Dear *|FNAME|*
 
2019 – That’s a wrap

And it’s the end of another year for us all and what a busy one it was! I encourage you to take advantage of your New Year’s break to spend time with your friends and family and to give yourself a little of the pampering you have given to our international students all year. It is timely to remember that you must take care of yourself both physically and mentally so that you have the energy to continue your valuable work.

For those of you who couldn’t attend the AGM held during the Conference, the outcome of the National Council Elections mean we have a full Council for the first time in two years. The elected members are:

National President: Bronwyn Gilson (returned)
National Treasurer: Molly Bonnefin (returned)
National Vice-President: Sarah Lisle
National Communications Officer: Roshana Sultan
National VP Professional Development Officer: Samantha Hilbig
National VP Planning & Development Officer : Sharon Cook

These members are joined by the current Branch Presidents from NSW/ACT; Victoria; Queensland and SA to form the National Council.

It is exciting to have a refreshed and full National Council and we will be holding our Planning and Training session in Melbourne over the weekend of 11-12 January 2020.

Finally I would like to end with highlighting the special awarding of a Life Membership to Mary Ann Seow at the Conference Dinner. Mary Ann becomes the 25th member to receive this award and I know when her citation was read out by Mel Duncan (herself a Life Member), it was easy to see why she was given this honour. Congratulations.  

Finally I would like to thank everyone who has contributed this year and especially thank our supporters, sponsors and stakeholders throughout Australia, New Zealand and further. Have a safe and happy break until we do it all again next year,

Bronwyn Gilson
President

2019 ISANA National Conference

The 30^th ISANA National Conference was recently held at the Bayview Eden, Melbourne from 3-6 December 2019. To reflect this significant milestone in the Association’s history, the theme for the conference was: Leading and inspiring through collaboration: Student wellbeing and support services, today and tomorrow.

The conference attracted over 340 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and overseas including several ISANA Life members. The program carefully curated by the ISANA Conference Committee gave us the opportunity to explore and discuss the many factors that contribute to the overall student success, both within and outside the classroom.

Delegates who arrived early on Tuesday 3 December, were treated to an energetic and Amazing Race ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ where teams of delegates followed clues held by City of Melbourne student volunteers and sponsored by Medibank Private. This was a hilarious activity where delegates had the opportunity to make new friends while discovering iconic places around the Melbourne CBD. Tired by happy delegates finished up at the Medibank Place for a cocktail party and a calming session from Smiling Mind to discuss the benefits of mindfulness for ourselves and our students.

The main conference program kicked off on Wednesday 4 December. We were delighted to have Parbin-ata Carolyn Briggs AM, Boon Wurrung Elder to provide us with a wonderful Welcome to Country. Our conference opened with Tracy Harris, Executive Director, Global Development and Performance, RMIT sharing her 30-year journey in international education. Her personal journey mirrored the experiences of many in the conference who work in the sector.

Our plenary sessions and keynote speakers were thought provoking and challenged delegates to look to the future whilst acknowledging the many successes over the past 30 years. None were more challenging than Arfa Noor’s session, ‘Decolonising the student experience: Are we helping or hindering the evolution of student identities?’ and Prof Fazal Rizvi’s panel on ‘What headwinds are we facing?’ Both sessions made us stop and think of what we do, our intentions, our preparedness for the future and the needs of international students.

The sessions provided delegates with information on successful strategies and provided the opportunity for all to engage with each other and develop important networks. We were particularly proud that this year’s conference also provided many sessions where we heard from the students. The Student Panel chaired by ISANA Life member Melanie Duncan, was a highlight as was Gary Lee’s session on Student Leadership. Students reflected on their overall student experience and importantly shared their thoughts on strategies that would enhance their experience if they were put in charge. Students co-presented papers and chaired sessions. The only problem that many of us had was the inability to be at multiple sessions at the same time!

In celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of ISANA, this year’s conference gala dinner was a Black-Tie affair at the chandeliered venue, The Park. This year after a hiatus of some years, ISANA reintroduced the ISANA Awards, first given in 2006. The winners were:

International students’ nomination for an outstanding support program 

• PSW (Social Work) mentoring project for international students and Community Centre Projects for Work Integrated Learning
• TEDxMonash University

ISANA Members’ Award for an outstanding individual

• Gary Lee, City of Melbourne

ISANA Council Award for an outstanding contribution to ISANA

• Molly Bonnefin

For more information on the awardees and the awards, please click here.  

