Dr Manaia Chou-Lee wins excellence award for her thesis on internationalisation in the school sector

REDI PhD graduate Dr Manaia Chou-Lee has won the 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award from the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).

Her thesis, ‘Domestic students and internationalisation at home in Australian secondary schools’, is a unique study on internationalisation at home in the school sector from the perspectives and experiences of domestic students. It highlights an issue of major relevance to researchers, teachers, practitioners, and policy makers – that while there was evidence of engagement between domestic and international students, reciprocal relationships were rarely formed.

‘I am delighted that Manaia has been recognised with this award,’ said her supervisor Professor Ly Tran.

‘Her PhD is the first in Australia and overseas that investigates interrelated areas of international education in secondary schools, including policy, curriculum, and the school environment from the perspective of domestic students.’

‘Manaia’s outstanding PhD, along with her dedication to sharing knowledge, supporting the PhD research community, and advocating for international education and students’ voices make her a deserving winner of this award,’ Professor Tran said.

Manaia’s PhD was part of the Australian Research Council project led by Professor Jill Blackmore on international student connectedness in the school sector.

In addition to her thesis, Manaia also established the Children and Student Voice Across all Sectors SIG (Special Interest Group) for AARE (Australian Association of Research of Education), served as a steering committee member for the Australian Council for Student Voice (ACSV), and proactively advocates for domestic and international student voices to improve policy and practice for internationalisation at home.

L-R: Dr Manaia Chou-Lee with her PhD supervisor Professor Ly Tran.