Tertiary educators eager to rebuild

GOLD COAST educators are planning a blitz on 300,000 international students still left in Australia to protect a $1 billion beacon.

As part of a three-step plan, Study Gold Coast will try to entice foreign students to the Glitter Strip. The tertiary education sector’s $988 million international education and training sector has been savaged by the coronavirus crisis with international travel canned and casual workers heavily affected.

Despite the difficult times, Study Gold Coast boss Alfred Slogrove said applications and offers to learn on the Gold

Coast remained strong. At the end of February 20,000 international students were still on the Gold Coast.

“The education sector has pivoted well in terms of setting up new delivery models for its programs,” Mr Slogrove said.

“Gold Coast operators have been nimble, and innovative enrolling new students into online programs while the lockdowns are in place.”

He said while many details still had to be ironed out, there was likely to be a three-tier approach to holding up the sector. This included:

Targeting the 300,000 international and domestic students already in Australia by promoting the city as a place to learn and live.

Online learning for the first portion of international courses, until borders reopen.

Getting back into business with international campaigns, looking to accessible markets.

“As we begin to emerge from the current crisis, our ability to rebuild the sector will be directly linked to how we care for international students during this time,” Mr Slogrove said.

“We are confident that we have a robust framework in place to ensure international students feel safe and are supported in their second home in their time of need.”

This included ensuring part-time and casual jobs are available to attract students to the Coast.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Adam Shoemaker had similar plans to navigate the COVID-19 landscape. Starting session 2 in July, all classes at the university will be taught online.

“Even the requirements around practical work and field trips are being navigated well,” Prof Shoemaker said.

Griffith University was still considering its forward planning post-COVID-19, while Bond University had also pivoted to online learning.