Summary of Feedback Survey: 2016 APAIE

Summary of Feedback Survey: 2016 APAIE-Melbourne
Total survey respondents: 424 = approximately 25% of total registered
Q2: How many APAIE conferences attended in the past (not including 2016)?
A2: The majority are first-timers.
60.0%
% of Respondents
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
0
1
2
3
4
5
6+
# APAIE Conferences
Q3: How did you learn about this year’s conference?
A3: Word of mouth is most effective.
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
The majority of “other” answers included networks and conferences (NAFSA, JAFSA, KAFSA)
and industry organisations (Austrade, CampusFrance, German Academic Exchange Service,
Malaysian Education Ministry, Office of the Russian Academic Excellence Project 5/100).
Perhaps include this as an option in following surveys.
Page 1
Q4: Were you satisfied with the following aspects at this year’s conference?
Number of respondents
A4: Majority were “very satisfied + satisfied” as shown by the 2 lower blue sections of the graph.
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
Q5: Satisfaction with parallel sessions
A5: Majority indicated they were satisfied with the parallel sessions.
400
Number of respondents
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
Page 2
Q6: Satisfaction with the exhibition
A6: Nearly all indicated they were satisfied with the exhibition.
450
Number of respondents
400
350
300
Strongly Disagree
250
Disagree
200
Neutral
150
Agree
100
Strongly Agree
50
0
The exhibition was wellorganised
The exhibiting hours
were sufficient
Q7: Satisfaction with conference logistics
A7: Nearly all indicated they were satisfied with the conference logistics.
Number of respondents
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
Q8: From which speakers or sessions did you gain the most?
A8: “Workshops” came out on top with 21 mentions, followed by Simon Marginson’s Keynote
speech at the Opening Ceremony with 16 mentions. The Regional Reports featured
strongly, followed by session 3E on media and recruitment (both presentations). Within the
workshop category, VUIF’s session on Transnational Education was the most highly praised
with 7 mentions.
Page 3
Workshops
1. VUIF
7
2. NCP
3
3. Betty Leask 2
Simon Marginson’s keynote
21
Regional Reports
14
Session 3E (Media & Recruitment)
11
Session 8F (National Qualifications Framework in A-P)
7
Margaret Gardner’s keynote
6
Session 4E (Frederik Holst)
4
Session 5F (Multilateral Strategic Partnerships)
4
Sessions 3C, 4B, 7F
3
Sessions 1B, 2C, 2D, 4C, 6D, 8B, 8D, 8E
2
Sessions 1E, 1F, 2E, 5B, 5C, 5E, 6C, 6E, 6F, 7A, 7C, 8C, 6D
1
16
Other comments of note:
•
Presidents roundtable (best of the 3 I have attended)
•
The theme most relevant to me was "Trends and Strategic Developments" and this was
the area of focus at the previous two APAIE Conferences I had attended. In my view
there was too much at this Conference on student mobility, and that was apparent in the
quality of the presentations/sessions, which was not (in my view) always very high.
•
I only attended the gala dinner. The speakers were very good, but dinner speeches
should be shorter, especially when the audience members are not all native speakers of
English.
Q9: Suggestions for improving next year’s conference
A9: Nothing was mentioned with particularly high frequency which may indicate there is no
specific area in which the conference needs to improve. A few mentioned the need for more
meeting spaces (chairs & tables), shorter speeches at the gala dinner, and a better preconference networking tool. Suggestions pertaining to the session program include having
less sessions, better quality of presenters, and not scheduling sessions of the same theme
at the same time.
There were numerous suggestions for improvement which cover a wide variety of aspects.
The following is a cross-section of responses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
More tables set up at the venue for quick meetings
Conference program with details on sessions, needs to be released much earlier and
before the early bird registration deadline
Better parallel sessions management avoiding competition
The use of a better system that organizes the e-contacts would be good
Turn panels from being mostly self-advertising to actual debates
Please upload the general information of APAIE itself or of the past conferences
Better planning around dinner & speeches. When to do what. When do people want to
engage on their table, when do they want to listen to a speech.
Vet the presentations - at least 2 of the presentations I went to didn't answer the topic
of the presentation
Please see Appendix A for the full list of suggested improvements.
Page 4
Q10: How does the APAIE Conference & Exhibition compare with other conferences you
have attended?
A10: Just over 50% rate the APAIE conference as higher value (‘much higher’ + ‘higher’) than
other conferences and about 40% believe it is equal in value. A negligible 6.2% believe it is
lower in value (‘lower’ + ‘much lower’).
10.6% Much higher value
41.5% Higher value
41.7% Equal value
5.7% Lower value
0.5% Much lower value
Q11: How likely will you attend the next APAIE Conference & Exhibition?
A11: About 70% intend to attend a future APAIE conference, which is significant given this was
the first APAIE conference for just over 50% of attendees.
32.1% Highly likely
38.8% Likely
24.0% Not sure
3.1% Unlikely
1.9% Highly unlikely
Page 5
Q12: How important are the following elements on your decision to register for the next
APAIE conference?
A12: Networking opportunities are the most important factor influencing a delegate’s decision to
attend a future APAIE conference, followed by the overall cost, then the conference location.
The least important factors are the keynote speakers, attendance at previous conferences
and campus visits.
