Ms Chi Baik, Senior Lecturer, CSHE Melbourne University
Official Opening Address

Emerging issues in the international student experience in Australian higher education

Abstract
Australian higher education is undergoing a period of major transformation with increased participation of students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. While universities devote considerable energy into supporting the transition and experience of diverse students, recent research highlights significant 'new' challenges faced by international students, particularly in relation to their social integration into the university community and their mental wellbeing. What are the issues and challenges - old and new - facing international students entering contemporary Australian universities? What are the implications for educators and support services? What can be done to better support international students? Drawing on recent research, this presentation will examine these questions.

Bio
Chi Baik is a senior lecturer in the Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) at the University of Melbourne. Her research program centres around the quality of the student experience, and the development of policies and programs to promote and recognise effective university teaching. She has been the chief investigator of numerous studies examining the experience of international students in higher education, and she has recently led a national interdisciplinary project on enhancing student mental health and wellbeing in the university context. At the CSHE, Chi coordinates the Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and leads professional development programs on teaching and learning for academic staff.