...program
	Non-Refereed Presentation (Snapshot) Monday 11:15 - 12:10 Academic success and English language: International ESL students’ expectations and perceptions Laurie Ransom University of Melbourne lransom@unimelb.edu.au Chi Baik University of Melbourne cbaik@unimelb.edu.au Wendy Larcombe University of Melbourne wll@unimelb.edu.au This research reports on an ongoing project investigating international ESL students’ perceptions and expectations of English language learning needs and support at the University of Melbourne. Findings from questionnaires conducted in 2005 and 2006 indicate a significant gap between commencing students’ expectations and current University practices and support programs. This gap can be expected to contribute to international students’ disappointment and frustration with the Australian educational experience. There have been two phases to the research to date: in February 2005, 377 international ESL students completed a 50-item questionnaire on their perceptions of their English language proficiency and their expectations regarding support. This survey was repeated in February 2006, and 426 valid responses were analysed. All respondents had been referred by their faculty as likely to need language support. The 2006 data confirms the 2005 findings, despite a slight change in the first language background of the respondents. Findings suggest that international students’ expectations in relation to academic success and support will not be met. For example, over 60% of respondents expect to achieve results in the top third of their cohort. Around 94% of students expect the University to provide all the support needed to pass their subjects and 96% expect their subject teacher to help them with difficulties in any aspect of their course. These findings suggest that Australian universities need to be aware of and take steps to respond adequately to international students’ expectations in order to avoid unnecessary disappointments and ensure a positive international student experience.