International media attention regarding incidents of violence against international students has had damaging effects on Australia’s reputation as a safe destination for study, particularly among Indian nationals. Furthermore, the rise of the Australian dollar, which has a direct effect on the cost of living in Australia compared with alternative destinations, and increased competition from other countries in the international education market, may have had some effect on decreasing levels of visa applications.
Social factors that affect an international student’s
choice of university could comprise of anything from
distance from home, to courses specific to a particular
university. With the advent on the internet and its ease
of use, print media is fast becoming a thing of the past.
Universities are no longer mailing brochures to prospec-tive students but are relying on the students to look them
up on the internet. Due to this, many students are more
influenced by their parents or peers as to where they attend
university, than by research they have done on a
particular institution. Obviously, here again, cost of tuition,
accommodation, food, transport and entertainment
play a role. Having the ability to work locally while
studying would help an international student adjust socially
and integrate progressively. Social fears of a prospective
student may also dictate their choice of university.
The more international a campus the more appealing
it would be as a choice for students wishing to diversify
their knowledge, culture or even religion.
The social system is the fabric of ideas, attitudes
and behaviour patterns that are involved in human
relationships. In particular businesses are
influenced by consumer attitudes and behaviours
which depend on such factors as the age structure
of the population, and the nature of work
and leisure.