This PD session is aimed at professionals involved in the education sector, particularly those handling international student affairs. This session will focus on the crucial aspects of preparing international students for their educational journey in a new country. Key topics will include the design and implementation of effective orientation and pre-departure programs that address the academic, cultural, and social needs of students.
The session will highlight best practices in ensuring that students are fully informed and well-prepared before they leave their home country and upon their arrival. Presentations will cover strategies for engaging students effectively, leveraging digital tools, and creating comprehensive support networks to aid in their transition.
The goal is to equip educators and administrators with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance the overall student experience, leading to better academic outcomes and successful integration into the host country’s environment.
Key objectives
- Enhance understanding: To deepen participants’ understanding of the critical importance of comprehensive orientation and pre-departure programs in supporting international students’ successful integration into their new academic and social environments.
- Share best practices: To share best practices and innovative ideas on how to design and implement effective orientation and pre-departure sessions that address the unique needs of international students, including academic preparedness, cultural adaptation, and social integration.
- Improve engagement: To explore strategies for improving student engagement through interactive orientation activities that foster a sense of community and belonging among international students.
- Leverage technology: To examine how digital tools and platforms can be utilized to enhance pre-departure information dissemination and to provide ongoing support to students before and after their arrival.
- Develop skills: To equip participants with the skills to create, evaluate, and refine orientation and pre-departure programs to ensure they are relevant, informative, and supportive.
- Facilitate networking: To provide opportunities for networking among participants, encouraging the exchange of experiences and collaboration on common challenges in the field of international education.
- Promote compliance and safety: To ensure participants are aware of and understand the compliance requirements and safety protocols necessary to protect international students and enhance their educational experience.
Guest Speakers
Param Artputhanathan, Manager International Student Engagement, Monash University
An attempt at a holistic approach to pre-arrival support
Experienced International Relations Professional with a strong background in Operations and Support Services Management. Adept at managing international student engagement, critical incident management, budget planning, and early intervention strategies. Skilled in bridging diplomacy and engagement for global impact.
Holds a Master’s degree in International Relations (Trade & Diplomacy) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business (Banking & Finance) and Arts (Politics). Demonstrated success in overseeing large-scale engagement initiatives, building external partnerships, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Proven ability to enhance client experience, implement effective strategies and lead teams to deliver impactful programs.
Alessandro Sereni, International Engagement Officer, Student Life: International Student Support, Division of Academic and Student Engagement, The University of Adelaide
Connecting international students to their campus, city, and community in a FUNtastic way
A multilingual professional with a strong background in international relations and development, I have managed projects in the not-for-profit, government, and education sectors on three different continents.
Nothing satisfies me more than working on issues and projects resulting in positive community impact. In my current role, this means striving to empower international students to flourish via engaging and rewarding student experiences.
As a creative problem solver with a growth mindset, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to meaningful professional undertakings.
Nancy Arthur, PhD., R.Psych. (AB Canada), Dean Research, University of South Australia, UniSA Business
What did they learn? Best practices to support students for re-entry transitions
Professor Nancy Arthur is appointed as Dean Research for UniSA Business, University of South Australia and Professor Emerita, University of Calgary, Canada. Nancy’s research focuses on international work and learning transitions and the career development of international students. Prof Arthur is a an elected Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association, and former Vice-President of the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance.