Student Support

Students Support

by Norpisah Mat Isa (USM)

International student intake is one of the significant indicators of internationalization. The student experience begins at the first point of contact with an institution or its staff and continues beyond graduation to alumni relations. Enhancing this entails continues review and renewal of the range and quality student support services that provides a rich and welcoming environment for international students and an inclusive international environment for home students.

Activities Suggested

• Higher education institutions are to establish a one stop-center that provides
  -Effective publicity and communication with existing and prospective students, including on-line as well as paper based materials.
  -Well-resource and professionally staffed support services to international students that enable them to receive effective counseling and support including academic, administrative and accommodation advice.
  -Integration and cross-cultural activities that enable international students to integrate in the life of the institution and for home students to be exposed to the diverse culture and community existing within the University.
  
  
• The Ministry of Higher Education and the higher education institutions are encouraged to establish Malaysian Alumni Association overseas to maintain relationship with graduates of Malaysian higher education institutions. The Alumni will act as link for promotion of Malaysian higher education and will also act as reference point for prospective students.
  
  
• Develop strategic alliances between the public and private higher education providers in enhancing the eco-system for higher education in Malaysia.
  

Risk

Failure of the one-stop center in functioning effectively and thus resulting in poor experience of international students at any stage in the admission and enrolment process, will lead to negative reporting and publicity.
Lack of interest among home students to participate in integration and inter-cultural activities will result in only a small number of home students benefiting from such programmes.

Monitoring of the activities

Determine KPIs
Develop feedback mechanisms from international and home students