Australian and Indonesian Experts Discuss Importance of Intercultural Education

Australian and Indonesian experts today discussed the increasing popularity of international education and the challenges of incorporating intercultural education within the university sector at a seminar held at the Australian Embassy attended by more than 100 educational experts and professionals.

Dr. Alison Owens from Central Queensland University, Australia, shared experiences in internationalising CQ University and the research at the Intercultural Education Research Institute to meet the teaching and learning needs of culturally diverse students.

Dr. Owens emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in educating students as global citizens with strong intercultural awareness and communicative competence.

“Universities must take adept improvements in their curricula and pedagogy to enhance the students’ international exposure and intercultural sensitivity,” she said.

Dr. Tjahjaning Tingastuti Surjosuseno from Widya Mandala University said the creation of understanding, tolerance and respect of different multicultural groups was particularly valuable at all levels of education.

“Intercultural education is education which goes beyond passive co-existence to achieve a developing and sustainable way of living together in multicultural societies,” Dr Surjosuseno said.

Today’s seminar on International & Intercultural Education – the CQ University Experience is part of a seminar series organised by Australian Education International.

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