarding. And today I continue to be impressed by the appreciation and commitment of our communities of international graduates.
Whenever I talk or write about international education, it always reads like an advertisement. Maybe that is my awakening marketing consciousness. But the truth is I have always been passionate about the individual, institutional and national benefits of intercultural engagement and people to people relationships. These relationships have to be our best hope of promoting a more equitable and peaceful world.
Anna Ciccarelli is Executive Director of International and Development.