The transition of international students into postgraduate study: an incremental approach

Globalisation presents a number of opportunities and challenges to education. Increased international student numbers, the wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds of these students and the impact of differing study locations and time zones all act to increase the complexity of the educational environment The Centre for eBusiness and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology, Lilydale, is increasingly facing these challenges as it provides graduate programs to students both internationally and locally, in face-to-face and online modes. This paper explores current research being undertaken into the ways in which the Centre can best support the learning journey of students with diverse experience, needs and perspectives. It details the implementation of an ongoing orientation program for international students studying in face-to-face mode and a parallel, online program for overseas online students. Not only is orientation provided for students at the outset of the program, but also at each stage (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master) as the approach becomes more learner-driven and independent, ensuring clear communication of the requirements of a self-directed approach and a jointly developed understanding of the roles of staff and students within each new level. The paper aims to elaborate the importance of managing expectations, both of staff and students, in order to most effectively and authentically aid the learning experience for the global student.