International Student Experiences in Australian Higher Education: A Lifelong-Lifewide Learning Ecology Approach

Utilising personal narratives and theoretical frameworks, International Student Experiences in Australian Higher Education critically explores the academic hurdles, cultural adjustments, and job prospects of Chinese and Indian International Master’s students as they live, study and work in Australia.

Uniquely combining autoethnographic narratives with theoretical frameworks such as the Life-long Life-wide Learning Ecology Framework, each chapter offers a deep exploration of various facets of international student experiences from a different perspective, addressing issues like academic writing challenges, cultural acculturation, employability concerns, and the transition from student to teacher-researcher. The book’s originality lies in its focus on personal narratives, which provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and aspirations of international students, coupled with theoretical discussions that contextualise these experiences within broader educational frameworks. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the complexities of international education.

Notably, the book aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by amplifying student voices and offering strategic recommendations for policymakers and institutions. By prioritising student representation and providing a valuable resource for academics and policymakers, this research is a significant contribution to the fields of international education and higher education policy.

Venesser Fernandes is a Lecturer in Educational Leadership Studies in the School of Education, Culture and Society in the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Philip Wing Keung Chan is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.

Jing Shi is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.

Agrata Mukherjee is a Research Officer at Monash University, Australia.