Different perspectives – different purposes: some issues relating to the education of overseas students

Abstract

This paper was presented at the opening of the Conference on the education of overseas students in U.K. educational institutions held in London in March, 1992. It outlines some of the issues which should be considered in defining and assessing the problems alleged to be encountered by overseas students. Individual students may have different perceptions, and this may effect their expectations. These perceptions are based on their previous educational experiences; the different ways in which they are recruited; their aims in entering the course; their awareness of the growing range of library and information services; and the state of development of professional practice in their country. The paper also questions whether student's perceptions of their programme of studies are influenced by the non-educational factors which form part of their total experience, and when and by whom a judgment can be made about the relevance of a curriculum. Finally, the participants are invited to consider the aims and nature of professional education, and whether overseas students have particular needs.