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  • Join us for the Latin America Study with New Zealand Virtual Fair 

    “The fair will be a great opportunity for providers to connect with prospective students in the Latin American market, using an interactive digital platform,” says Javiera Visedo, Director of Engagement Latin America for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).  

    “ENZ is seeking expressions of interest in the fair, which we are hosting in collaboration with FPP. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Expression of Interest form by 9 December 2022.”  

    Invitations to register will follow in the new year. 

    Find out more about Latin America 

    Key areas of focus for ENZ in Latin America include Brazil, Colombia and Chile, and we have staff based in São Paulo and Santiago.  

    Close to 6,000 international students came to New Zealand from Latin America in 2019, and Brazil is our eighth largest market. Since the pandemic there has been intense activity from our competitors with many of them establishing in-country representatives, which demonstrates the importance of this region in international student recruitment.  

    Beyond student recruitment, ENZ also values the government and education connections with the region. 

    ENZ recently hosted a series of Latin America Masterclasses, which saw participants from around Latin America tuning in to watch live lectures delivered by New Zealand academics.  

    In June this year, Education Minister Chris Hipkins created great buzz with his visit to Brazil and Chile, part of his first international trip since the beginning of the pandemic.   

    Group recipients of the Prime Ministers’ Scholarships for Latin America have recently started making their way to Brazil, Colombia and Chile to participate in short study exchanges. These include several Māori led groups, supporting connections with indigenous nations in the region.    

    In September, ENZ attended the FPP Virtual Fair in Colombia. The fair had more than 800 visitors, with over 100 visiting the ENZ booth. There was strong interest in tertiary programmes and language studies. The virtual fair was a great opportunity to promote New Zealand as a study destination within the Latin American market.  

    A group of 100 high school students from Paraná State in southern Brazil had a three-month study experience this year with schools in Auckland, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Canterbury and Invercargill.

    Brazil 

    In 2019, there were 3,324 Brazilian students studying in New Zealand. Being from non-English speaking countries, the majority of Latin American students will start their education experience in New Zealand studying English. Scholarships offered by the local state governments have also contributed to the presence of Brazilian students in New Zealand and in 2022, 100 students from the state of Parana in Brazil travelled to New Zealand on a 3-month exchange. The students were placed at high schools across the country and gave positive feedback about their time here.  

    Colombia 

    Colombia is New Zealand’s second largest market in Latin America, second only to Brazil. In 2019, there were 1,360 Colombian students studying in New Zealand. 

    In 2023, 22 students from Bogotá, Colombia, will travel to New Zealand to study during terms one and two. Most of the students will be based at schools across the North Island, with one group heading down to Nelson.  

    On 23 November 2022, ENZ launched the I AM NEW campaign in Spanish at an event in Bogotá, to promote a New Zealand education.  

    Chile 

    The recent CAPE LatAm ‘Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with Chile’ event, hosted at Parliament, was a great example of the rich history of connections between New Zealand and Chile.  

    Chile is New Zealand’s third largest market in Latin America. In 2019, there were 1,193 Chilean students studying in New Zealand. The majority of Chilean students come to New Zealand to study English Language, but enrolment in schools has also been consistent, with 17% of students studying at New Zealand schools in 2019. 

    Flights 

    Latam will be resuming their daily flights to Sydney via Auckland from mid-December and Qantas is flying three times per week from Santiago direct to Sydney. Although the cost of flights is high, in line with worldwide trends, the resumption of regular flights demonstrates the high demand for the Latin America to Oceania route.  

    Expressions of interest in the Latin America Study with New Zealand Virtual Fair are due by 9 December 2022. You can access the online form here.  

    If you have any questions about the event, please contact  latinamerica@enz.govt.nz 

  • Hands-on agribusiness experience for NZ students in Brazil, Chile and Colombia

    Despite being located on opposite sides of the world, New Zealand and Latin America have very similar climates, a phenomenon which serves as an opportunity for students in professions connected to agriculture to broaden their knowledge and practical skills. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme has supported students travelling to Brazil, Chile and Colombia to study this subject. 

    In operation since 2013, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme has already provided support for around 3,050 New Zealanders studying abroad, covering their travel, meals, accommodation, studies, technical visits, and journeys in different regions.  

    In 2022, Brazil was the most popular Latin-American country among group scholarship recipients, receiving visits from three groups. Brazil was also the first country to welcome New Zealand students from the program following the COVID-19 pandemic.  

    12 members of the Agronomy and Business Faculty of Lincoln University travelled to São Paulo in November last year. Over the course of five weeks, they visited and studied at three Brazilian universities, visiting farms and production centres in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná and Santa Catarina states. 

    According to Dr. Hugh Bigsby of Lincoln University, who coordinated the groups of students, their visits were organised so they could learn about the countries and their cultures through their food. 

    “Our programmes are called ‘agribusiness summer schools’ and the aim is to try to understand the local economy, over a period of five weeks, through processes involved in food production and the textile industry, for example,” Hugh said. 