Total respondents who indicated
Very important + Important
396
Networking opportunities
375
Total respondents who indicated
Not important + Not important at all
Very important
1
Networking opportunities
Overall cost (including travel and
accommodation)
|
8
Overall cost (including travel and
accommodation)
369
Accessibility of the city
|
8
Accessibility of the city
347
Registration fee
|
11
City where Conference is going to
be held
334
Being able to access delegate
attendance
|
14
Registration fee
332
Full program
|
14
Being able to access delegate
attendance
330
Conference venue
|
14
Full program
330
List of exhibitors
|
15
Conference venue
327
City where Conference is going to
be held
|
18
Professional development
287
Professional development
|
22
List of exhibitors
251
Conference theme
|
43
Social events
208
Social events
|
53
Conference theme
204
Campus visits
|
70
Campus visits
191
Keynote speakers
|
73
Attendance in previous
Conference
147
Attendance in previous
Conference
Not important at
all
84
Keynote speakers
Q13: Responses to the theme, "Asia Pacific – A Global Education and Research
Powerhouse: New models of cooperation in research engagement and education
mobility for the 2020’s".
A13: Of the 100 who answered this question, the majority were supportive of the theme. Most
mentioned the theme was good, relevant, important, etc. There were a few less enthusiastic
responses, suggesting the theme was a bit long.
Please see Appendix B for the full list of responses.
Page 6
Q14: Your thoughts on “International Higher Education”
A14: Answers were submitted by 87 respondents. The majority acknowledge the importance of
“International Higher Education” along with a minority saying it is too broad.
Please see Appendix C for the full list of responses.
Q15: Messages for the APAIE Secretariat
A15: Lots of messages of thanks and appreciation and a few suggestions for the Secretariat. A
sample of these suggestions follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Please review and confirm conference proposals earlier so that the conference program
can be released earlier
More promotion in other regions
Can you please sort out the APAIE membership situation!
How is the procedure to be parallel chairperson?
Your website leading up to the conference did not contain enough information to gauge
whether attending would be beneficial.
Please re-focus the Conference on strategic challenges facing international HE.
please make the conference book more lighter. more editing will be necessary
I hope sessions will be more practical. The content rather focused to narrow examples
and experiences. Good luck with your next conference!
Speakers could have a higher profile.
try to include more of India
I think it would be really useful if all presenters share their materials/slides after the
session.
Please see Appendix D for the full list of messages.
Page 7
Appendix A
Q9: Suggestions for improving next year’s conference
Full list of responses:
The bundling of the sessions was problematic. Too many unrelated topics put into one session.
Fewer formal elements/presentations during the dinner
not so much choice of parallel sessions - there were SO many great things going on at the same time!
Get rid of the big satchel. Have all the program printed in the little name tag (saves us from carrying the
big APAIE book)
Please provider access to the participants much, much earlier and update the participants register
regularly. There were a significant number of our partners that did not appear as participants at all or
very,very late!
Have more details including conference programme, available early, on the website.
Gala dinner needs to have dancing and less talking
The Networking tool and list of participants did not work properly and one could not search properly.
Keynote Speaker and Food at the same time did not work well. It was too noisy.
More universities from the mainland of China.
Distance from exhibition hall to conference sessions was too far
Automated meeting request system for free time matching
I felt like some of the sessions were not what I expected by reading the descriptions... My biggest
feedback would be that I thought everyone was extremely rude during the gala dinner keynote - it was
embarrassing
The conference program with details on sessions, needs to be released much earlier and before the
early bird registration deadlnie
Would like to see more tables set up at the venue for quick meetings
There were many mistakes in the printed conference programme. Misspelled names, missing bios,
inconsistent or missing abstract. Abstracts are presenters marketing material: if it is not correct and
complete, we won't be able tor each our audience and all investment in participating in APAIE will be
vain.
The requirement for Melbourne APAIE that exhibitors not wear open-toed shoes the day of booth set-up
was absolutely ridiculous.
Please set aside at least 30 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for questions.
Better parallel sessions management avoiding competition
Info on safety procedure for booth setup prior to the session.
Provide contact details of all delegates and exhibitors
If you can just repeat the Melbourne conference, next year will also be great!
The poster sessions seemed like an afterthought. They should be in a place separate from the
university networking area and there should be a desginated time for presenters to present their
research. For those of us on a limited budget make some of the events (workshops, gala dinner, etc.)
optional.
The conference should be longer and have larger opening hours
Main challenge is always ensuring that two or more sessions that will appeal to the same audience are
not scheduled at the same time.
Focus was predominantly on Universities at expense of other forms of International Education.
it would be nice if the list of participants would be available in an earlier stage. Furthermore, it took quite
a while before my name appeared in the participants list after my registration
Have more spaces on campus tours - let us know what the focus of the tours will be/who the intended
audience is.
- Would be handy if a downloadable pdf file is made of the participants list.
- Earlier notification of the content of the sessions.
- Tool for making appointments: please include a memory so I can see who I sent a mail for an
appointment You could also add a tool for a conference agenda.
I think the Conference was great and I do not have any complaints. However, a suggestion could be to
have fewer session. I thought it was a shame that there were so few people at many of the sessions maybe that could be helped by having fewer of them?
Some members don't have any booth. Therefore it is mostly impossible to meet them. Maybe find a way
for the "no booth people" to meet each other.
More chairs in the networking and hallways
More presentations that provide strategies for internationalizing for the majority of universities that don't
receive large amount of govt funding.
just keep up the good work especially on timing
Appendix A: Suggestions for improving next year’s conference
Close on Thursday evening not in the middle of the day, or even friday.
Many of the presenters need to improve presentation skills.
Less sessions and more topic based informal networking opportunities
More academic research
To select stronger speakers for the sessions
Display the title of the Parallel Session outside the rooms instead of just state the session number
more networking sessions, reduce exhibition expenses
This conference was better organised than the past APAIE conferences I have attended. Preconference communication is important and the networking events during the conference vital.
It would be extremely useful if presentations could be made available for downloading, rather than
having to rely on individual communication with the presenters.
The creation of a published proceedings would make APAIE much more attractive for academic and
admin attendees as there is a growing need for research output at home institutions.
Accessing the delegates list was a nightmare. I had a successful conference nevertheless but gaining
the delegates list earlier would have been helpful. Also it was not as good as the system you APAIE had
for Beijing last year. Everything else was very good.
Provide more table for general discussion
Please make sure that speakers on parallel share related topic, not only promoting his/her institution
only
When I did online registration, it was difficult to tell which type (non-member or member) I was selecting.
I think it can be improved.
Slightly bigger space for individual booth... abit cramped
The tour to Great ocean Road were very expencive, it was a full day programme 7,30am -8 pm, had
poor catering. There were no guide talking.
Waste of time and money!
It would be great to have some sessions for a specific target group, e.g. Health Internationalization
The 30 minute slots within the sessions were a little confusing and made a lot of people come and go
during the sessions, which created a bit of disturbance in my opinion.
LinkedIn group for APAIE is missing. I´m sure that this would be appreciated by a lot of people to
announce their participation.
I wonder why there is no career center at APAIE.
More Workshops to discuss frankly
Only that some presenters spent too long introducing their institutions than getting to the point about the
topic
More seating for meetings
Please inform us beforehand, if there're any changes in parallel session.
Have a period of time set aside for meetings, so delegates have the opportunity to attend a few
sessions and hold meetings.
The use of a better system that organizes the e-contacts would be good. There were delegates from the
same institutions, although the e-contact list showed their names as if there were from different ones
due to the misspelling. If there could be a way to prevent the above, the e-contats list would be much
more organized.
Ensuring the exhibition hall and sessions near each other. I didn't attend as many sessions as they
were not easy to get to between meetings.
Increasing the number of participants, involving media partners
I noticed that 2016 APAIE offer tea, but the tea table only show up like a hour a day. I would like have
more tea during APAIE.
The meetings could be even more sufficient if there were more places for setting up a meeting (i.e.
more tables or negotiation rooms)
I wish we had the online calendar to schedule appointments.
More focus on cooperation between Asia-Pacific and eg. Europe, North America etc instead of within
the region.
Just continue - and don´t make it any bigger. Much more relaxed and opportunities to learn and meet
people compared to NAFSA where everyboby runs around
Not so many parallel sessions
Extending hours, a second possible visit to campus on the Monday (as it has been the case in Hg-Kg if I
remember well)
The Online-List of Participants should show all delegates who have decided to publish their data. This
was not the case for many exhibitors, delegates and myself.
I could not find information on the speaker abstracts ahead of the conference. i could only download a
pdf of the 'draft' program. This was problematic and meant that I probably did not use my registration
for full benefit as it relates to my work. Can this be improved in the future please? We should be able to
Appendix A: Suggestions for improving next year’s conference
download a full copy of the program before the start of the conference.
Also, I felt that the conference satchel was too large and was wasteful.
It would be great if there is more desks and chairs at networking space.
Some of the speakers were difficult to understand due to language but still interesting
Not having to walk all the way to the exhibition hall to get coffee to walk all the way back for the next
session all within 30 mins
Halal food should be stated clearly on the event area.
A little more input on "policy issues" at the national level would prove beneficial to me personally.
Non-stop catering of beverages and refreshments at exhibition venue are fabulous. This kind of
services should be continued in next APAIE as well.
It would be convienent to have an on-line agenda as in EAIE
Better entertainment for the Gala Dinner
Please move the conference time to January or mid-February.
In the past, there was a time when the APAIE conference bags were smaller in size - more like a small
briefcase - but in recent years the APAIE bags are quite large, like a duffel bag, and unwieldy to handle.
While it's a minor point, it would be nice to have higher-quality more useful bags such as were provided
in the past (or provided at EAIE).
Turn panels from being mostly self-advertising to actual debates. Therefore it is necessary that the
presentations in a panel actually match a common theme. Especially in the "Trends and Strategies"
panel was hardly anything that led to a debate - with the exception of Dr. Holst's presentation.
Official Website
please upload more information of exhibitors, at least each institution's name of the pavilions, please.
Please upload the general information of APAIE itself or of the past conferences.
This time, there were just 2016 conference's information, I had been struggling to get the general
information.
Logistic things for exhibition
I'd appreciate if I get the detailed information or regulations much more timely.
Since most of the all things were set just before the conference, that was very confusing and frustrating.
