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As international student numbers in Australia increase, calls grow for more guidance
As the number of international students in Australia continues to grow, calls for support services are also ballooning. A not-for-profit organisation is trying to bridge the gap by mentoring students from all backgrounds.
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Updated
By Dinita Rishal
Source: SBS
Image: The number of international students in Australia is continuing to rise post-covid. (SrdjanPav/Getty Images)
Key Points
- The Australian Government reports that the number of international students in the country is on the rise post-COVID.
- International students call for more services and 'safe spaces' offering support.
- A not-for-profit organisation has launched a three-month mentorship program for international students, covering topics like internships, networking and mental health.
Narayan Prasad Khanal arrived in Australia in 2019 as an international student.
He said he faced many challenges as a student in Australia, ranging from finding a job to time management.
“I found student life in Australia very different from what I expected it to be when I was back in Nepal,” he told SBS Nepali.
It would be very helpful if students could get support and guidance from community organisations in things like finding jobs and accommodation.Narayan Khanal, student
Narayan Khanal arrived in Australia in 2019 as an international student. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
The total number of international students has increased by 27 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.
Sandhya Bista is the Vice President of the International Student Reach (ISR) Foundation, which provides support services for international students.
She said international students need guidance to navigate their life in Australia.
The foundation is attempting to bridge the gap between students and support services through a three-month mentorship program.
Sandhya Bista is the Vice President for International Student Reach (ISR) Foundation. Source: Facebook / Sandy Bista
“There will be fortnightly meetings between mentors and mentees, and they can choose to do it online, or in-person, and we are flexible with the timings,” she told SBS Nepali.
“Mentors are experts in their field of work and students can discuss topics that are relevant to them, like mental health, goal setting and career counselling.”
Sydney student Bibha Bhushal said international students need a platform to assist with the challenges they face.
“I have seen that the mental and physical wellbeing of international students can be hampered when they try to balance full-time studying with work,” she said.
I think Australia slightly lacks a safe space for international students to reach out.Bibha Bhushal, student
Bibha Bhusal spoke to SBS Nepali about challenges faced by international students in Australia. Credit: SBS Nepali/Dinita Rishal
“Sometimes students might be confused about what path to choose, which can cause mental frustration and lack of motivation. Everyone has the capacity to follow their dreams but sometimes they need a push and a guide,” she said.
What a mentor can do for these mentees is, in the long run, help them reach their dreams and goals.Sandhya Bista, Vice President, ISR Foundation
Agam Mahal is one of the mentors involved in the mentorship program.
She works as a project officer at the NSW Government’s Department of Planning and Environment.
Reflecting upon her time as an international student in Australia, which started in 2015, she said her own challenges in “starting from scratch” in a new country inspired her to help other students on a similar journey.
“I remember observing my Australian classmates and co-workers, and I felt that things were much easier for them because they did not have to start from scratch like I had to,” she told SBS Nepali.
“I really wished that I could have had someone who could guide me back then. I want to be that guide for the mentees and make sure that they have the right knowledge and tools so that they are not left behind when the right opportunities come by.”
COVID, the current crisis within the job industry and housing affordability are increasing the barriers that international students have to cross.Agam Mahal, mentor
Agam Mahal is one of the mentors for the three-month mentorship program organised by the ISR foundation. Credit: Supplied
“To know how to talk to future employers is really important,” she said.
“Not just the basic communication skills, but to have conversational skills, to have that knowledge as to what to talk about.
“A hack for me when I was looking for a job was that when I would go in for the trial, I would make sure to chat with the manager or some employee there to give a cool, relaxed vibe instead of someone who is really nervous.”
She said the mentorship program, as a whole, is expected to help participants become more strategic in how they live their life in Australia.
Universities Australia, the peak body for the university sector, said it continues to advocate for better employment pathways for international students pursuing their careers in Australia.
"International students are securing full-time employment faster than during the pandemic, and in fields, we need skilled professionals most, including in STEM, health and teaching. This is great for students and the economy," the organisation's Chief Executive Officer, Catriona Jackson, stated.
"We continue to advocate for a fit-for-purpose system that better supports employment pathways and encourages more international students to use their education here if they choose to, and look forward to seeing Australia’s new migration strategy towards the end of the year."
Ms Bista said the three-month mentorship program is open to international students from all countries.
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