Australia is a top destination for international students with world-class universities and a vibrant multicultural environment. In 2024, over 780,000 international students are enrolled in Australian universities, up 16% from pre-COVID levels (Department of Education, 2024). These students represent a diverse, multilingual talent pool for Australian employers that still remains relatively untapped.

Here are 5 reasons why hiring international students can give your business a competitive edge:

1. Multilingual communication

Many international students are bilingual or multilingual, which can be a significant asset for communicating with customers from culturally diverse backgrounds. Their language skills can enhance multilingual communication with customers across channels like sales, marketing, and events, improving customer engagement and satisfaction, and driving growth. Some of the most common languages spoken by international students include Mandarin, Hindi, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Malay.

2. Knowledge of international markets

International students have a deep understanding of their home country's market. If your company is planning to expand internationally or already operates in that country, international students can seamlessly work with employees in overseas offices. They can also provide unique insights into overseas markets and may still have valuable connections in their home country.

3. Cultural fluency

Having grown up in another country, international students will have a deeper understanding of various cultures. As a result, they can effectively understand customers from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally sensitive support - contributing to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Strong soft skills

International students make considerable sacrifices when they move to a new country for university, leaving behind their family and friends. This experience helps them to develop traits that are highly valuable in the workplace, such as a strong work ethic and adaptability, resilience, hard work, loyalty and an eagerness to work.

5. Diverse perspectives

International students come from various cultural backgrounds, offering fresh perspectives and approaches. This diversity of thought can lead to new ideas, strategies, and solutions. A diverse workplace can also improve employee satisfaction and retention, contributing to long-term business success.

Looking to hire international students from Australia’s top universities?

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