The Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) is a major event that brings together people who are committed to improving the international student experience in Australia. Held every year, the 2024 conference will take place in Melbourne/Naarm from 22 to 25 October.
This is where educators, policymakers, and experts come together to address the most pressing issues affecting international students, with a focus on supporting you throughout your entire journey – from considering study in Australia to life after graduation.
This year’s theme, “The Human Element,” will explore how personal interactions shape education, especially as the world becomes more digitally driven.
What does the AIEC cover?
AIEC is a four-day event packed with over 100 sessions designed to tackle the issues that matter most to international students. It’s not just about formal panels and speeches – it’s an opportunity to dive into discussions that directly affect your experience in Australia. From expert talks to interactive workshops and networking, the conference covers topics like employability, sustainability, diversity, and student demand trends.
Here are some highlights from the 2024 program:
– Mental health and student support: The AIEC will explore ways to improve mental health services for international students, focusing on reducing the stress caused by complex policies. The Human Element of ESOS Compliance session will highlight how the confusing ESOS processes can impact student wellbeing and share insights on making these systems more student-friendly. The goal is to ensure that policies support students as individuals, not just as part of a process.
– Career readiness: This year’s AIEC will focus on how universities are evolving their strategies to better prepare international students for the job market. The Innovations in Career Support session will highlight new approaches that boost student confidence, enhance industry partnerships, and offer flexible career support.
– Policy updates: With major policy changes happening in Australia, this is where decisions and updates that could affect you are discussed, including visa regulations and student rights. One of the events, The National Strategy Townhall will open up the floor to audience members to ask the panel of experts about the ongoing government reviews and how these shifts could impact your experience as an international student.
– Sustainability and diversity: AIEC will focus on making institutions more inclusive and environmentally friendly, with sessions dedicated to sustainability and diversity. The conference will have a Sustainability Lounge, where attendees can explore how to make their organisations more sustainable and mindful of diversity. There will also be sessions specifically addressing inclusivity with insights from students, helping shape a more welcoming study environment.
One of the most anticipated events this year is a student panel featuring six international students from different countries. They’ll share their personal stories about studying in Victoria, from the challenges of adapting to a new culture to the opportunities they’ve found. This session, chaired by award-winning journalist Stan Grant, will be a key moment in the conference, providing insights straight from international students themselves. It’s an important reminder of the value of listening to students directly, rather than just talking about them.
Why is the AIEC important for international students?
While you might not be attending the conference yourself, what’s discussed there can directly shape your experience as an international student. Whether it’s improving mental health support, offering better career opportunities, or addressing the rising cost of living, the conference aims to make life easier and more fulfilling for you.
While recent news and policy changes may feel discouraging, AIEC is a reminder that there are many people and organisations dedicated to helping you succeed. The conference brings together those who genuinely care about your wellbeing and are working to ensure you have what you need to thrive.
For more details, you can explore the full program at AIEC’s website.
