Prize winning PhD studied interactions between domestic and international students

In 2024, REDI PhD graduate Dr Manaia Chou-Lee won the 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.

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

Here Manaia talks about how she became interested in international education, her experience with her PhD supervisors and her plans for the future.

Describe your project and why you chose this topic

My thesis is about students’ perspectives and experiences with internationalisation at home. This involved researching: 1) policies and curriculum driving international education and internationalisation at home in schools; 2) in what ways these were enacted in school from the views of domestic students; and 3) how domestic students saw themselves interacting with international students.

I wanted to address gaps noted in the field of international education which could help in alleviating challenges. My research, therefore, focussed on under-represented voices of international education in secondary schools and investigating the ways that the purpose of international education was understood by domestic students (as direct beneficiaries of internationalisation at home) and to what extent they engaged with internationalisation at home.

What were you hoping to achieve with your research?

My goal was that government bodies and schools learn from domestic student views and experiences by gathering insights and making connections with internationalisation at home from their perspectives. In particular, how domestic students viewed intercultural interactions with international students. I was hoping to find additional insights on how interactions between international and domestic students could be fostered in ways to lead to meaningful integration into the community.

What is your background, and what challenges have you faced to get to this point?

I am of Pacific Island (Samoan and Niuean) descent, born and raised in a low socio-economic area of New Zealand, and the first of my family to attend university. I faced a number of challenges and although I did not see myself as an academic person, I understood that education was key to improving my journey both professionally and personally.

My qualifications in education came about after I finished my undergraduate degree. I became interested in international education when I was working at an International College. I was in charge of pastoral care and wellbeing of international students and observed the highs and lows of their experiences of living in a new country. These experiences made me want to seek out answers as to why international students, in most cases, felt like they did not belong in many of the social spaces they were a part of in the community.

Why did you decide to do your PhD at Deakin?

Before embarking on my PhD, I read a number of articles authored by Professor Ly Tran and I wanted to work with a supervisor who was (and still is) an expert in this field. After a few email exchanges, we arranged to chat online. In this conversation, I knew what type of supervisor she would be – supportive, passionate about international education, and made me feel that I was able to complete my PhD. Through Ly, I met Jill and considered myself fortunate yet again as Jill and Ly had similar approaches to supervision. Jill’s passion for leadership, schools, and international education was an additional bonus for choosing Deakin.

How was your experience with your supervisors?

I cannot speak highly enough of Ly and Jill. Together, they both have a supportive working relationship, which was reflected in what they wanted of their PhD and Masters students. I found myself constantly challenged with the rigour of what was needed to see the PhD through to completion. Both Ly and Jill understood this and either stood back or pushed when necessary to get me to realise my full potential.

What was a highlight of your PhD?

Being awarded the 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award from the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) was a surreal experience. I was not aware of the level of prestige and recognition the award brought until I walked up on stage. I am truly honoured and humbled by receiving this award.

A popular Maori saying in New Zealand is “What is the most important thing in the world?” and the response is “He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata” – it is people, it is people, it is people. Another major highlight of completing my PhD was the people I met at Deakin University and on my PhD journey – they will not be forgotten.

Now that you have completed your PhD what are your next steps and challenges?

Completing my PhD opened up other areas of interest in student voice and inclusive education. After investing a few years of my life to academia, I wanted to get back on the ground level and take what I had learnt to implement positive change in schools. Finding a role that would satisfy this purpose and the level of expertise you bring to the role was a challenge at first. I have since found a role as a Principal of a school where I can place a focus on positive intercultural interactions, inclusivity, and student voice.

Dr Manaia Chou-Lee receiving her 2024 Outstanding Thesis Award.