    “In each country, we introduce the students to farms, sales chains and supermarkets. At the end of the program, they are required to present a business idea that can contribute to the commercial relations between New Zealand and each country visited, supporting exports and imports,” explained Hugh. 

    Amongst the places visited in Brazil were the Higher Education School of Agriculture of the University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba; the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba; and the experimental farms operated by the Federal University of Viçosa. 

    “The partnerships with the local universities of each country are fundamental to the success of our program, since each of them provides us with the local economic context, demonstrates technological advances that are underway, and explains the specific features of the local producers,” Hugh said. 

    At the same time, a group of 10 students, from the School of Agriculture and Development at Massey University, were in Chile to pursue their studies of agribusiness techniques. The students explored several regions across the country, visiting the Austral University of Chile, the Catholic University of Valparaiso, and Magallanes University in Punta Arenas.  

    In addition to the universities, the students went to the Santiago Botanic Gardens, dairy cattle farms, vineyards, avocado plantations, and food cooperatives.   

    Massey University students at Universidad Austral de Chile, in Chile.

    Massey University Professor Ignacio López, accompanied students on their visit. He said the trip was an incredible experience.  

    “The students were impressed with how the farmers are capable of sustainably farming foods in extremely harsh conditions” Ignacio said.  

    Lincoln University students at Universidad de La Salle, in Colombia.

    A group of 20 students from the Agronomy and Business Faculty of Lincoln University travelled to Bogotá, Colombia, in January to study agribusiness. They were in the country for four weeks, studying at the La Salle University, located in the Colombian capital, and at Manizales University. 

    The students learnt about the wide range of agribusiness activities conducted in the country and in the Mercosur region, including detailed studies of Colombian coffee production techniques, which are considered a benchmark across the world.   

    The students from the three groups all returned home having recognised the creativity and experience of the Latin-American agricultural producers.  

    “For our students, the trip opened their minds to new possibilities and different ways of working with agriculture,” said Ignácio Lopez.  

    “They also realised that what they had experimented with can, indeed, be adjusted and applied in New Zealand” he said. 

  • A media education

    In late May I had the great pleasure of taking five journalists from South East Asia on a tour of New Zealand. The journalists – two from Thailand, two from Viet Nam and one from the Philippines – all have a special interest in education, and were part of a bigger group who were hosted by NZ Inc as part of a range of events to mark the 40th anniversary of the relationship between New Zealand and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

    While the other journalists went on a trade and tourism circuit, our group travelled on their own education-focused itinerary. Apart from meeting up with the others at a cocktail event held by the Prime Minister at Auckland Museum, we did our own thing.

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    Above: The journalists were engaged right from the get go!

    Most regrettably, a blizzard interfered with our plans to visit Dunedin and Queenstown, but the hastily-arranged alternative schedule of Canterbury-based events made up, in some measure, for the missed opportunities further south.

    Once we got the basics – such as dressing appropriately for the cold – sorted, we were on a roll and the week raced by in the intense, humour-filled, lost-in-translation way they do with such visits, and with a good measure of sheep shearing, eye-dog marvelling, pie eating and hobbit-home wonderment thrown in.

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    Above: They saw cakes being iced in Canterbury…and a robotic guitar in Wellington.

    From schools to English language centres, ITPs to universities the journalists were impressed by the range and quality of the programmes and facilities, intrigued by the Intermediate School concept, very interested in our homestay set ups and excited by the many opportunities to hear directly from students currently in New Zealand.

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    Above: They met with a group of Thai health professionals undergoing executive development in Waikato...and rubbed shoulders with the Prime Minister in Auckland.

    For my part, it was a hugely informative trip – providing me with valuable insights into the three South East Asian countries via the journalists, as well as me to make connections with members of our industry and to become more familiar with what you have to offer. Many thanks to those who took part, and arranged tours and gathered students to talk to the journalists.

    As I bid farewell to them all at Auckland airport, Nirunsak, one of the Thai journalists who had been a bit of lone wolf during the week, but who I discovered was a music-loving, short story-writing romantic, said:  “I will carry New Zealand in my heart with a song.’ Magic.

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    And yes, we went to Hobbiton!

    The follow up questions are coming through now and we look forward to the stories in their media that the visit will generate.

  • Student welcomes continue throughout the country

    Timaru 

    In the Timaru District, a total of 83 students from America, China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Hong Kong and Laos were officially welcomed by the Mayor at a function at the Caroline Bay Hall on March 20. It was the first time a mayoral welcome of students has been held in Timaru since Feb 2020. 

    The welcome featured performances from the Roncalli College kapa haka group and Mountainview high School’s jazz band. Guest speakers included district Mayor, Nigel Bowen and MP for Rangitata Jo Luxton. 

    Whanganui

    Earlier this month 27 students from Japan, India, Germany, China, Thailand, and Scotland were treated to a rousing (and musical) welcome from the Cullinane College kapa haka group at the Cooks Gardens event centre in Whanganui. 

    Whanganui Deputy Mayor Helen Craig welcomed the students to “New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design” highlighting the importance of cultural interaction between international students and their New Zealand counterparts. 

    Cullinane College kapa haka group welcoming Whanganui’s international students. