International students make valuable contributions to Australian communities, enhancing social cohesion and cultural exchange while also improving their own wellbeing. Yet, experts from the University of South Australia say they are not fully recognised or embraced by the local communities they live in.
New research led by Associate Professor Guanglun Michael Mu and Dr Hannah Soong from the University of South Australia explores the dynamics of international student engagement and how deeper connections can benefit both students and the broader community.
Associate Professor Michael Mu said while international students contribute to Australian society, they’re often not given the same level of respect in return.
“International students bring fresh perspectives, skills, and cultural diversity to Australia, but many remain on the fringes of society,” he said.
“They are yet to receive full social licence from the communities they study and live in, and that’s a missed opportunity for both sides.”
Studies conducted by the pair involved in-depth interviews with community engagement leaders from local government, private organisations, not-for-profit agencies, and faith-based groups.
Participants shared their experiences supporting international students and discussed strategies to foster stronger social ties.
A common theme was that international students play an important role in shaping community programs, with participants saying the voice of international students were valuable for shaping local services and civic development.
A community-based talent incubator in Adelaide that offered soft skills training and industry placement to international students took part in the UniSA study.
A spokesperson for the agency said real-world oriented and industry-engaged programs were beneficial for the employability of international students.
“More than half of the students who came to us were able to secure a job within six months, if not immediately after their time with us,” he said.
The study also identified home stays as an ideal way of forming strong connections between international students and local families.
Despite the benefits of community engagement, Associate Professor Michael Mu said that international students often experience social segregation in their time abroad.
“The social gaps international students experience are often filled with distrust, cultural misunderstandings, and time constraints,” he said.
“Hostile and volatile political landscapes surrounding international student mobility can also make them feel unwelcome in Australia.”
Another participant in the study who works for a tertiary education provider told the researchers, “When international students venture into local communities, they could be exposed to many risks”.
“We’ve got too many scams, too many thefts, too many dodgy people who are ready to rip somebody off and exploit them [international students],” he said.
Dr Hannah Soong said that universities and policymakers must step up to create better services and environments for international students to thrive.
“We call ourselves a welcoming host society, but in reality, many students struggle with language barriers, weak social connections, financial stress, and housing challenges.
International students’ wellbeing is, therefore, at the intersection of their everyday interactions with people both on and outside of campus,” she said.
“Higher education institutions need to provide stronger support systems that ensure international students are safe, socially connected, and able to succeed.”
