The international education community across Australia has spoken out to reassure agents and international students regarding the bushfire crisis – reiterating that most study destinations remain safe, unaffected and continue to offer the “incredible study experience” the country is known for.
With education being Australia’s third-largest export industry, the continued international focus on the bushfires has raised concerns that the country’s reputation as a top study destination might be damaged due to the associated health and safety implications of the bushfires and smoke haze.
“One of the best ways you can help affected communities is by continuing to visit, study and do business with Australia”
In a post on the Study In Australia website, the government stressed that the industry is working together to ensure the safety and support of all current and incoming international students.
“One of the best ways you can help affected communities is by continuing to visit, study and do business with Australia,” the post read.
It stressed the importance of seeking the most up-to-date information prior to arrival: “due to the rapidly changing conditions, your university or institution is best placed to advise you on how fires may impact your studies and their operations.”
According to reports, the universities of Sydney and Wollongong were both forced to close some of their satellite campuses due to fire danger and Australian National University closed its main campus in early January because of the smoke.
The government’s message was reiterated by ELT association English Australia. CEO Brett Blacker noted that while fires have brought devastation, “they have also shown us the incredible resolve and strength of Australians, especially those working in our emergency services”.
“We are working closely with key government agencies to ensure that students and agents receive the right messages during this time,” he said.
“In our key markets, we will convey the message that most study destinations remain safe and unaffected by bushfires, emphasising that Australia is still a great place to learn English.”
Speaking to The PIE News, Blacker said the association was in close talks with government to ensure students are supported and safe.
“I fly to Melbourne next Tuesday to meet with Australia’s Education minister, the Hon Dan Tehan, and participate in a sector roundtable to discuss the current bushfire emergency from an international education perspective,” he said.
Blacker added that Australia’s international students have been involved in some incredible acts of kindness during the fires.
“We have seen Sikh volunteers donating meals and support in Gippsland and an international student who is a volunteer firefighter: Mark Yeong, a 22-year-old Singaporean studying at the University of Sydney,” he told The PIE.
The overwhelming majority of institutions are unaffected by the fires”
“‘To any students who are asking, “How can we help?” we say: continue with your plans. The overwhelming majority of institutions are unaffected by the fires and will continue to offer you the incredible study experience that our country is known for.”
In a social media post, Study Sydney reiterated: “The metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong are not currently threatened by fires but have experienced smoke haze on some days.
At this stage, we are expecting commencing and current international students to enrol with their education institution as planned at the start of the academic calendar.”
The devastating impact the fires are having on Australian wildlife has also prompted support from the sector, with Study Gold Coast announcing that each team member would be “sponsoring a koala.”
The @CWHFAU is one of the busiest in the world. With the current bushfire crisis stretching their resources like never before they desperately need our help. That’s why our team members are each sponsoring a koala. https://t.co/ZubEW3OqW8 #AustralianBushfires
— Study Gold Coast (@StudyGoldCoast) January 14, 2020
Blacker added that English Australia would “encourage all students to visit www.Australia.com for up-to-date advice on destinations in Australia and an interactive map of the fires.”
To support emergency service agencies or charities across Australia visit:
- Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery – www.redcross.org.au
- NSW Rural Fire Service – www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
- Country Fire Association of Victoria – www.cfa.vic.gov.au
- South Australia Country Fire Service – www.cfsfoundation.org.au
- The Salvation Army Disaster Appeal – www.salvationarmy.org.au
- St Vincent de Paul Bushfire Appeal – www.vinnies.org.au
- Wires (injured wildlife) – www.wires.org.au
