Recent attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne has thrust International Student relations into the limelight. Australia advertises itself as a multicultural melting pot of cultures, indeed the main two cities are known for their cosmopolitan and fresh vibe. Moreover, University students have always prided themselves on liberal, avant-garde ideals, as both active thinkers and social leaders in issues such as human rights, race and gender politics.

In the last ten years, the student political climate across both Australia and New Zealand has become markedly more conservative. Apathy is rife; University has increasingly become the domain of the upper-middle class or those with strong social supports. The illusion that university is for everyone has well and truly evaporated, but frankly, Generation Y doesn't seem to care.

International students challenge many of the aspects of these ideals, and not because of the inherent cultural differences. The cost of University in India pales in comparison to Australian International Student fees, at a quarter to a sixth of the price. Most Australian university students live at home or in their home town for university, yet students are willing to relocate from Asia, the Indian sub-continent, Canada, the United States and Africa to further their education.

In many ways, International students from developing countries represent what University used to be about; living outside of the comfort zone. Embracing independence, be it from family, financially, culturally, politically or socially comes with the experience of tertiary education.

Generation Y students don't begrudge the presence international students, but certainly the majority do not openly welcome them to campus. Indifference and apathy prevails.

Racially motivated attacks are abhorrent and shameful. Students, domestic and international should feel safe not only on campus, but in their city of residence. Australian institutions need to continue to foster strong relationships with India and the world; not only to attract both students and academics to our shores, but also to passionately reinvigorate the political and ideological diversity of our campuses.

With persistent international influence, Australia's Generation Y can begin to examine their understanding of politics. The student majority needs to be jolted out of apathy. Perhaps the thousand-person rallies in Sydney and Melbourne will cause people to question, to ask; Why?