Embracing Diversity through International Education in Regional Australia: The case of Toowoomba Professor Talal Yusaf Executive Director (International & Development) AIEC October 2017
2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 IET is the second largest services export for Queensland (27%), behind tourism (36%) 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 Queensland major exports, Services by type of activity, 2001-02 to 2015-16 $m % of total services industry 8% 1% 4% 6% 12% 6% 27% 36% All other Personal, cultural and recreational services Telecommunication, computer & information Financial services Transport Business travel IET Tourism 0 Note: ABS classification for personal travel and education related travel have been renamed tourism and IET respectively. Source: ABS (2016) 5368.0.55.003 International Trade: Supplementary Information, Financial Year 2015-2016
A State-wide Strategy: IET and TIQ Absence of a state-wide strategy for international education, until 2016 when Trade and Investment Queensland devised: International Education and Training Strategy to advance Queensland 2016-2026 Vision: A strong and sustainable international education and training (IET) industry that facilitates global engagement, produces lifelong ambassadors for Queensland, and becomes a key catalyst for growing Qld s knowledge economy. Regional focus Toowoomba
A State-wide Strategy: IET Partnership Fund The Strategy has proposed to advance regional Queensland via the initiative of the IET Partnership Fund. TIQ is partnering with QLD industry on 37 projects based around a number of themes including: Ipswich study cluster Greater Whitsundays study cluster Toowoomba study cluster Rockhampton study cluster Working together to grow regional capacity and cooperation Wide Bay Burnett study cluster Townsville International Education Strategy Gympie International Education Project
Toowoomba s Potential Case Study An authentic Australian life experience Safe and biodiverse living environment Agricultural abundance Affordable cost of living Reputable schools in the Toowoomba region for dependants of international students Accessibility: new airport Possibility to build a community network (population of 150,000), allowing a smooth adjustment experience and successful academic journey Personalised Student services
USQ s Potential Affordable tuition fees Flexible and supportive environment A wide range of facilities catering to a range of student needs Outstanding student services A number of accommodation options Free airport reception and transfer to your USQ campus Access to a free daily intercampus shuttle bus service Proximity to the city facilities Low student-teacher ratio Student engagement opportunities
Supporting International Education in Toowoomba: a Personal Experience Continuous commitment to promoting regional Toowoomba overseas and to increase its multicultural population via a number of initiatives: Recruitment of HDR Sponsored students from emerging markets (East Asia, Middle East & Latin America) Adoption of an inclusive approach to students and their families Introduction of school fee waiver for dependents of HDR students Encouragement of spouses to continue their education
What benefits does international education bring to the region? Multicultural exposure Engagement of the Local Government with International Students Global connections and partnership agreements with different government bodies, higher education institutions and sister cities, earning the city increased capital and diplomatic ties A skilled work force, trained to answer local demands Increased work opportunities for the region Toowoomba ambassadors worldwide
Future Initiatives 5 projects in the frame of the IET Partnership Fund aiming at regional development, enhancement of the student experience and creation of industry and community linkages: Mayor Welcome Event and International Student Ambassador program Study Toowoomba Education cluster in the Ipswich region Study Toowoomba International Hackathon Student Employability (HDR students)
Video on Toowoomba region
Thank you Website: www.usq.edu.au Phone: +61 7 4631 5543 Email: yusaft@usq.edu.au Skype: usq.international