Here I appreciatorily bring some of written comments on again to share with you all and call for your act on our shared agenda to create a change. I am sure that each of you from different countries with different language and cultures will have much to say and share with your mates. I am very much confident we can work out our path of joy and understanding. I hope this blog would at least initiate a platform for us to create a change. Let’s continue to share your ideas of how we can build interconnections amongst us.
@ Gorge: “Definitely your proposal is of some interest to us as well, and I think, like you as an international student, it would help a lot if there are more interconnections/interactions not only between international/local students but also international/international links. Coming from a multicultural traditional and multilingual country, my perception on local students here is not necessary what or who they really are, but what they are capable of doing. Very few in UQ have taken the option to open up to international students and this has help the two parties understanding each other. I believe you could be able to work out a way to make social interactions between local/international students more active and helpful. It would be help for local students going on international duties.
Focus on a specific point so we can contribute where required”.
Focus on a specific point so we can contribute where required”.
@ Desley: “I think your topic sounds really interesting and this course seems like a perfect opportunity to look at building connections between local and international students. Not only because we have a very multicultural class but also because of its participatory nature. We can all connect through class group work, discussion board and blogging. Its been helpful to hear about your thoughts/journey in how you came to this and how you've observed something (like the gathering of students from particular backgrounds), talked to classmates who have shared similar concerns and have made the connection between the personal and the public. This is something I'm struggling to do with my own project!
I'm originally from Canada and have been in Australia for a while, though not in Brisbane Brisbane
@ Shashi: “I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your post, and definitely think this is a project topic worth pursuing. In my four years at UQ, I have certainly noticed the lack of interaction and connection between local and international students. While there does seem to be support services available for international students (based on what I've seen advertised on campus and the MyUQ website), I think this is quite different to actually connecting with domestic students at the university, or other international students from different cultures and countries. I have noticed the distinct social groupings in both my classes, where people from the same culture tend to sit and talk together, as well as around campus in general (although I must say SWSP7123 is a big exception to this!!).
As a domestic student, I would love to make connections with and learn from other international students (and would be more than happy to let them practice English with me!), however it is often difficult to know how to reach out and initiate this interaction. I completely agree with what you said about how improving relationships between domestic and international students is really important for both of these groups. I think domestic students often do not recognise the challenges facing international students, not only in enrolling at university, but in managing the coursework, a new country, a different lifestyle, and often a different language as well!”
@ Nui: It is a fantastic idea you have there and I am sure that it will turn out well. I just like to say something in addition to comments you have received earlier. Our Community Development class is quite big and multicultural. I personally feel like the interconnection among students in our class is very modest. It is probably something you can look at and work out how to built better interconnection within students our class.
@ Tim: “Your project idea as can be observed from most contributions is real and touches the heart of many. Let me just also add a few leads you might consider following. International students sponsored under the AUSAID undergo an Introductory Academic program, managed by the UQ Student Services. My observations with this program is that while the main aim of the program is to assist AUSAID sponsored international students to be abreast with academic expectations and settling down at UQ, the program does less to address the issues you have raised and wish to pursue. I guess, what am trying to say is that as you begin to analyse the various systems at play, you might wish to consider evaluating the role the Student Services plays. I see your project probably going beyond the fulfillment of the requirements of this course”.
I think the individualism and privacy are major causes as many students do not realise there is a need to estabish connection. Many students are open just for hi and bye friends. Many of us start the friendship naturally by feeling and by chance, but not many take active approach to cultivate. For some,it is also the fear of being turned down.
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