Think Before aims to improve overseas student safety

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Larry Anderson, executive director of Think Before, an information service aimed at meeting the duty of care requirements for overseas and domestic students, has written to the strategic review of the student visa program arguing the urgent need to improve information about support services for international arrivals as they settle into Australia.

He said a partnership between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the education sector could fund an information service at minimal cost say, $2 per visa application which could be distributed to all education institutions across all states and territories by leveraging public video platforms and social media channels for pre/post student arrivals.

Think Before began as a safety initiative last year in response to attacks on international students, funded by bodies including universities and TAFEs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Victoria Police.

Its cautionary messages to students initially about late night travel on public transport were distributed via social media, including videos featuring  George the international student, SMS and mobile applications.

Now Mr Anderson is campaigning to broaden the safety campaign across other areas, and create nationwide interest among governments, institutions and agencies.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/