The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) responded today to comments made in Sushi Das' article "Backlash feared over uni students' cultural divide" in today's The Age newspaper.

"It would be ignorant and insensitive to assert that Australia has no culture or language to share with international students studying in the sun burnt country. Australia's unique culture is a synthesis of our vibrant diversity, informed by our past. The particulars of Australian English characterised by our prevalent use of slang, also showing streaks of irreverence, individuality and imagination that is unique to Australia. It would also be false to assert that Australian culture in one which offers nothing to its international students, visitors and residents; it verges on arrogant presumption to assume that one can be so well traveled that their experiences cannot be furthered" said Mr. Wai-Ken Wong, National Chairperson of AFIS.

"It would be a travesty if the aforementioned sentiments are the way international students feel about their experiences in Australia and that if this is the case, then institutions need to do more to encourage interaction with local students and to accommodate the interests of international students so as to enrich their experiences" said Mr. Wong.

"Integration into a new culture requires mutual effort; institutions and peak bodies need to foster greater engagement and interaction between international students and the community in which they study. AFIS would encourage this engagement to be facilitated through universal orientation programs to allow for peer engagement and the implementation of ‘buddy’ programs for English language students" said Mr. Wong, then added “that should probably be ‘mate’ programs”.

Regarding the responsibilities of education providers, Mr. Wong said that there needed to be greater emphasis on the clear delivery of classes in the course’s language of instruction. "Better subject delivery in English may require heavier investment in human resources needs to be adopted by institutions. We must instill confidence in international students that their English education will be a fulfilling one and at the same time provide ease of communication for those who’s first, second or even third language is not English."