Impacts of COVID-19 on Studying at Australia’s Universities: the Perspective of the Chinese International Students

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has led to an unprecedented shift to remote learning in higher education, following by dramatic changes in teaching and learning activities. This project presents the outcomes of a mixed-methods study on the learning experiences of Chinese international students enrolled in Australian universities during the pandemic of Covid-19. Following an analysis of the Australian and Chinese international education policies during the pandemic, and a review of relevant literature in the last two years, we surveyed 200 Chinese international students and further interviewed 25 of them in 6 focus groups. The participants provided valuable insights into 1) factors that motivated them to continue their studies during Covid-19; 2) problems and strategies for online learning; 3) opportunities and challenges they encountered; and 4) support they wanted for future learning. This project concludes that while the negative impacts of Covid-19 are evident, one should not deny the efforts made by both teachers and students, and the new learning opportunities brought to class by innovative adaptation strategies.