Since 2005 the number of students from the Gulf States, specifically from Saudi Arabia, studying in Australia has increased significantly. Saudi academic sojourners have their own adjustment challenges, and the professionals who interact with them also have to adapt to a group of learners made up of diverse individuals.

There is a degree of negative stereotyping of Saudi nationals by some in the Australian community. Much of this attitude has arisen since 9/11 and some of the people holding negative views are those who deal with Saudis within a higher education setting.