The final day of the conference was a special day with sessions focusing on students, the future and the 30-year journey in student support. The day kicked off with former Vice President, ISANA Victoria/Tasmania, Jen Walsh sharing the many projects and activities of the host branch, and an enlightening retrospective from Anna Kent on the origins of international student support and community engagement.

The conference wrapped up with an ISANA 30^th Anniversary retrospective from Life members and a commentary from National President, Bronwyn Gilson and CISA National Secretary Varsha Devi on future directions.

This year’s conference also had a special visual display for delegates. To celebrate the achievements of ISANA since its establishment, a display of memorabilia donated by members covering the 30 years was put on display. This linear wall of newsletters, photos, reports, resources and conference bags were a vivid show of the great work that ISANA and members have contributed to international education.

Congratulations to ISANA and all members – there was so much to celebrate, and we look forward to a further 30 years!

Special thanks to the conference committee members, volunteers and sponsors without whom we could not have put together this special conference.

Paula Durance & Mary Ann Seow
30^th ISANA National Conference Convenors 

PIEoneer Awards 2019 

We were excited to be shortlisted as a finalist in The PIEoneer Awards 2019. Whilst we did not win, it was a great honour to have been recognised.  Click here to view the gallery.

Contact Points: Enabling international students during critical incidents 

We congratulate the authors, Catherine Gomes, Shanton Chang, Manorani Guy, Franklin Patrao and Siying (Ashley) He on the production of such a valuable resource.  Click here to view report.

Your ISANA branch… 

It has been a busy year, please click here to view the Branch Reports and the National ISANA Annual Report.

Please see below your branch’s contact details. Please also visit the branch pages on the ISANA web site for their latest news and 2020 Professional Development.

ISANA Members

30th ISANA National Conference

3 – 6 December 2019

Dear *|FNAME|*,
 
Welcome to ISANA’s Spring 2019 Newsletter.

As you know it is Election season for each Branch in October/November and for National in December. I would like you to join me in thanking all those who have served ISANA as part of an outgoing Committee and everyone who has nominated for an ongoing Branch role. As a voluntary association we couldn’t continue without the support, time and energy of these members. Like myself, you may have thought about becoming a committee member but weren’t sure of the commitment you would have to make – if this sounds like you I would encourage you to speak with your Branch President, myself or the Secretariat to learn more about the roles and commitment involved. A full list of each Branch’s new Committee membership will be included in our next Newsletter.

I hope those of you who are able to attend are getting excited about the National Conference in Melbourne 3-6 December. The Organising Committee led by Dr Paula Durance and Ms Mary-Ann Seow have pulled together a fabulous program available here, which includes on Friday the ISANA 30^th Anniversary Symposium organised by Ms Mel Duncan which will have many of our Life Members in attendance (don’t book your plane ticket out of Melbourne too early!). Also the local VicTas branch have organised fabulous social activities around the Conference including on Tuesday at 4.30pm the Secret City Tour-Discover Melbourne. Remember if you can’t make the full Conference day registrations and workshops are available.

Regarding the ISANA National Code Online Tutorial completion, final approval and sign-off from the Department of Education is expected this month. There are a few minor details that are being addressed before this can be done. We hope that an official announcement by Minister Tehan can be made at the upcoming ISANA conference. Members will note that Dr Paula Durance from IEKnowledgebase will be running a pre-conference workshop on 3 December where participants will be able to have a hands-on look and learning experience with the Tutorial.

Regards,

Bronwyn Gilson
National President

Congratulations

to the 2019 Conference Bursary recipients:

Member Bursary

Shawna Hooton, SA
Kathy Matthews, SA
Natasha Pressley, SA

Student Bursary

Melvin Sharma, QLD
Haries Salim, SA
Reinhardt Mascarenhas, SA
Phuong Mai Dinh, SA
Laura Tran, SA

~

Conference Awards –

nominations due by Midday, Monday 11 November.

