Dear Australian colleagues,
In May, I went to my son’s graduation. As each graduate approached the stage, they doffed their cap, collected their degree and beamed for the formal picture, radiating pride.
There were the occasional whoops and hollers from friends and family but the whole audience applauded every graduate in a collective celebration, recognising each significant milestone.
It’s taken me 30 years – but in that moment, I finally realised that this is what my working life has been all about.
What we do is transformational to each of these students.
Perhaps you think this should’ve been obvious, but this was my first graduation as an observer. My own was too long ago to remember, and as a supplier I was never invited to any graduation ceremonies and never had any reason to attend as a volunteer.
For the first time, I could see the incredible impact we have on individual lives, as each graduate looked to the future with hope and excitement.
On the flip side, the past five years have been undoubtably tough for the international education sector, with many institutions feeling as though they have been kicked in the guts every day, and it can be hard to see a way forward.
But I believe our sector is maturing and is also very resilient. We have a long tradition of dealing with adversity. Having battled to create a sector from scratch in the first place, we’ve weathered global financial crises, pandemics, bad press, and government-imposed changes to turn admissions offices into immigration centres.
Whatever has been thrown at us, we have managed to find a way through. Each time the sector has emerged stronger, and better at delivering great outcomes for the students we serve – and it is time to do it again.
What’s more, based on my experience, I am confident Australia can lead the way.
I’ve always felt, in so many ways, that Australia has been ahead of the rest of the world in how it manages the business of international education. Our planning, systems, processes and reporting, a laser focus on student experience, and the way we engage with government: the maturity of our industry bodies should be the envy of the world.
I’ve always felt, in so many ways, that Australia has been ahead of the rest of the world in how it manages the business of international education
However, when I’ve spoken with people in the sector outside of Australia about the problems they are facing and how the sector has addressed these, the recommendation to reach out is often dismissed.
We often say that we work in siloed institutions, but our industry is just as siloed globally. We could achieve much more if we came together and learnt from each other.
Some of the challenges we face now in Australia stem from the fact that we got too good at doing what we did. By trying to be more business-like in how we operated we turned international education into a commodity. Perhaps if we look to those countries that see education more as a public good, we might find solutions to rebuild society’s belief in international engagement – and the value of inbound and outbound cultural exchange?
I still find a lot to be encouraged by and we need pioneers. For example, the shift to quality and retention (over quantity) is not just a challenge, but an opportunity. We can make an outsized impact by finding the best candidate for the fewer places on offer.
The changing regional focus of the US presents an increased role for Australia in our region, with international education playing a key role in building relationships and soft power.
Some of the challenges we face now in Australia stem from the fact that we got too good at doing what we did
AI will play a big part in shaping how we deliver on these opportunities. That journey has just begun and you’re in the right place at the right time, so stay curious.
The things worth doing well are never easy. And there are a few things worth remembering when the going gets tough.
Firstly, remember the world needs educated people to meet the challenges we face. The skills we develop, and how and where we do it, is up for grabs and open to disruption. What an amazing opportunity to define and build a sustainable sector.
Remember, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience within the sector, particularly from those that have recently left or retired. Reach out. You’ll be surprised how readily people will be happy to sit down and hear how you’re going.
Finally, remember the feeling of graduation day. The joy, the pride, the hope. And where possible, share that with your team and stakeholders as much as you can to remind them of our purpose and impact.
If you’re on the Gold Coast for The PIE Live Asia Pacific conference I’d love to chat about the ideas above and hear how you’re going.
Jason
Jason Howard will be speaking at The PIE Live Asia Pacific, 29-30 July 2025 on the sessions ‘Tech stack: improving the digital student journey and Exit interviews: perspectives from colleagues who recently made a career change. See ticket details here.
