International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume 16, Issue 15, 2019

Correlates of work-study conflict among international students in australia: A multivariate analysis (Article) (Open Access)

Thamrin Y. , Pisaniello D.* , Guerin C. , Rothmore P.
  • a Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
  • b School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
  • c School of Education, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
  • d School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia

Abstract

International students represent an increasingly large segment of the Australian workforce. Most international students are working while studying, but there is a scarcity of quantitative data regarding potential work-study conflicts. Data from an online survey were analyzed with multivariate statistical methods to clarify the risk factors associated with perceived work–study conflicts in an Australian university. More than 66% of students felt that working demands interfered with their study. Negative impacts included tiredness and timetable clashes. Statistically significant correlates of work–study conflict were a perception of unfair wages and a lack of confidence in discussing occupational health and safety issues with employers. Underpayment may signify other vulnerabilities, such as unsafe working conditions. As many universities seek to increase their international student enrolments, these are important factors to consider for student retention. To mitigate this potential negative influence on study, universities should provide education and training related to international students’ rights and responsibilities in the workplace. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Author Keywords

Worker Employment International students University

Index Keywords

perception Australia conflict human work salary human rights student workplace male female risk factor university study international student occupational safety Multivariate Analysis vulnerability Article adult correlational study occupational health employment university sector
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070358286&doi=10.3390%2fijerph16152695&partnerID=40&md5=c11499e89697028b9d5b3c210bbf506c
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152695
ISSN: 16617827
Original Language: English