The 30th anniversary ISANA National Conference will see the reintroduction of the ISANA Awards. These awards were given for the first time in 2006 and recognise the important work the association does to support international students and the staff who work with them.

The winner of each award will be announced at the ISANA National Conference Gala Dinner on Thursday, 5 December 2019.

~

Have your say at the AGM…

You must be current financial Member of ISANA to attend and vote at the AGM.  If you are unsure of your Membership status, please click here to contact the ISANA secretariat.  

2019 is an election year…  

The positions are President, Vice President, Vice President Planning and Development, Vice President Professional Development, Treasurer and Communications Manager. Please contact existing Officers via the secretariat if you have any questions. Nomination forms must be received by the ISANA Secretariat seven days prior to the meeting.

Unable to attend the AGM…

You can nominate a proxy in accordance with section 13(17) of the ISANA constitution. The proxy form  must be returned to the ISANA Secretariat 24 hours prior to the meeting. If you wish to nominate a proxy, the following committee members will be attending the AGM,  Bronwyn Gilson, Molly Bonnefin, Annette Kalczynska, Margaret Dawson, Sarah Parrington and Samantha Hilbig.

Your ISANA Branch…

November 8:  AGM including End-of-Year Networking and Drinks

November 21: AGM including End-of-Year Networking and Drinks – RSVP here!

Upcoming Professional Development…

Order Your FREE International Student Guides for 2020

ISANA Members

ISANA Secretariat

Hi Everyone,

I am writing to you following a very busy week in Perth, WA, where I participated in the CISA National Conference as the invited Election Returning Officer and presenter of, ‘What can ISANA members do for you and where can you find us?’ alongside Kathryn Williams (Immediate past ISANA WA Branch President). It’s always valuable to hear first hand the experience of our students and to have the opportunity to work alongside them.

While in Perth on Thursday 18 July we held a very successful members and VIP Networking event with Phil Payne, Executive Director of StudyPerth, as our guest speaker. See photos below.

This Edition is packed full of upcoming events, the latest news on our National Code Tutorial project and exciting news on the PIEoneer Awards. So join me in reading on and don’t forget this year (our 30th) will see many Branch and National Elections being called (contact the Secretariat or your State Branch for more information) and, don’t forget that Members and your Student’s  bursaries for the National Conference in December are now open!

Bronwyn Gilson
National President

The PIEoneer Awards – Not One but Two!!!

We are excited to announce that ISANA International Education Association Inc has been shortlisted as a finalist in The PIEoneer Awards 2019 in two categories!

1. Association of the year

2. Student support award (for ‘Be You Be Seen’: Project managed by VIC/TAS Branch)

Launched in 2017, The PIEoneer Awards are the only global awards that celebrate innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education industry.

With a distinguished judging panel representing geographical and professional diversity, The PIEoneer Awards recognise both individuals and organisations who are pushing professional standards, evolving their engagement or redefining the international student experience.

All the finalists are now on the PIEoneer Award’s website and winners will be announced on Thursday 19th September at London’s historic Guildhall.

We will be sure to keep you posted!

30th ISANA National Conference: 

Leading and inspiring through collaboration: Student wellbeing and support services, today and tomorrow. 

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION closes OCTOBER 11!

This year’s conference marks the 30^th anniversary of the ISANA International Education Association. A little-known fact is that Melbourne was the host city for ISANA’s first conference gathering with a much smaller group of delegates in 1989. 

PROVISIONAL PROGRAM released! The conference organising committee have been putting together an exciting program of plenaries, panel discussions, presentations and workshops.

You DO NOT want to miss this year’s CONFERENCE DINNER!  So, save the dates 3-6 December 2019 in your calendar for this year’s conference – you do not want to miss out!

Paula Durance and Mary Ann Seow
2019 ISANA National Conference Convenors

ISANA National Code Tutorial Update

The project team is pleased to advise members that the development of the National Code online tutorial (NCT) is progressing well.

To recap for members, the NCT will provide users with an interactive learning experience across all 11 Standards.  The NCT users will have an overview introduction to the ESOS Act and National Code, before commencing onto learning modules with assessments for each of the 11 Standards. To add meaning and context to the assessments, users will be introduced to a select group of international students and their scenarios. Users will be able to ‘Save and Resume’ during the NCT. At the successful completion of the NCT, users will receive a certificate that indicates understanding of the compliance requirements associated with the National Code.