Some of the presentations had nothing to do with international education and there were not many
research-based presentations. Perhaps there should be more reviewers who are academics in the field.
keep the exhibition/meeting area open until end of business day on the final day of the conference
No keynote speaker during the dinner. It is not appropriate as people are going to talk.
More places for networking meetings - tables provided were not sufficient.
Maintain the same quality of food and coffee/tea selection
No out of touch Vice Chancellors to speak at the Gala dinner. rather, get those leaders working directly
in international education to speak.
Better planning around dinner & speeches. When to do what. When do people want to engage on their
table, when do they want to listen to a speech. How do you make them listen to a speech? Better MC
maybe to get people's attention?
Posters - perhaps follow the AIEC model where they have Poster Presentations. I was in a booth very
close the posters at the back of the hall and hardly anyone took to the time to look at them.
Online networking tool was difficult to access; perhaps a mobile friendly app for future?
Return to a focus on strategic issues facing international HE. Do not have too much focus on one topic.
Include internationalisation - this is a broad topic and in my view we need more discussion about
strategy for the sector.
Australian Universities booth way too small and cramped. Dinner was not conducive to networking and
interacting with colleagues. Disappointing that it ended so early and there was no dancing.
fewer presentations
The quality and depth of material presented in sessions was markedly varied and perhaps. Greater
consistency and expertise across presenters would be beneficial.
Let Robert handle it again. Everything went much smoother than in Beijing
Making the presentations available via video with slides and audio
Find ways to include people from outside - i.e. have single session registration where business /
academics / not for profits can come for an hour and share - if this is beyond the scope of a full
registration
More students! - They are what this is all about.
Vet the presentations - at least 2 of the presentations I went to didn't answer the topic of the
presentation, leaving me quite disappointed that I didn't learn what I had hoped to.
more seating
This was a superb conference and sets a high benchmark.
exhibition hall hours
exhiition
lighter satchel
Appendix A: Suggestions for improving next year’s conference
Need to More space to talk
no, no need to improve the perfect
If you keep this year's standard you have the best conference I have visited in 30 years. The food,
coffee, drinks, gala were exceptionelle. KEEP UP THIS STANDARD !!!
Shorter speeches during the gala dinner. The networking during the conference is very important.
More tracks focusing om internationalisation of specific areas, e.g. Engineering.
More seating for meetings and net working
more tables for exhibition hall lunches. seems to be a continuing problem. very inconvenient when
tables are full.
Provide list and contact particulars of delegates.
The speaker at the gala dinner spoke tooooo long, turning the fun-filled evening into a very boring
event.
Open the networking tool earlier
Timing of the conference in a non-semester teaching week would be helpful.
Kindly ensure all session chairs start on time, there is not need "to wait for more people to come" as
those of us on time do not like our time wasted.
keep regional reports
Starting and closing speechs too long
should have more tables and chairs and actually a room for networking rather than opening plan area
with limited amount of seating. Lose time trying to find a seat to have a chat when networking with other
universities.
Keep gala dinner speaker to entertainment otherwise unfair on the speakers and the guests after a very
long day
more seats
It is understandable to keep each session 30 minutes, but it is rather short and there was not enough
time for further discussion on the topic.
bag too big and heavy
Workshops could be more interacting.
Speakers could have a more expert profile
Can more people be encourage to attend sessions?
Can we bring together more research/phd focussed international teams rather than all study abroad
undergraduate
It's unfortunate that there was a speaker during the dinner when everyone was trying to talk. It should
have been scheduled before the food started. I did appreciate the koala and dingo! And the food was
great. APAIE song was super.
I would like an overview of the exhibit hours in the conference program. If it was there I was not able to
find it.
sometimes choice of parallel sessions sometimes too big; suggestion: max. of four at the same time
exhibition
good
Topic presentations should be more research-based. Many presentations were on good practices or
opinions. I just presupposed that they were solidly researche-based.
The venue of parallele sessions should not be very far from the coffee lounge and exhibition.
More seating space in the exhibition hall
Limited number of speakers and more time for each. I felt the information covered could be more in
depth.
To have more choices of food for Gala dinner.
It was a great pity that the sessions were so far from the exhibition hall. This meant that there were far
less feet on the floor in the exhibition hall and so our stand was a lot quieter than in previous years.
the venue was too big - i wasted time just walking from sessions to the ground floor - difficult to find the
event with all the other events going on
I would discourage keynote speakers at the gala dinner, or else ensure the speeches all happen at the
start, before foof and beverages are served.
It was really cold in the exhibitions area and many persons were running cold.
Dispense with welcome function
Designing different sessions for those who have already gained knowledge about a Topic and for those
who haven't.
more in depth sessions
more seating in networking space. table and chairs for working spaces.
actual representation from the aboriginal people, that is respectful and shows an understanding of the
people of the land. if you cant have representation and respect for your aboriginal people how can you
expect to be taken seriously on a global stage
Appendix B
Q13: Responses to the theme, "Asia Pacific – A Global Education and Research
Powerhouse: New models of cooperation in research engagement and education mobility
for the 2020’s".
Full list of responses:
Very important topic in the current situation
I attend APAIE to network and so theme is irrelevant to me.
