A first-year student is considering changing his course after claiming most classes were taught in Mandarin.
Harry studies economics at the University of Melbourne and said he was the only white student, or one of a handful, in his courses.
While his classmates often spoke Mandarin to each other, they also asked questions to the tutor in the same language.
Harry claimed that his tutor would then respond in Mandarin and not explain in English what was being discussed.
“I was left a little bit in the dark. It discouraged me a little bit from speaking and interacting with the class as a whole,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne Drive.
‘I was actually just sitting there for the spectators.’
Harry explained that he had to attend because the tutorials were compulsory, but that it often happened that his fellow students only spoke Mandarin during group work.
He said that about once per class a question would be asked in Mandarin, to which the teacher would respond in the same language.
Harry, who chose not to give his last name, is studying economics at the University of Melbourne (pictured) and said he was the only white student, or one of a handful, in his courses
“I should have asked what was being discussed, so that is absolutely my fault, but I still find it unacceptable that they are speaking a language that I don’t understand at all in an English-speaking country,” Harry said.
‘The classes were either silent or mostly spoken in Mandarin.’
Harry added that there was one student who often translated for him, but that this should not be his responsibility.
The student now hopes to be able to defer courses to science or technology.
The University of Melbourne said it is investigating Harry’s allegations and has encouraged him to make a formal complaint.