International Students Acculturation Program (ISAP)

Monash Nutrition International Students Acculturation Program (ISAP)

The Monash Nutrition International Students Acculturation Program (ISAP) is an award-winning program designed by Dr Tammie Choi to support international students in the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics programs and optimise their nutrition and dietetics training in Melbourne, Australia. All international students or culturally and linguistically diverse students from the Bachelor of Nutrition Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics become part of the ISAP family when they join Monash. 

Dr Tammie Choi is a Monash-trained Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) and a senior lecturer in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food in Monash University. Tammie is originally from Hong Kong, grew up in Singapore and has been living in Melbourne for years. Tammie drew on her personal international-student-specific experience in designing the ISAP. Furthermore, Tammie is a cross-cultural researcher with research interest and expertise in health education and communication. She borrows Confucius learning principles and collectivistic orientated cultural practice in designing the ISAP. Her work with the international students has been recognised by teaching awards including the 2022 Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Dean's Excellence in Education Award, the 2022 School of Clinical Sciences Innovation in Learning and Teaching Award, and the 2018 Vice Chancellor's Diversity and Inclusion Award. 

The goal of the ISAP is to support culturally diverse international students in the Monash Nutrition programs to embrace the Australian culture, pursue a connection with their student communities and staff, and thrive in their learning in Monash University. The ISAP consists of multiple activities, including mentoring programs, the summer internship program, the overseas work experience and the cultural celebrations. The activities are designed to help culturally diverse international students to acculturate into the Australian education environment while empowering them to find own voice in the field of nutrition and dietetics.