An international voice
by Alexandra Brown
Two UniSA students were selected by Australia’s Minister for Education, Julia Gillard to participate in an International Student Roundtable in Canberra last month to address concerns and experiences of international students.
Prashant Joshi and Thera Bakunawa were among 31 roundtable participants selected from more than 1300 applicants to represent international students who come from more than 190 countries to study in Australia each year.
Joshi and Bakunawa were both very excited to be involved in the roundtable.
"It was a privilege to be a part of the 31 students who were selected," says Joshi who is studying a Master of International Business after completing a Bachelor of Management (Marketing) in 2006.
"During my time on the UniSA student union board I encountered many problems that had been experienced by students and my friends.
"I felt as though I needed to see some changes being made, I needed to voice the frustrations and the problems.
"There is only so much that the other universities and UniSA can do, the Federal Government needs to be involved and make changes."
The students recommended a number of actions, in particular the establishment of international student information centres as one-stop shops to access services vital to their education and welfare while in Australia.
Both students felt the event was a success.
"For the first time I felt like our voices had been heard," says Joshi.
"When I went to the conference I learnt that students from other universities have many more complaints than what I could make coming from UniSA.
"Many of the suggestions made on the day have already been implemented by UniSA."
Some of these suggestions included orientation for post-graduate international students, improved facilities and support.
Bakunawa was also selected by the other 30 students to be one of three students to represent the international postgraduate community at a conference in Brisbane during October where the issues of the first roundtable were discussed in greater depth.
Bakunawa, who will graduate this year from a Masters in International Hospitality Management, felt her speech where she discussed these issues in front of Federal Government representatives and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, was well received.
"It was another step forward in the communication process with the government and having our suggestions implemented."