Happy study

The 2006 International Student Survey, released on October 12 at the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne, reveals international students are happy with their study experience in Australia in a range of areas.

Among the key findings, the survey shows that:

- 84 per cent of international students are satisfied with living in Australia;

- 83 per cent are satisfied with their study experience in Australia;

- 82 per cent are happy with the course undertaken; and

- 78 per cent are satisfied with the quality of education.

These results highlight the quality of Australia's education system and the value of the overall Australian study experience for international students. They also indicate areas where the experience of international students could be enriched further, particularly areas relating to employment opportunities and interaction with Australian students and the broader community.

Some 15,000 students participated in the survey.

"Australia is one of the world's leading international education service providers, offering a quality education experience that is different, challenging, exciting and rewarding. There were more than 380,000 international student enrolments in Australia in 2006 including approximately 17,000 Thais. While studying in Australia, students encounter a truly international experience," said Anne Reynolds, a counsellor for Australian Education International at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok.

Australia is one of the world's most multicultural countries with people from more than 200 countries calling the country their home. In the year to September 2007, the number of international students commencing study in Australia increased by about 25 per cent, from approximately 181,000 to 225,451. Whilst total education exports in 2006-07 were worth A$11.6 billion to Australia (an increase of 13 per cent from 2005-06) the real value is in the networks and connections made between students, which last well beyond the years of formal study.

The International Student Survey was a collaborative effort by private industry and Australian Education International to obtain a comprehensive, up-to-date measure of the experience of international students in Australia.

Source: Australian Embassy, Bangkok.