Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 11/2009

Australia's poisoned alumni: international education and the costs to Australia

Michael Wesley

August 2009

Lowy Institute for International Policy

Abstract

In this new Lowy Institute Policy Brief, Executive Director Michael Wesley analyses the multi-faceted international student debate. It canvasses the dynamics of the international student industry and the social, economic and criminal issues faced by international students during their time in Australia. Wesley scutinises the wide-ranging implications of the problem and considers that if left unaddressed, it is likely to worsen. The paper, with its considered and instructive policy recommendations, represents an independent and relevant contribution to the debate with Wesley forewarning the potential creation of a poisoned alumni.