UNIVERSITY Foundation Studies not only offers students from different countries a standard university entrance qualification but also a solid base for their academic studies in Australia.
According to International Development of Australian Universities and Colleges (IDP) manager Joanna Leung, Foundation Studies prepares overseas students for study at tertiary level. Courses are usually one year in duration.
Foundation courses were first introduced because the universities realised that the growing number of foreign students going to Australia to study had very different educational backgrounds.
'The students often need additional training in the study of subjects relevant to the undergraduate courses offered at Australian universities as well as in the type of English language used at a university,' Ms Leung said.
'Foundation Studies is different from secondary schooling. It is taught and assessed with the objective of helping overseas students go through the transition from their own education system and society to that which applies in Australian institutions.' The programme also provides students with an opportunity to adapt to the Australian environment.
'International students come from many varied cultural backgrounds with differences in climate, food, customs and expectations.
'On the university campus, students learn about one another and at the same time learn about the Australian multi-cultural way of life.' According to Ms Leung, traditionally, students taking the foundation programme have required varying levels of English language training.