During The PIE Live Asia Pacific 2024, a group of international students from various institutions spoke candidly in front of educators, policy-makers and senior leaders on what it means to be an international student in Australia.

The level of mental health and wellbeing support available to students at Torrens University came as a pleasant surprise to Chenai, a student from Zimbabwe.

“In my country it’s a privilege to tell someone what I’m going through,” she said.

“Here, we are told: ‘student services are here 24/7, if you want to text, if you want to call, if you want to be anonymous, you can get access to that support.’”

“It has made me focus more on mental health issues on a personal level. I’m really impressed.”

Delegates at the Gold Coast conference listened intently as students shared examples of initiatives and practices that have made the transition process easier.

Dina, an international student from China, studying at Bond University, came to the university to study when she was 17 years old.

Due to her age, Dina was provided with weekly check-ins to ensure she was safe and happy in her experience.

“I felt very supported,” said Dina, who added that free counselling is available to all students and staff at Bond.

Rachel, a masters of business student at Griffith University, is part of a peer support group called Griffith Mates. The group organises social and networking events and offers an airport pick-up service to international students, which she said importantly adds to a sense of belonging and community.

After benefiting herself, she decided to join the group to give back to other students.

As a study destination, Australia is also exceeding the expectations of Barsha, a Southern Cross University student from Nepal.

But Barsha’s journey to happiness wasn’t without struggle, she explained, particularly when it came to finding work in her desired field.

Before coming to Australia, she had already gained a masters in IT and had four years of experience working in the field. To support herself in Australia, Barsha worked various jobs, housekeeping and waitressing, before eventually finding work related to her experience.

Students took the opportunity to share their opinion on the costs involved with pursuing education in Australia, particularly surrounding visas fees since the visa fee for international student visas rose from AUD$710 to AUD$1,600 in July this year.

Perhaps surprisingly, some students were adamant they would not be deterred by this new amount, seeing it as an investment into their future.

“Even though it’s more, I would do the same. I would apply anyway because I know it’s going to pay off if I do my best,” said Angelo from Brazil, who is studying at Gold Coast boutique college, Mindroom Innovation.

However, the question prompted a wider discussion around the perception of international students and a discussion on why such policy measures have been put in place.

In the news, it is always said that international students cause the housing problem

Chenai, student from Zimbabwe

“In the news, it is always said that international students cause the housing problem,” said Chenai, who believes certain biased headlines are unfair on many students who are only in the country for a short time, looking to gain a solid education in a safe country.

“It’s not just international students, it’s a multi-faceted problem,” she said.