Counselling In Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations study among overseas students. The numberof international students increased drastically these past few years. In fact, there were around 685,000 international students studying in Australia in 2017, with approximately half this number studying at a tertiary level (1). Alongside problems such accommodation, financial restraints and culture shock, many overseas students struggle the most with social isolation (2) while transitioning into an Australian university.

Many international students arrive in Australia expecting a great university experience filled with opportunities to make many local friends. However, they discover the difficulties of interacting with their professors and peers. A study showed that 12 out of 14 international students have trouble integrating into the local

community. (4) The biggest causes of social isolation are different language barriers and cultural differences. Their inability to speak English very well prevent these students from making local friends and connecting to their peers, thus decrease their opportunity to learn about Australian culture as well as denying them from improving their English proficiency. This will result in them to be at a greater disadvantage in their studies than other students. Drastic longterm effects of social isolation include mental health issues such as depression which is a very common issue even among local students. Research has shown that international students had a significantly higher chance of experiencing clinical depression and loneliness than their Australian counterpart. (3).

International students make up a large percentage of the university population, but are doing enough to support them?

The most common support services that most universities offer for struggling students is counselling. Out of 970 international students surveyed in a Melbourne University study, 27.6% said that they required counselling (5). However, many knew very little about counselling with only 20% of the students that needed help showed up to visit a counsellor while 60% did not know how and where to go (5) thus showing greater awareness in support services are required.

Although the University of Technology Sydney has many support systems like counselling and student advisers that are open to international students, there is much more that can be done to allow these students to easily transition into Australian university life. Some ideas that may help include having more social events that may expose students to Australian culture and language. This could involve having trips around the local city or having a buddy/mentor-system in which an international student is paired with a local student or a former international

student.
In conclusion, breaking down the barriers between local and overseas students and greater awareness of suppor services on campus would greatly improve the educational and social experiences of international students in Australia.