A recent study of first year Microeconomics students’ experiences at Victoria
University (VU) identified a number of aspects of student attitude towards
economics, their degree of motivation, satisfaction with the content and the
delivery of lectures and tutorials. Students surveyed indicated that a teaching
approach which links economics to ‘real-world’ situations was a significant
motivating factor. The objective of this paper is to examine first year students’
learning experience at a VU’s offshore campus. The study is based on a survey of
students enrolled in Microeconomics in Semester 2, 2007. A qualitative analytical
approach utilises contingent statistical methods. The study identifies issues of
significance to first year international students and highlight differences and
similarities between the learning approach of local and offshore students, their
expectations and needs. The results of the study will be helpful in developing
strategies for internationalising the curriculum and in improving teaching and
learning processes.