Terry McGrath2, Sylvia Hooker3, Sherrie Lee1
1University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2ISANA NZ, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 3Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
International postgraduate (PG) students have generated valuable returns for universities, not just in terms course fees, but also improving global rankings and increased research outputs. The experiences of international PG students, however, are not well understood considering the normative image of international students as young and carefree. A significant portion of them are mature-aged students with professional working experience, and many of them bring with them their spouses and children.
This presentation discusses the needs and aspirations of this diverse demographic by presenting practitioner findings and the ‘student voice’. The international student support office in partnership with a student club at one New Zealand university conducted surveys and interviews on international postgraduate students’ academic and living experiences. The findings reveal gaps between students’ expectations and actual experiences of postgraduate study, living arrangements, and societal engagement. In addition, the findings highlighted limited awareness of international PG students’ social and cultural capital among university staff, while students expressed feelings of being under-utilised. The biographical reflection of one international PG student at another university provides a firsthand account of the unique challenges of transitioning from an established career and family support in one country, to balancing student life with family demands in New Zealand.
The findings have implications for universities who wish to strengthen their intercultural capabilities and fulfil the potential benefits of international education. The presenters conclude with practical suggestions for increasing cultural competence among university staff, as well as meaningful engagement between the host community and international PG students.
Biography:
Terry McGrath
Terry started as chemistry teacher before moving into a pastoral care role. Currently he contributes to international student chaplaincy at Massey University, Palmerston North; consultancy as immediate past National Director for International Student Ministries of NZ (ISM NZ); and Asia Pacific regional facilitation for the Lausanne movement’s ISM Global Leadership Network. This latter role is advisory in nature, influencing and facilitating capacity building and development of services and leadership in international student missions and pastoral care initiatives. Terry’s interests include development and research involving international students and migrants, and professional development in international education arena where he is currently the President of ISANA NZ.
Sylvia Hooker
Sylvia Hooker is currently Team leader of International Student Support at Massey University in Palmerston North. Sylvia’s interest in international students and different cultures was piqued when my family had Rotary Exchange International Students staying with them. A stay in America while her husband was studying further developed this interest and passion. For the past 27 years she has been involved in International Education in teaching, support and managerial roles. Sylvia is a Past President of ISANA NZ, and is very passionate about the support of international students and has a special interest in supporting and training others working in this area. In her spare time she enjoys all outdoor and sporting activities both as a participant and spectator.
Sherrie Lee
Sherrie is from Singapore and an international PhD student at the University of Waikato. She is active in the postgraduate student community, and was a former president of the Postgraduate Students’ Association at the university. Her doctoral research investigates the informal learning practices among first year international tertiary students in New Zealand. Prior to coming to New Zealand, Sherrie taught business communications at a polytechnic in Singapore. She is an active executive committee of ISANA NZ. As the international student representative of ISANA NZ, Sherrie in keen on facilitating the student voice of international students and advocating for their concerns.