Australia: TAFE crisis spreads to international students

Australia/Diciembre de 2017/Fuente: The Advertiser

Resumen: El Departamento de Educación Federal se ha puesto en contacto con TAFE para buscar la seguridad de que los estudiantes podrán completar su estudio o recuperar su dinero. Pero los expertos de la industria están preocupados por el impacto de la crisis actual en el principal fabricante de dinero del estado, que inyectó más de $ 1.4 mil millones en la economía de SA en el último año. La educación internacional fue la segunda exportación más grande de Australia del Sur después del vino el año pasado. El presidente de Educación Adelaide, Bill Spurr, advirtió que el asunto podría poner en peligro la industria. Dijo que el organismo, que comercializaba Adelaide como un centro de excelencia educativa en nombre de los gobiernos y las instituciones, había recibido llamadas de agentes extranjeros preocupados por los acontecimientos.

The Federal Education Department has contacted TAFE to seek assurance the students are going to be able to complete their study or get their money back.

But industry experts are concerned about the impact of the ongoing crisis on the state’s major money maker, which pumped more than $1.4 billion into SA’s economy in the past year. International education was South Australia’s second largest export after wine last year.

Education Adelaide chair Bill Spurr warned the matter could jeopardise the industry.

He said the body, which marketed Adelaide as a centre of education excellence on behalf of governments and institutions, had been taking calls from overseas agents concerned about the unfolding events.

“News spreads fairly fast through social media in the international education industry,” Mr Spurr said.

“It’s essential it’s fixed quickly and students cannot be left out of pocket. It’s disappointing but I’m sure it will be fixed up by TAFE because international education is too important as a sector.”

Skills Minister Susan Close promised the TAFE SA international team would contact affected students. International students were understood to have been emailed last week.

“I have been advised by TAFE SA that there are four affected qualifications that are offered to international students,” Dr Close said.

“My main priority is to ensure all students receive the support and advice they need and there is minimal disruption to their studies.

“International students have special concerns and requirements in terms of travel, visas and accommodation and I am committed to working with them to minimise any inconvenience.”

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham wanted to assure international students there was a “safety net” in place to ensure none were left “high and dry”. He said the State Government should work hard to minimise the impact the “debacle” could have on the state’s reputation.

Fuente: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/tafe-crisis-spreads-to-international-students/news-story/3ae24bdb6d20bfc61b48b9307375c109