1963 - 1983

Council of International Students in Western Australia (CISWA), formerly known as Coordinating Committee for Overseas Students in Western Australia, (CCOSWA), was established in December, 19th, 1963. The inaugural meeting was convened by the then External Affairs officer Mr. G. T. Pretyman. The purpose of setting up CCOSWA was a response to the recognition by the Department of Commonwealth Education and External Affairs; of the special needs of overseas students and that there were a lack of structures in place to meet those needs. Sir Ronald Wilson was later elected the first president and chairman of the committee and Mrs Mary C Hodgkin was elected the first vice president.

During the 1960s, universities had no support services specifically for overseas students. Since then CCOSWA acted as the overseas students support service providers in Western Australia. It arranged sightseeing and cultural trips, provided advice and help for those with problems of adjustment and loneliness, and even provided a loan service for those with financial problems. In return the committee was funded by Australian Development Assistance Agency (ABAA), currently known as Aus AID.

In 1977, the Coordinating Committee for the Welfare of Overseas Students in Western Australia met quarterly with the Executive meeting every month as it does today. The committee then produced an annual booklet entitled Information for Overseas Students and a copy was given to new overseas student upon arrival. It has also expanded its’ services to included reception, accommodation, hospitality, orientation, International Wives Group (IWG), English language assistance and general welfare. 

1983 -2003

During the 1980s, CCOSWA felt the effects of increased service, changing student needs, significant Government policy changes from Colombo Plan to full fee paying places for international students and the employment of salaried staff. This was mainly due to the deregulation of international students’ enrolment in 1986, whereby Education Legislation was used to enable the setting up private colleges which could take overseas students on a full cost recovery basis. At this time ‘Flexibility is the key element’ was the modus operandi of the Subcommittees.

Since the 1980s, the committee was renamed to the Council for Welfare of Overseas Students, W.A. and then by 1986 this became WACOS or the Western Australian Council for Overseas Students. It was not until 1988 another noteworthy episodes occurred; WACOS under the leadership of Dr. Collins convened the inaugural WACOS Working Party. The working party of this time, discussed issues on medical and psychiatric needs, legal issues, general problems of adjustment, hygiene, problems with Home Stay families, family planning, and issues concerning the Immigration Department, Telecom and Medicare. WACOS then produced the Everyday Living Guide in W.A. – A Guide for international students, which is still available to all international students today.

In 1994; the council renamed itself again to become the Council of International Students in Western Australia (CISWA) in accordance to the trends of renaming overseas students with international students. It was then; the current logo with its name CISWA was commissioned. The roles of CISWA thereafter, change to become a sub-contractor and receiving grants for AusAID students from universities and colleges.

2003 – Present

Today, CISWA is the only like organisation remains in Australia. CISWA continues to produce the guide book for international students, organising Day Trips, Picnics and Barbecues, Country Hospitality, Orientations, Seminars and many more.