Lately, universities are being cracked down for allowing admission to international students with very limited English language skills. It comes to no surprise that the English standards are kept low by the universities to lure billions of dollars in revenue, but the real question is whether the students are being looked after in return.
Increasing number of underperforming students
It has been difficult for lecturers and teachers to pass increasing number of underperforming international students. If such pressure is kept up, the universities will face losing their status as a quality education provider on a global scale.
Language Barriers
Many international students struggle with the English language and consequently these language barriers have created both social and academic issues. Many students face social isolation and are unable to connect with other students due to language difficulties.
Will offering bilingual classes help?
- Although many universities offer English language classes, they are mostly insufficient to prepare a student to improve their language skills that they can use in their day to day life.
- According to an opinion article by ABC News, “a reductive “learn the language” approach to international students is detrimental”. Offering plain English language classes are clearly not good enough and totally unhelpful considering international students pay hefty fees to study in Australia.
- Although one could argue that translation services are available to students to translate an academic material into their own language, however it doesn’t assist in producing assignments or keeping up in tutorial classes in English, and therefore easily disadvantaging international students due to the lack of language support.
- To make a straight point, students are not getting their money’s worth and this only means one thing: the Australian education system needs to change!
Possible Solution: What about offering courses in high-demand languages?
This idea is not so unrealistic considering we have an example to lead by: many universities in Europe offer courses in English as a method for attracting international students. So why can’t we offer the same to other nations?
“If universities invest in improving infrastructure for students with limited English language comprehension everyone would benefit. Universities could overcome the problem of failing students because of their language comprehension; international students would feel supported and local students would continue to benefit from access to different cultures, ideas, and opportunities”. (Alexander Gudic-Hay, ABC News)
Currently, there is a lack of meaningful access to services that properly engage and support international students. Australian universities are not providing the standard as one should expect if they are paying thousands of dollars every semester, and should be held accountable if they fail to provide these students with the means for them to succeed in their studies.
It is time that we change the current Australian psyche and warm up to the notion that we should perhaps adapt to the world, rather than the world adapting to us.
Getting Assistance
At Migration Centre of Australia, we are partnered with hundreds of universities and colleges across Australia and ensure that students are properly looked after during and post-enrolment in their course of interest.
Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
