Key policy points for study abroad

A social media push and an in-country "bridgehead" to help arrivals were among ideas at a policy roundtable for the Coalition's study abroad plan.

STUDENT loan holidays, social media campaigns and an in-country "bridgehead" to help new arrivals adjust were among suggestions at a policy roundtable for the Coalition's "new Colombo" study abroad plan.

The advice came from 140 leaders of higher education, business, the professions and student organisations working in groups at last month's Parliament House roundtable staged by Liberal Party think tank the Menzies Research Centre.

The key policy points were as follows -

Success will require not just political will but a deep cultural change.

Australia's weak languages education will be an obstacle.

Begin creating interest and demand as early as primary school with serious language and culture programs.

Many students see Asia as "hot, difficult and dangerous".

Offer HECS loan holidays for students who take up study abroad.

Enlist social media, and students newly returned from Asia, to generate enthusiasm on campus.

Sell study abroad as an adventure.

Devise branding that appeals to the young, the Colombo reference may have little resonance.

Make sure there is a "bridgehead" of experienced people already in-country so new students don't drop out early because they struggle to find accommodation, to negotiate the bureaucracy, settle in.

Build up alumni networks to help inspire the next cohort of students.

Promote global citizenship.

Work with bilateral graduate groups focused on the region, such as the Australia-China, Australia-India, Australia-Japan and Australia-Indonesia youth organisations.

Liberalise the rigid undergraduate production process that makes it difficult for students to fit in languages and overseas study.

A promotion campaign has to send a message that business, government and NGOs value Asia literacy in recruitment, not just in rhetoric.

Create a jobs bulletin board, industry sector by sector, showcasing graduates with Asia literacy.

Beef up student mobility departments on campus.

Be precise about the aims of the scheme so that inevitably limited resources can be used to best effect.

Draw on student mobility research when crafting policy.

Build on existing programs, expand what has been successful.

Carry out a review of existing study abroad programs.

Forge an alliance of government, business and higher education.

Don't weaken the scheme by consigning it to the central bureaucracy.

The scholarship scheme should be large-scale and tiered, with an elite element.

Include top TAFE students to broaden coverage of fields such as health and mining.

Decide whether study must be for credit or is better pitched as experiential learning.

Credit for study may not be such a crucial issue if internships are done well and motivate students to study abroad.

If study is to be for credit, tackle accreditation issues early.

Ensure that Australia's regulatory framework enables outward mobility.

Create pilot programs with one or two countries, then work out bilateral arrangements as countries opt in.

Tailor the study and internship program country by country, some countries do not permit students to work.

Draw on expertise and resources of in-country companies and NGOs to get the program up and help students get the most out of it.