Sounds good
This sounds like a good topic - provided the discussion focuses on what the models are seeking for
foster or further develop.
forward-looking, down-to-earth
Relevant
The theme of the conference was very relevant to the current research projects, the location of the
conference was excellent, and Vicki Lont's prompt correspondence and professional interaction were
impeccable which really attracted my attention to participate in this conference. At the end of the
conference, they all measured up to my expectations. Congratulations!
As conference themes go, fine. Neither here nor there.
A bit heavy
Much for our university to do in order to measure up to international peers but good opportunity for us in
our country where international education is barely picking up steam.
Does anyone really take notice of the theme?
Topic was good. Always a challenge finding a theme that will apply appropriately. For instance, must
all session address the theme? Probably not. As such, it may make sense to identify sessions which
address the core theme of that year's conference, and other sessions that address, for instance, issues
of ongoing interest.
"Powerhouse" might be too strong a word and other regions could challenge it. But Asia Pacific certainly
is a "Frontier for Global Education and Research"
The theme was nicely woven throughout. I gained valuable insights into ASEAN and Australian
engagement.
The sessions and theme are not so important for me. Every theme is fine with me.
Very good topic for the times
I didn't see many sessions as I found networking at booths more important for our objectives. From the
sessions that I did see, more than half were rather fundamental in content, so not of alot of use to our
situation. I expected there to be more talk about what Asian universities were doing and would like to
have networked with more countries. Perhaps the venue and costs involved kept many potential
participants away.
Unfortunately, I only had a chance to attend the session on mobility and not on research. However, I like
the session that I attended
Excellent and timely
Very actual theme
there's a shift towards Asia not only in economic but especially in ERI (edu, res, inno) terms, which
cannot be denied by the rest of the world. it is important to liaise and to enhance collaboration: create a
win-win-situtation
This region has a huge potential for development in all directions, including higher education. events
such as APAIE help harness this potential to improve study programs for the young people and a
scientific cooperation
Very good and timely one
Good and relevant
It is a very crucial and cutting-edge topic in terms of international education.
The theme was interesting a relevant.
Very timely topic in this age, especially in Asia Pacific region.
Please make sure the parallel speakers share more portion about new model of cooperation in research
rather than promoting his/her institution only.
Interesting
to me it meant like building bridges to the world and enhancing the cooperation among members for a
better world
It is a very interesting theme - my difficulty was that there were so many networking opportunities (not to
be missed ) that I didn't manage to get to my booked sessions.
research collaboartion, joint programs, mobility exchange programs
Appendix B: Responses to conference theme
It was my first APAIE so I don't have experience of previous themes. But it seemed to meet the theme
Interesting
Too long!
Due to the complex relationship among the Asia Pacific countries, it is always a question in how the
'Global Education' will improve the Asia Pacific situation.
The theme title is attractive as I work in student mobility. So the key word "mobility" stood out to me.
Very relevant topic
Again the content of the conference was very important to me and it lived up to the main theme. I think it
was important in atracting non-Asian participants.
It was all encompassing and was used well throughout the conference
Great theme, which articulated an important concept.
relevant
interesting
No opinion
The idea of creating a cooperation model based on the Erasmus principles seems very interesting. I am
which initiatives could help to strengthen the efforts already made (ASEAN, AUN...).
Worthwhile
I did not know how much Australia is working toward Asian higher education field before. Although my
institution is not research oriented, I felt a need for strong initiative for how we should get involved into
Asia-Pacific region.
interesting theme that we could all relate to...I learnt from other international learning cultures
not bad but I think it needs and funding - research is hindered by finding funding sources
Sloganesque.
It was a good title and it matched with the event.
It is all-embracing and, thus, appeals to everybody. Whether the all-embracing approach is effective, or
not, is another issue.
cooperation in that field helps not to waise money by doubling the efforts to achieve the goals we all
share in HE and research
"new models of cooperation" is a very good idea, especially if it will be considerated not from a formal ,
but a really innovative point of view
I only saw this theme represented in Simon Marginson's talk
It is not APAIE specific, but these catch-all main themes have hardly any meaning for conference as
well as the presentations in general. In the end, the core issues (internationalization, research, mobility)
pop up in every conference in this field that I have participated in. One can probably not do without such
a catch-phrase, but in the end it is of no real value.
The title has a nice sound to it; some presentations addressed it directly, others less so but were still
interesting. I do not think the choice of theme is hugely important, as each year APAIE presentations
address current issues and trends in international education. The focus for the Presidents Roundtable
was a stroke of genius, stimulating a truly interesting and valuable discussion--it could have continued
through the afternoon with even more significant results.
don't care
Didn't seem to reflect the theme while attending th conference; however, the during the campus tour,
the host showcased the theme very well.
sounds pretty long to me!
My interest is in the regional collaboration at a broader level, not so much in research or mobility.
The mobility theme was far more heavily represented in the program than the research engagement
theme.
Can we make the theme shorter?
too long! And not sure if the objective of new models was really reached...
Fine, the theme is not important. It is the quality of the speakers and the networking opportunities that
are important.
Good.
Very relevant theme, well covered
A little long but expressed the main theme clearly.
Very relevant and the structure of the sessions provided ample opportunities to look at the theme
through very different perspectives.
the future vision of the educational and research style in the asian-pacific areas
This is a vey useful and timely topic
Somewhat vague. Not very clearly reflected in the programme or realities on the ground.
