Dr Angela Lehmann1
1Universities Australia, Deakin, Australia
Understanding the home university culture of our international students can assist our student support and academic teams to better provide empathetic approaches to living and learning in our universities. Drawing on first-hand experience as an academic in mainland China, I outline four key lessons that could inform those working with Chinese students in Australia.
First, I describe the Chinese university campus as an extension of home. I explain how student lives are managed and student services are provided. Second, I describe the different culture of research and writing which may lead to challenges in Australia. Third, I describe how Chinese students use the internet and email very differently to Australian domestic students. Finally, I describe the different dynamic in China between the lecturer and the student. This relationship is embedded with a strong historical power dynamic which may prevent students from seeking help and guidance in the same way that we expect of our Australian domestic students.
These observations are intended to encourage those working with international students to take- into-account the educational and institutional context when designing support and curriculum.
Biography:
Dr Lehmann joined Universities Australia in August 2017 as Policy Analyst within the international team. Prior to joining UA, Angela was Assistant Professor of sociology in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Xiamen, China. As the only foreign staff member in her faculty, Angela gained a unique insight into the workings and experiences of a Chinese universities and its students. Angela gained her PhD from ANU in 2009 and has published and presented her research into migration and urbanisation in contemporary China.