Welcome to Wollongong: host communities and international students

The relationship that international students have with members of the community is very significant (Ward 2006). The way that various community representatives and residents respond to newcomers will impact on the extent to which these newcomers are able to participate as full members of their host communities rather than remaining on the periphery. The depiction of international students by the media also influences the perceptions that community members have of newcomers and their attitudes towards these newcomers. A focus on building nurturing and welcoming communities is imperative in providing an inclusive environment in which all members are able to fully engage which is important for the health and wellbeing of international students. However, studies with international students show that most students access support from within their educational institutions and many only have very superficial contact with the broader community (Ward 2006).