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2 - The setting: Australia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2012

Simon Marginson
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne
Chris Nyland
Affiliation:
Monash University, Victoria
Erlenawati Sawir
Affiliation:
Central Queensland University
Helen Forbes-Mewett
Affiliation:
La Trobe University, Victoria
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Summary

I've heard patients say stuff to me, but nothing in a racist sort of way. More like ‘Don't Asians have blue eyes?’ A woman actually asked me that. Like, what planet are you from? (laughs) Blue eyes! …. So yeah, I do get some remarks that make you stand out. People have preconceptions when they see me. And they immediately stereotype … often white people are surprised when I open my mouth and start speaking English to them. They can't believe I can speak English. And I say to them, do you believe I just got here six months ago (laughs) … I think I'm more Australian than some Australians.

~ female, 26, medicine, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: THE NATIONAL FACTOR

International students in Australia have similar experiences to their counterparts in other English-speaking countries — the USA, the UK, New Zealand and Canada — especially those who are non-white students from countries where English is a foreign language. This will show in the research literature and the interview findings in parts 2 and 3. All non-citizen students who cross borders for study face common issues and problems, including those who go to China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and India. For students crossing borders within the European Higher Education Area the experience is not as foreign as it once was. Nevertheless all students away from home, studying in unfamiliar institutions and daily using a new language, face challenges, the more so if they arrange their own accommodation and must work part time to survive.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2010

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