Cultural competency from the perspective of Australian international students

International students are attracted to Australia as a study destination for a variety of reasons including our multiculturalism; however they often become frustrated when their perceptions and expectations of the Australian educational experience are vastly different from reality. This is despite efforts ensuring a smooth transition process for example: ongoing support, guidance and counselling for prospective students, certification of qualifications/credentials, visa processing, accommodation advice, and pre-departure briefings (IDP 2004). Student representatives find issues relating to cultural differences and misunderstandings often pervade educational delivery, policies, procedures, systems, and student understanding for example: academic misconduct; plagiarism; English as a second language; medical certificates; health care cover; integration with domestic students; students at risk; government regulation and policy (NLC 2003). Studies have also shown that international students have difficulties interacting with Australian students and staff on campus as well as the wider Australian community (for example Smart, Volet & Ang cited in DEST 2003). The authors propose that research is required in relation to cultural interactions (and impacts) between international students, their service providers and the broader multicultural Australian community using a cross-cultural approach based on an assumption that Australia's commitment to multiculturalism and cultural diversity includes the understanding and instigation of the basic principals of cultural competence. This presentation considers how research conducted from the perspective of international students would highlight areas of concern and also identify potential paths to cultural understanding and development for higher education institutions and related service providers.