Students wary of destination Oz

Updated on: Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Kolkata: On the eve of their scheduled departure, Kolkata students heading for Australian universities are wary of racist attacks. Many are still undecided and keeping their options open to return even as they pack their bags. There could be a marginal drop in the number of Australia-bound students this time even though education agents claimed none has dropped out so far. A batch of around 800 will leave for Australia in mid-July.

At a special pre-departure talk organized for Kolkata youngsters, a list of dos and don’ts were handed out. They were told that it is no longer safe to stay out late or huddle together in watertight groups, shunning other communities. But “not all Australian institutions are risky” or all Australian cities “racially sensitive”, believe Indian students now studying there.

Students now studying in Australian universities were asked to come and interact with the new applicants. Their message to the juniors was very clear: follow the rules or face the consequences. “They must not choose to stay in suburbs which are trouble-prone even if the accommodation is cheap. Walking alone after dark is strictly forbidden and try to interact with other racial groups as far as possible. Finally, try and avoid confrontation even if you are provoked. The situation is new so you can’t afford to let your guard drop,” said Brajendra Singh, a student of Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Parents and students are wary. “None has withdrawn so far but everyone is making inquiries. The situation is worrying,” said Gagandeep Singh, a student leaving for Melbourne.

The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI), that organized the talk, will also hire a public relations agency to dispel “unfounded fears and myths about racist attacks”. “The pre-departure event that we organized in Kolkata was slightly different this time as we had some students from Melbourne and Sydney to address the new batch and answer their and their parents’ queries,” said Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director, Global Reach, that represents several Australian universities in India. “Eighty-five per cent of the students rely on word of mouth while taking a decision to study in Australia. We are trying to tell them that while there is a need to be careful and take precautions in view of the attacks, it isn’t unsafe to go there and study,” he added.

AAERI, that works in close coordination AEI, the Australian body for overseas education, will soon bring a very senior level delegation of the Australian government to several Indian cities, including Kolkata. This group will engage with local state government, the regional press and parents.

“We are trying to convince all concerned that agents are not bad and that all institutions are not risky. If students are alert and avoid risky areas and workplaces, they will be safe. We have laid down an elaborate list of instructions. Global Reach will contribute to this initiative financially and otherwise. It strongly recommends all institutions to also contribute to AAERI’s funds requirement for this purpose,” said Singh. Around 800 students join Australian institutions from Kolkata every year.

Students wary of destination Oz

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