Was not bothered, as theme was not adheared to.
A very topical and relevant theme.
It is a very topical theme, and something which which we should all invest in improving.
Appendix B: Responses to conference theme
Excellent, relevant, current and appropriate.
Appropriate.
good
very general
I am sorry to tell you this, but I didn't know there was a main theme...
I attend APAIE in order to meet partners and so the theme of the conference is irrelevant to me.
I havent listened any presentation regarding that subject.
As a theme, it was fine. The presentations were variable as to whether they were relevant to it.
Great, research collaborations - have some key topics eg that shaping the world to be a better place
Great
Very relevant in today's context.
Its all about research these days
Good idea but unfortunately Margison messed it all up with his speech. Quite useless speech which
literally went noweher, no take aways, no learnings of any kind. It was a just data and figures and
restating the obvious: Asia is important
Very relevant.
Worthy aspiration
I was very pleased to see a focus on research collaboration as part of internationalization
a heavy focus on student mobility, was expecting more discussions on research cooperation
Appendix C
Q14: Your thoughts on "International Higher Education”
Full list of responses:
Global
Question is too broad/vague.
As the European Commission we are very interested way EU-funded programmes match developments
in univeristy cooperation on the ground (institutional cooperation, developments in teaching delivery,
mobility trends, etc).
one of the most important keys to the quality promotion of universities
Important
Very Satisfactory!
Big and important field and glad to have the chance to contribute.
Brings great opportunities, offer varieties of experiences
Inevitable development in a globalized world.
Vital. Can't have HE without including "international". Global collaborations and partnerships play
increasing importance to university suvival.
Given how broad a topic International Higher Education is, the clearer the scope and the goal for each
session is, the easier it becomes to choose which sessions will bring maximum value to my daily work.
As such, APAIE could provide more information on the intended audience for each session and
expected learning outcomes for attendees. When scheduling sessions, considering the type of
practitioner can help ensure sessions targeted to specific subgroups are not concurrent.
Sessions that forecasts trends and discuss risk mitigation/management strategies are of great value.
Both the benefits and the pitfalls of international education must always be considered in tandem.
Lastly, the great value of APAIE is the opportunity for networking amongst peers.
International Higher Education is essential and more important in today's world than ever before in the
history.
This is my field in both academia and my career.
This is too broad. Of course it's important to internationalize. Nevertheless it's these kind of conferences
are needed to discuss possibilities for collaboration.
Partnerships are key and we need more in the U.S. to see Asia as relevant to their students and
university
I work in Japan and realize more and more how far we are behind and how much more we could do with
more innovation and less traditionalism. Education policy (credits system, course requirements) as
stipulated by MEXT is not helpful.
This is very important and a power to improve research with high impact to the society.
Need more sessions on use of data for internationalization
It's my job and I have to be in touch with the people working in the field
collaboration, exchange, support, learn, engage, improve, expand, strengthen, advise, coordinate...
Higher education can be better only on the basis of good cooperation between universities seeking to
improve
maybe, Internatoonal Higher "Learning" is gettimg more important than international Higher "education"
Relevant to everyone
It sounds a little bit old-fashion. How about "Transnational Higher Education"?
The internationalisation of higher education is vital to the growth and development of Asia. We now
need more strategies to engage more widely with politicians, administrators, academics etc. to spread
this message
Easy to say hard to do?! (I am a UK citizen working in Japan, looking at Erasmus in the EU and NAFSA
in the USA and comparing them with what is happening in Asia)
Should be developed based on current needs.
It's my job!
For greater harmony and understanding of the world over by closing the gap of differences may it be
language,culture, religion and beliefs
My thoughts are that it is vital for world peace and security.
As the world becomes more and more global, the internationalization of higher education has become a
must-have.
International Higher Education is an extremely important topic in today´s world. It helps people and
cultures learn so much from each other and through this helps bringing more peace to this world
eventually.
How can we promote and support International Higher Education collaborations and partnerships
between universities, industry and governments efficiently and effectively? and How can we promote
Appendix C: Thoughts on “International Higher Education”
and support the exchange and mobility of students, scholars and academics efficiently and effectively?
Much better
There is always the question of: Why we are trying to achieve internationalization in our institutes?
Attending conferences helps me to search for an answer.
This is the field I work in.
Very interesting topic
doesn´t say much - can be all or nothing
No opinion
Especially for the Europe centrated perspective it is very important to open the view to the wide range of
the Asian pacific countries. I appreciated the information given in the regional reports.
Extremely valuable
Studying abroad is still not an usual phenomenon in Japan, and the number of students studying
abroad is even shrinking unfortunately. I believe not only university staffs and faculties visit conference
like this, but also high school managers and local authorities should attend.
We all really think similar and have a passion for education and working to the same goal
always improving and vital
I still do not understand the convention meaning of "international" in this context. It appears to me one
person has definition different to other person.
This is an extremely open-ended question; an essay is required to answer it. If we settle for one
sentence, ...provided that standards are maintained, "international" can only benefit us.
this is something we cannot ignore anymore, it is part of future committments between universities and
students
What I very strange question - I work in the field, so obviously it's important.
IHE will be the core issue of the forseeable future in HE, which is why conferences such as APAIE are
growing in number and size - which is a good thing. What is necessary is to get down to the core issues
of and their importance towards this process, and not just see it as another PR or revenue factor.
