PA/14/10 16 February 2010
Studies show the vast majority of Indian students in Australia feel safe and enjoy the lifestyle Australia offers
Three new studies show the overwhelming majority of international students in Australia, including Indian students, feel safe and are happy in Australia.
A study by JWT Education conducted in December 2009 of 1642 international students (including 500 Indian students) found that safety rated as the number one reason they choose Australia as a study destination and Australia’s multiculturalism and tolerance rated as the second most important reason.
A second study of 513 Indian students by The Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) in January and February 2010 showed the overwhelming majority of students were happy with their decision to study in Australia. Nearly three-quarters of those polled by the Federation said they felt safe in the areas where they work and study
FIAV President Vasan Srinivasan said “this survey demonstrates that a majority of Indian students still consider Victoria to be their destination of choice in terms of quality of the education they receive and lifestyle.” (release attached).
A separate study by Victoria University found the majority of students found Melbourne to be a safe city though some had perceived the city as less safe than they had anticipated.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Peter Varghese, said “it is important that we listen closely to the views of international students as we implement our response on this issue and we are doing that.”
“Their views are important as we shape an education system and urban infrastructure that takes account of international students needs.”
“We want all international students to feel safe in our cities and to have a rewarding educational experience. There have been problems, but all levels of Australian government are committed to ensuring they are resolved.”
In a major speech to Parliament on 9 February, Australia’s Foreign Minister Mr Smith said the recent “attacks are inexcusable. Australia needs to take this seriously and we are taking it very seriously.”
“Governments at all levels in Australia are working together to address this problem.”
“Law enforcement agencies have brought perpetrators of attacks to justice in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. In Victoria alone some 45 people have been arrested for crimes against Indian students or nationals. Perpetrators are being pursued with vigour.”
“Strengthened and higher-visibility police operations have been undertaken to improve physical security in Australian cities. Increased police resources mean safer streets for all.”
“In June 2009 the Prime Minister established a special task force to deal with these attacks, chaired by the National Security Adviser.”
“We have also most recently set up a new high-level consultative mechanism between the Commonwealth and Victoria Governments. The first high-level meeting was held on 29 January and there have and will be regular meetings since then.”
“On 28 January the Victorian Government launched an International Student Care Service. This is a new 24-hour service where international students can get greater access to accommodation, counselling, legal services, emergency and welfare assistance.”
“We want to ensure that international students, whether from India or elsewhere, obtain a quality education, can support themselves financially, and have a positive experience in Australia.”
“Action is being taken against providers shown to be operating outside legislative requirements. Those that need to be closed are being closed.
“The Deputy Prime Minister has appointed Mr Bruce Baird to review the Education Services for Overseas Student Act to ensure Australia continues to offer world-class quality in international education. Mr Baird’s report will be finalised shortly.”
“An international student strategy is also being developed by the Council of Australian Governments in order to improve the experience of overseas students.
High Commissioner Peter Varghese said, “these measures demonstrate the seriousness with which Australia is taking this issue.”
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MEDIA RELEASE 15 February 2010
SURVEY DEMONSTRATES INDIAN STUDENTS OVERWHELMINGLY SATISFIED WITH VICTORIA
The President, Executive and members of Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) today released the results of an independent survey which assessed the overall satisfaction of International Students of Indian origin studying in Victoria, Australia.
Being the largest representative body for the Indian community, FIAV is pleased that there have been a significant number positive outcomes and responses.
The President of the FIAV, Mr Vasan Srinivasan, said the survey was an important tool in correctly identifying issues of concern to those students already studying in Victoria.
“The survey aimed to get information directly from Indian students about a range of topics including their choice of education in Australia, satisfaction with their concerned educational agents, satisfaction with study experience, accommodation, employment and general safety.”
“Instead of relying on media reports we thought it was important to hear the opinions of students’ first-hand,” said Mr Srinivasan.
The survey of over 500 Indian students revealed that an overwhelming majority were happy with their decision to study in Australia.
Of the 513 respondents, 73% said they were happy with their choice with 76% indicating that they were happy with their course and 69% happy with their training provider.
The survey also showed that 72% felt safe in the areas where they work and study.
Mr Srinivasan said that while the results of the survey were positive there were areas that students identified as needing improvement.
“It seems that students rely heavily on friends and family to provide assistance on arrival. Many of the students interviewed said their training providers did not provide airport pick-up or assist with accommodation.”
“In terms of safety, 77% of the respondents were never victims of assault, robbery stalking, but there seemed to be a general hesitation among Indian students to approach police, due to various factors including how it might impact on their visa status now or in the future”, said Mr Srinivasan.
“This survey demonstrates that a majority of Indian students still consider Victoria to be their destination of choice in terms of the quality of the education they receive and lifestyle.
FIAV finds it encouraging that there have been a significant number positive outcomes and responses that it intends to conduct further surveys and studies to assist with resolving issues related to negative responses which are treated with a degree of seriousness by FIAV.
The organization is cognizant of its obligation to the Indian community in Australia in general and the Indian student community in particular and will take all steps that it can practically implement to assist the students.
Vasan Srinivasan
President – FIAV
Australia: + 61 412 55 33 71