They found the learning methods difficult - having to do substantial reading and research on their own adding that they had chosen courses where they felt they would not require a great knowledge of English. They had expected their English to be good enough for study in Australia and experienced quite a shock on finding they could not understand everything. In addition, they felt that Australian students made no allowances for the fact that English was not their native language. We may not be what they expected, but they have to understand that it took us lots of courage to make the decision to come here, especially when we're on our own. The following writing sample also illustrates the concern with language.
Language is the real problem.
I'm actually worrying about. Especially in expressing my feeling, to describe a situation, or an occasion. Conclusion One can conclude that there is not, at present, enough dissemination of information regarding Australian language and culture, either on arrival, during first semester, or prior to students' departure. It seems that institutions accepting overseas students need to address the problem of diversity in English and work out a policy which delineates what is and what is not acceptable English for academic study at an Australian university. Various implementation steps were taken at Curtin University following recommendations from this study.