What would a third phase of international education look like?

The Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education described the need for a “third phase” of international education and global engagement.  The Final Report from the Review described this as requiring the development of a long-term strategy for sustainability, characterised by a more holistic approach to internationalisation, including:

•    a sustainable ‘trade’ agenda
•    a greater proportion of higher degree research students
•    better supporting students (both domestic and international) to improve their experience on campus
•    improving coordination across government to ensure an alignment of policies to support industry development, regulation and skilled migration
•    focusing more on international research collaborations.

Numerous initiatives are already in train for the reform of onshore international education in Australia.  If we are to support the development of a “third phase” of international education and research, what are the challenges that remain?  What does a “third phase” of international education actually mean?

A range of expert panellists will be invited to respond to the following themes:
  • What opportunities do we have to develop our understanding of international education and research?
  • Do we need to evolve our understanding of culture and communities when it comes to international education?
  • Are there other opportunities for improvements in this area?

Carmela Briguglio has a background in language teaching and applied linguistics, and a special interest in internationalisation of curriculum and intercultural communication.  Carmela has been involved in languages education both at secondary and tertiary levels, including as a Policy Consultant, Languages Adviser, Moderator and Lecturer in Modern Languages. Over the last sixteen years she has worked at Curtin University, where she was foundation Manager of the WA Office of the National Languages and Literacy Institute of Australia. Carmela is currently an Associate Professor in the Curtin Business School and Manager of the CBS Communication Skills Centre.

Cassandra Colvin has been involved in the international education industry since 1996, primarily in management roles supporting the needs of international students. In 2006, she received an ISANA Award which recognised the excellence of her work with international students. Further, in 2007, Cassandra led the team at Edith Cowan University which won a Carrick Award in the category of The First-Year Experience. The project was titled: ECU¹s International Student Orientation: A model of collaboration, inclusiveness and student-informed planning." Cassandra is currently studying toward a PhD at Murdoch University on intercultural interaction on campuses.

Malcolm Fialho has more than 20 years experience in the diversity and human rights sector in Western Australia. Prior to taking on the position as Diversity Officer at University of Western Australia in 2000, Malcolm held leadership positions in the equity and diversity area across the Commonwealth and community-based sectors. Malcolm holds postgraduate qualifications in cross-cultural psychology and is passionate about further developing and deepening an informed understanding of 'race' through enquiry, dialogue and debate.