ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces and describes the concept of international student-occupied parallel societies. International student parallel societies, as this chapter explains, are the social and cultural spaces foreign students occupy while living in transience as diasporic actors in education destinations such as Australia. The chapter notes that international students create parallel societies with other international students in order to cope with living in a foreign country without the familiarity of family or loved ones left behind. This chapter also explains why Australia – being one of the biggest international education hubs in the world – is the focus of study. The chapter notes that international students in Australia are not homogenous but instead occupy various parts of an international higher education ecology (e.g. private and public institutions offering diploma and degree courses) and also have a rich tapestry of interests (e.g. hobbies, religious affiliations). This ecology of international students facilitates new communities and societies to meet their needs, strongly revolving around social networks (friendship groups) and the expectation of forming instant social networks. International student parallel societies, as this chapter notes, have become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic since the experiences of international students differ starkly from those of citizens due to their transient status.
