The next step

On the occasion of the completion of 20 years in India, Jane Den Hollander, vice-chancellor and president, Deakin University, Australia, on the way forward for the institution
The university's India office is celebrating 20 years. What are the lessons learnt and what does the future hold?
One of the biggest lessons we have learnt since setting up an office in India is that no two cultures have the same approach. Culture is important and respect for cultural dif ferences is important, too. The way people are educated in India is different from the way it hap pens in Australia. As a university, we have learnt that international students, be it Indians coming to Australia or vice-versa, are vulnerable. As a university, it is our responsibility to give them a significant induction about the ways and morals of the country they are travelling to.
The greatest outcome is the return on investment for the economy. When highly educated graduates return to India and get jobs, they cre ate wealth for the country's economy. And as they rise up to power, eventually, connections are made at a higher level. Additionally, as the rising middle class is internationally educated and is more tolerant towards other cultures, it gives hope that maybe in the next 10 years, we will have a more peaceful society.
We have understood the value of comprehensive engagement and are not in India with the single-minded purpose of student recruitment. We know the importance of research and forging industry partnerships to help students who return to India and enter the job market.
You recently announced that the university will leverage its India centre to expand its operations in South Asia. Which are the countries you plan to focus on in the region?
Deakin's entry into India 20 years ago has proven to be a strategic advantage for us. We see the next 20 years as having a significant impact on the surrounding region on behalf of both Australia and India. We will focus on countries such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan and the Middle East.
How has the perception of Indian students about Australia as a study destination changed over the last 20 years?
Students are increasingly sophisticated and they make well thought-out decisions now. Initially, we would play a significant role in influencing their decision, but today's student comes to us after doing their research; they know what they want to do.