What is happening at many institutions across the Asia Pacific region is an inspiration for universities in
the USA, where internationalization is still very uneven--excellent at a few places, seriously lacking in
others.
too complex to share here
Important component in everyday life for all. It is a lifelong learning,,,not just a glimpse in their
university/college life.
good. much shorter
Discussion and collaboration is essential, broadly comprehensive forum such as APAIE with
representatives from all over the globe is unique and very valuable opportunity to progress this
important discussion.
A very important topic, slightly underdone at this year's APAIE Conference.
Multilateral relations are becoming more important for student mobility as universities establish
campuses in other countries. We need to think outside traditional bilateral or two-way relations between
institutions to provide new and more opportunities for our students.
The conference shouldn't focus just on higher education but be inclusive of the other sectors as well schools, VET and second languages
I do not know what you want in this question or why you ask it.
Good.
Importance of strengthening graduate student mobility and research collaborations around global issues
joint programs for the several institutions of the universities
helpful to make the world a better and more peaceful place
Networking is key and this was a good theme
Of vital importance to world understanding and peace.
Crucial in increasing our networks and improving intercultural understanding and integration. We should
invest in mobility programs to allow more students get the opportunity to learn from others and become
more aware of different society structures and education.
The way to go.
Very important. I attended AERA sessions on this same theme and this program offered so much more,
more depth and allowed me to access researchers directly.
Education is exteremely important for future generations. How we educate young people changes the
world, so we have to cooperate in this field to make a better world.
It changes and the world, and puts bread on my table.
of high importance 'for personal development 6f all students
I havent listened any presentation regarding that subject.
Very important.
Better education, more career options, improves lives.
Appendix C: Thoughts on “International Higher Education”
This is still relevant even if research is the major topic
This has to be one the worst speeches. Nothing made sense. 25% of the speech was the world
"internationalization." Please pick speakers who challenge us and not state the obvious what we do.
This is like a old stump speech from 1990 of why Intl is important and and all. Please DO NOT ask
Chancellors/Presidents to speak. They know nothing about what we do. Wasted time, effort, energy,
and money.
Hot topic!
Only way education has to move forward
International higher education needs to be the activists in social change'
Appendix D
Q15: Messages for the APAIE Secretariat
Full list of responses:
Well done. Overall a great conference!
See you next year!
Thank you for organizing this effective and interesting event!
Thank you!
Thank you for your efforts.
Please see comment above. It was very disappointing not to have acces to the registrants early and the
register seemed to be updated very irregularly. Some participants never seemed to be there at all which
made arranging meetings very last minute!
Please let us know the timetable for proposing sessions and exhibition participation for 2017
Thank you very much.
Well done and congratulations, particularly to Sue Elliott and thanks to Roger Bendall for promoting
APAIE. It was a really great event.
Thank you for everthing.
Please review and confirm conference proposals earlier so that the conference program can be
released earlier
Please create a better communication tool for attendees to use to contact each other before the
conference. The one that APAIE has is really awful. Everyone complains about it.
Your staff was very warm and friendly. Keep up the good work. I wish you the very best for future
conferences!
I really enjoyed the conference and got a lot of value, mostly from networking. Well run. Congratulations
and thank you.
Great, keep up the good works
Be sure to coach the APAIE 2016 to replicate if not to surpass your performance.
Keep up the great work.
thank you
Look forward to seeing you next year in Taiwan.
Thank you for organizing it! See you in Taiwan.
Well done and congratulations. Please improve the APAIE Website
Keep up the good work
Perfect organization. It was extremely easy to sign in for accommodation and it went completely smooth
even I wanted to add some extra days at the hotel.
It was a great idea to offer tours on Saturday. I attended a marvelous one to the 12 apostles.
The food was the best I ever had at such a conference!
Thank you for doing such a great job, APAIEConferences are much better than NAFSA and EAIE in
terms of logistics, networking and practical value of sessions. There is much less advertisement and
more real knowledge sharing going on in the seminar rooms. Your social events organization is also
stellar!
Hope to be there in 2017. Keep it going!
Thank you very much for all the help and assistance, especially related to the exhibition. I really
appreciate it.
Thanks for a great conference!
More promotion in other regions
2017: go to Taipei, not Kaohsiung!
Many thanks for an excellent conference.
Thanks a lot
Well done!
Thank you very much for the fruitfull time in Melbourne, We found new contacts, friends and partners
Thank you for your kind supports very much!
Great conference!
well done
We really appreciate your enthusiasm and efforts to promote student mobility in Asian Pacific region.
Can you please sort out the APAIE membership situation!
Many thanks for putting on a wonderful event in a great location (I used to live in Melbourne and it was
great to go back). You did Melbourne and Australia proud, putting them firmly on the map of
international education in Asia.
Appendix D: Messages for the APAIE Secretariat
Make sure exhibition is not detached from rest of the programme rooms.
Thank you for organizing a successful event.
Congratulations to the well organized exhibition
How is the procedure to be parallel chairperson?
Thanks
Great Job
Many thanks for a well run, productive conference.
Thank you for the great conference!
Thank you for a great, productive and eventful week in Melbourne!
