International Student Success Fostering a home away from home: Supporting International Students to learn and thrive as successful Health Professionals

Why is international student success a priority?

The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (FMNHS) has approximately 2500 international students, from a variety of language and cultural backgrounds, enrolled in over 60 courses, spreading across campuses, clinical sites and research facilities. These international students are mostly from Asian countries, namely China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. They contribute valuable knowledge and life experience to our classroom and workforce, and many are some of our top academic performers. However, it is widely acknowledged that international students often experience challenges that may contribute to their delayed success or hinder the achievement of their full potential. It is our obligation as educators to optimise international student success.

What is the fellowship project about?

This project, Fostering a home away from home, aims to foster an empowering and inclusive learning culture for international students in FMNHS, while also equipping educators with resources to better support these students. Through reviewing research, mapping current programs in FMNHS, and partnering with students and staff, the project will identify what works and co-create new engagement activities. A key outcome will be a practical International Student Resource toolkit with real examples and case studies to guide teaching staff. By building knowledge, fostering collaboration, and sharing proven approaches, the project aims to create sustainable strategies in facilitating international student success in FMNHS.

What is the purpose of this fellowship?

  1. To promote empowerment and belonging among international students in the faculty, and
  2. Increase the capacity of health professions educators to foster the adoption of programs/activities for international student success.

The fellowship is due to start in 2026. Updates will be provided soon.