A first-year college student is planning to change majors after claiming most of his classes were taught in Mandarin.
Harry studies economics at the University of Melbourne and said he was the only Caucasian student, or one of the few, in his subjects.
Although his classmates often spoke Mandarin among themselves, they also asked the tutor questions in the same language.
Harry claimed that his tutor would respond in Mandarin and not explain what was being discussed in English.
“I was left a bit in the dark. I was a bit discouraged and I wasn’t able to converse or interact with the class in general,” she told ABC Radio Melbourne Drive.
“I basically just sat there waiting for assistance.”
Harry said that since tutoring is mandatory, he had to show up, but often during group work his classmates would speak entirely in Mandarin.
He said that about once in each 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 Melbourne University (pictured) and said he was the only, or one of very few, Caucasian students in his subjects.
“I should have asked what was being talked about, so it’s definitely my fault, but I still think it’s not acceptable for them to speak a language I can’t understand at all in an English-speaking country,” Harry said.
‘Classes were either silent or mostly spoken in Mandarin for the most part.’
Harry added that there was a student who often translated for him, but said that shouldn’t be his responsibility.
The student now hopes to change his major to science or engineering.
The University of Melbourne said it is investigating Harry’s claims and has encouraged him to lodge a formal complaint.
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