Thanks for a great conference. It was well organised and the catering spot-on
Thank you very much for your kind coordination and cooperation.
The Melbourne conference was extremely well run.
Thank you very much to all staff who made the most efforts to make this conference to be a success.
Improve IT services
Thank you for everything. I hope I can find budget from my university to attend further APAIE
Conferences. I am glad that I had the chance to attend the conference in Melbourne.
I encourge you to continue addressing this issue and have regional reports.
Thank you very much for organizing this happy, relaxed anf thus sufficient conference!
Thank you for everything. This APAIE Conference was great!!
continue this track
Very well organised
Wonderful and very professional organization. My congratulations.
Thank you
Great work and this was my first conference (in my position), I have gained a lot and it was an eyeopening for me.
Thanks
The venue was great and accommodation was reasonable. Thank you very much.
Thanks for an engaging and informative conference
Having stereotypical Australian photos and animals 'dumbs' down our educational focus. If we wish to
be taken seriously in the global market lets not have us with only fun/outdoor photos and I think the
animals were overkill.
Great job! Keep up the good work A-P-A-I-E Team (in the conference theme song melody)
it was great!
Thank you!
Congratulations, and thank you for an absolutely splendid conference!
good job
Thank you for your efforts!
Thank you for the great organisation of the APAIE.
At the end of the first day we all (not only at our booth, but also at the parner's) were a little upset,
because the atmosphere was a little passive. But the second and third days where very efficient;
This was the most disorganized conference I have ever attended. The online registration was a mess,
and the organizers kept contacting me about people who had nothing to do with me. They also
changed our panel presentation to a group presentation without informing us.
Please try and update the list of registered attendees better so that you know who will be there or not.
Thank you very much for organizing this conference! Your hard work is very much appreciated.
Thank you for hosting the most comfortable and smooth Higher Education Conference I have visited so
far. Apart from the "hard factors", it is always interesting how much "soft factors" (such as the really
good espresso facilities) contribute to a conducive networking environment.
Thank you for arranging lots of things for this valuable conference.
Keep up the good work! This yearly event is like no other in the region and serves a number of
essential functions, from professional development, to networking and stimulating and shaping
international education for all who attend.
more meeting/networking space, please.
Could not get my name to appear on the list of attendees until the last moment. Took 3 weeks for
request to be auctioned although was told it had been done.
Thanks!
Your website leading up to the conference did not contain enough information to gauge whether
attending would be beneficial.
It was a very well organised conference which I really enjoyed.
Congratulations on an absolutely amazing conference - so grateful I was able to attend. It has been
Appendix D: Messages for the APAIE Secretariat
enormously useful for my own professional development and I look forward to building on the networks
established at the conference.
Please re-focus the Conference on strategic challenges facing international HE.
Thank you. The conference was productive and Melbourne is a fantastic place for a conference.
Thanks for a great conference. 2.5 days is a good length!
Thank you for the great job done!
great event, thanks!
The lead host university was very important this year.
Good luck with it!
Wonderful work. Sincere congratulations and warm greeting from Nova Scotia, CANADA!!!
Thank you for some very worthwhile sessions.
You all did a fabulous job. Well done.
please make the conference book more lighter. current one is too heavy to bring back home. make the
fonts smaller can be more ideal. more editing will be necesaary
please tell us the informations of the universities of not having exhibitions in the main places of the
conference
A great conference. My favourite APAIE ever. Thanks!!
Well done
Thank you, tank you, thank you!
You did a fantastic job. Take a beak, recover from the stress and start preparing next year's conference.
Thank you. for providing us with these very useful conference bags. Keep using those!
APAIE 2016 was excellently organised. Venue and host city really excellent. Better coffee than ever.
Thank you very much! The best APAIE conference so far! Keep up the good Work!
Thank you for a well run and absorbing conference.
Well done - brilliant!
Thank you!
Thank you - fantastic job Well done!
Good work! Congratulations.
Thank you.
Thank you for holding a nice conference. I hope sessions will be more practical. The content rather
focused to narrow examples and experiences. Good luck with your next conference!
Thanks.
This was ohne of the best conference of this kind I ever attended regarding venue, organisation,
catering and general friendliness.
Thank you - a well run conference
Congratulations!
A very well organized event. Sepakers could have a higher profile.
Thank you - extremely well organised
Thanks! Great job!
job well done: try to include more of India
I havent listened any presentation regarding that subject.
Congratulations for the great job done.
Great job. Well organized. Excellent catering & food service.
Add city tours to be organized by the conference organizers.
Thank you for organizing such a big event!
It is important to pick a city that has high level of personal safety and hygiene as well as political
stability.
I think all the continents were well represented in the exhibition and in presentation. And I really enjoyed
the remake of YMCA wad fantastic! I think it would be really useful if all presenters share their
materials/slides after the session. I missed out on a few because I was having meetings.
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job on this conference!
Loved Melbourne!
Catering and special events were well organized.
Please do not have multiple topics/sessions within a time slot. It is disappointing and frustrating to both
speakers and participants. There is no focus. and makes it look that you could not even fill a thematic
area with speakers.
Thank you all for wonderfully organised event in one of my favourite cities.
Well done, very professional
This was, by far, one of the best international education conferences I have attended. The quality of the
program, venue, etc. was excellent.
Thanks for everything, congratulations!!