Chinanews, August 19, according to a report compiled by Australia.com, the Australian government recently announced that early next month, about 300 students from China, Japan and Singapore will return to Adelaide. This move was welcomed by relevant agencies and was called a "very positive step." Although the move also caused controversy, the South Australian Department of Health defended the pilot project.
"Returning to Australia is the key for international students to complete their studies"
SBS reported on the 18th that it is reported that international students bring about 39 billion Australian dollars in income to the Australian economy each year, but the border ban that began in March this year due to the new crown pneumonia epidemic has prevented thousands of self-financed international students from returning to Australia. International students trapped overseas have also been asking the government to issue a clear plan to know when they can return to Australia. Many people were just about to get their degree certificates when the border closed.
In this regard, Bijay Sapkota, the co-founder of the Australian Student Work (SJA) Agency, said: “For those who are trapped overseas and desperately want to return to Australia to study, the project to bring international students back is very positive. Many people are taking classes online, but most people are really worried that they will be unable to attend the classroom because they pay high tuition fees."
At the same time, Karyn Kent, chief executive of the Adelaide Study (SA) institution, also said that when the border is closed, for many international students stranded overseas, returning to Australia is the key to completing their studies.
Kent said: "Many students are required to perform practice or internships to complete qualifications, and these things cannot be done online."
It is reported that Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said that the project will be used to test whether it can be carried out across the country and allow international students to return to Australia.
Officials defended the return of the pilot program for international students
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on the 17th that members of the Victorian community and Adelaide residents who have their families trapped overseas have accused the plan of reflecting the government's "double standards."
In this regard, the Department of Health of South Australia defended this project.
The Department of Health of South Australia stated that the pilot project is necessary to help revitalize the economy of South Australia, and international students do not pose too much risk to the spread of the epidemic. Before they start studying, international students will be compulsorily required to isolate themselves in hotels for two weeks.
At the same time, the Governor of South Australia (Steven Marshall) also stated that international students have made great contributions to Adelaide.
He said: "International students are an important part of our community, adding vitality and cultural diversity to South Australia."
He also said that the current situation of South Australia's prevention and control of the epidemic is "perfect" for taking the lead in returning overseas students.
Birmingham also stated on social media that he expressed confidence in South Australia's accommodation for international students.
Sakta also said that international students are at their own expense, so they will not use taxpayer money. He also called on those who questioned the project to consider the benefits it would bring to the community as a whole. "Everyone must consider the benefits. International students have used high tuition fees to support thousands of jobs in the field of higher education. There are still so many industries that rely on the wealth brought by international students, such as tourism and service industries." (Sun Shishi )