A researcher from the University of Notre Dame Australia is examining how concepts of disadvantage are understood and applied in higher education, to ensure all students have equal access to opportunities, including studying abroad.
Dr Kate Naidu, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, is undertaking a fellowship project through Notre Dame’s Transformative Research Fellowships initiative, exploring how categories of disadvantage are constructed in Learning Abroad programs and what these classifications mean for students and institutions.
The project, (De)constructing categories of disadvantage in Learning Abroad education in Australia, focuses on categories commonly used across the sector, including socioeconomic status, disability, gender and cultural and linguistic diversity.
Dr Naidu said the research is driven by a desire to better understand the complexity of students' experiences and how higher education institutions can respond to diversity in meaningful ways.
"Universities have an important role to play in creating opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds," Dr Naidu said.
"My research explores how we understand disadvantage in educational settings and whether some of the categories we use may benefit from further examination and reflection."
Learning Abroad experiences, including overseas study opportunities, are increasingly recognised for their potential to support students' academic, personal and intercultural development. However, ensuring equitable access to these opportunities remains an important focus for universities across Australia.
Dr Naidu's research will investigate how existing understandings of disadvantage shape participation in these programs and how institutions approach inclusion and support.
Originally a secondary teacher of Indonesian and English as an Additional Language/Dialect, Dr Naidu developed an early interest in intercultural learning and cultural diversity through language education. Her research has since expanded to examine Learning Abroad, intercultural understanding and the sociological dimensions of education.
She said the fellowship project aligns closely with Notre Dame's commitment to supporting strong communities and expanding opportunities for all learners.
"Education is about people, relationships and belonging," Dr Naidu said.
"I hope this research contributes to ongoing discussions about diversity, inclusion and equity, and supports universities in thinking carefully about how students experience educational opportunities."
While the project is focused on Learning Abroad, Dr Naidu believes the questions it raises have broader relevance across higher education and other sectors that use categories of disadvantage to inform policy and practice.
The research forms part of Notre Dame's Good Lives and Strong Communities research theme and reflects the University's commitment to addressing complex social questions through impactful research.
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