A software and content test of the ISANA developed online National Code Tutorial was held today. The result(s) of this session will help us to work towards its completion date.

We look forward to being able to update you accordingly.

Mary Ann Seow
Project Manager | ISANA EGI Grant

This project is supported by the Australian International Education: Enabling Growth and Innovation project fund, Department of Education and Training. For further information, please visit  www.internationaleducation.qov.au

Your ISANA Branch…

September 3:  Best practice in student advising

October 21:  Careers/Employability

November 22:  End of Year Networking and Drinks

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

August 16: Domestic Violence – what it is, ways you might detect it, what you can do and who you can you refer out to?

September 20: Understanding the ESOS Legislative Framework

October 11: Supporting and Welfare Monitoring of Under 18 International Students

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

July 30:  ESOS Legislative Framework – Learning through the power of storytelling  BOOK NOW

Nov 11:  Wellbeing 101 – We are what we eat, we become what we think about (includes AGM)  BOOK NOW

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

August 7:  Celebrating Success

October 18:  Suicide Prevention Training – Wesley Lifeforce 6 hour course

November 1: State Conference

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Watch This Space!

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Click on the calendar below for more information on upcoming Professional Development…

ISANA Members

ISANA Secretariat

You may be aware of the many issues discussed in relation to International Education over the past few months and many of them will continue to be topical as we head into and post, the Federal Election. ISANA was invited to make a submission on the Regional debate on the Growing International Education in Regional Australia consultation paper – ours and all submissions can be found here. I also attended one of the follow up meetings conducted by Expert Members (Council for International Education) held around Australia at which ideas were being collated to inform a report to be released.

As a related item, you may have heard the announcement of $93.7 million Destination Australia Scholarships contained in the Australian Government Plan Planning for Australia’s Future Population: ‘4,720 scholarships for both domestic and international students, studying at a regional campus of a university or vocational education and training provider’. While we welcome this initiative it has unfortunately come at the closure of the Endeavour Leadership Program.

Other submissions made of behalf of ISANA were on the Soft Power Review and the Education Agent Performance data review.

Shortly those of you working in Higher Education will see the Universities Australia (with ISANA as a partner and funded by an Enabling Growth & Innovation Program grant) Pre-departure information survey launched. The purpose of this project is to ‘gather current student perspectives on the pre-departure information they received prior to their arrival in Australia. This understanding will facilitate the identification of gaps, inconsistencies and instances where student needs are not being met’.

On the 9 April the International Student Exploitation in Accommodation and Employment survey of which ISANA (NSW ACT) is a supporting partner (funded by StudyNSW), was released with a closing date of 31 May 2019. Please encourage all of your international students no matter where they are living or studying in Australia, to complete this survey.

For those of you looking for funding opportunities don’t forget to contact your closest Study Hub as many are now taking submissions.

As I know members work closely with our students to help them through academic or personal issues and crises, I draw your attention to the Victorian Coroner’s report on the death of an international student and the Coroner’s 6 recommendations. Although it is a very confronting and sobering report it is important that contributing issues are discussed so support services can be strengthened.

Finally, I want to end by quoting from the joint statement released by ISANA NZ and ISANA Australia on the terrible event that took place in Christchurch, ‘While we today weep let us all work together to make our world a better place’.   

Bronwyn Gilson
National President

ISANA IN THE NEWS… 

5 December 2018 ‘Australia: gambling problems higher in international students’ The PIE News

17 January 2019 ‘International student killed in Melbourne’ The PIE News

12 March 2019 ‘Australia: take hard line with student exploitation, report recommends’ The PIE News

21 March 2019 ‘This is not New Zealand’ – sector rallies after attack The PIE News

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

ISANA began as the Overseas Student Advisers’ Network (OSAN) in 1989, with Anne Skea as its founding president. It was established in response to the support needs of the growing number of international students enrolling at Australian Universities.With over 600 members across all education sectors, we draw from a range of professional groups including academic staff, marketing, recruitment and educational support specialists. It was formed as a special interest group of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (ANZSSA), as a network of people in new roles of delivering support services to international students.

