Understanding and supporting international students learning: perspective of teachers

International students are important for creating a multicultural learning environment in their host countries. Most studies on the internationalisation of education have focused on students at the university level and given scant attention to international students in the Australian school sector. This paper reports on a study that utilised a critical interpretive research methodology to investigate the contributions of international students to Australian independent schools and the support they receive from the perspective of schoolteachers. By interviewing 13 Australian teachers who teach international students in several subjects, this paper first reports on the importance of international students to internationalising Australian schools, including improving cultural awareness and competence, introducing culturally responsive teaching strategies and multiple learning styles, and diversifying teaching materials and methods. This paper also identifies supporting programs for international students provided by schools, which include language support; academic support; cultural and social support, and designated international students’ EAL teachers. This paper argues that in practising international education in secondary schools, Australian teachers should recognise and acknowledge the contributions of international students to the school's internationalisation and support students by respecting their unique educational subjectivities.