OSAN, later renamed the International Student Advisers’ Network of Australia, conducted conferences, and addressed issues of international student experiences in Australia, developing the framework of discussion that we continue today.

In 1997 members voted to become an incorporated association, with its own constitution. The current logo was designed by Suzanne Lim, and launched by the then President, Margaret Hill in November 1998. In 1999 the Association became ISANA: International Education Association, to reflect the broader roles its members have in the field, and currently represents professional staff working across Australia and New Zealand, which formed an ISANA branch in 2001.

30th ISANA National Conference 

Planning is well under way for this year’s national conference at The Bayview Eden, Melbourne. This year’s conference marks the 30^th anniversary of the ISANA International Education Association. A little-known fact is that Melbourne was the host city for ISANA’s first conference gathering with a much smaller group of delegates in 1989. We hope to make this year’s conference a truly memorable event. To facilitate this, ISANA invites local (Victorian) ISANA members to volunteer to be on a local activities sub-committee. The local activities committee has the brief as host to showcase all that is fabulous about Melbourne and particularly as a welcoming city for international students. We will also be asking for student volunteers to participate and assist in the conference. Look out for an email detailing more information.

In the meantime, the conference organising committee have been putting together an exciting program of plenaries, panel discussions, presentations and workshops. We invite you to participate by submitting your papers and workshop sessions by 24 May at: http://www.isanaconference.com/

So, save the dates 3-6 December 2019 in your calendar for this year’s conference – you do not want to miss this!

Paula Durance and Mary Ann Seow
2019 ISANA National Conference Convenors

ISANA National Code Tutorial Update

The project team is pleased to advise members that the development of the National Code online tutorial (NCT) is progressing.

To recap for members, the NCT will provide users with an interactive learning experience across all 11 Standards.  The NCT users will have an overview introduction to the ESOS Act and National Code, before commencing onto learning modules with assessments for each of the 11 Standards. To add meaning and context to the assessments, users will be introduced to a select group of international students and their scenarios. Users will be able to ‘Save and Resume’ during the NCT. At the successful completion of the NCT, users will receive a certificate that indicates understanding of the compliance requirements associated with the National Code.

To date, the Department of Education and Training (DET) has approved learning content for Standards 1-6. The learning content for Standards 7-11 are presently with DET for their consideration.

The approved content is being uploaded onto the Moodle site and will continue to be progressively uploaded as approval is received. We hope that the NCT will be completed by mid-year, barring any unforeseen delays.

When the NCT is complete, ISANA will require members from across the sector to be testers. If you are interested, please contact the Secretariat at isana@isana.org.au

Mary Ann Seow
Project Manager | ISANA EGI Grant

This project is supported by the Australian International Education: Enabling Growth and Innovation project fund, Department of Education and Training. For further information, please visit  www.internationaleducation.qov.au

Professional Development

Western Australia

Save the Date!

July 18: Networking Reception with Guest Speaker

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales

More PD information coming soon!

April 12:  Intercultural Sports Day  BOOK NOW

May 3:   Tenancy and Accommodation

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

South Australia and Northern Territory

April 3:  Refresher Course – Mental health First Aid Update  BOOK NOW

May 24:  Innovation and Best Practice in Pre-Departure Information

August 9:  Celebrating Success

October 18:  Suicide Prevention Training

November 1:  State Conference

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Victoria and Tasmania

April 12:  Mental Health Social Support (MHSS) training  BOOK NOW

July 30:  ESOS Legislative Framework – Learning through the power of storytelling  BOOK NOW

Nov 11:  Wellbeing 101 – We are what we eat, we become what we think about (includes AGM)  BOOK NOW

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Queensland

March 27:  “Everything Orientation”

Date TBC:  Mental Health (full day)

June 7 (Townsville):  Critical Incident Workshop BOOK NOW

June 27:  Cross-cultural Awareness and Best Practice

September 3:  Best practice in student advising

October 21:  Careers/Employability

November 22:  End of Year Networking and Drinks

December 3 – 6: ISANA National Conference

Click on the calendar below for more information on upcoming Professional Development…

ISANA Branches

FINALLY… 

ISANA Members

ISANA Secretariat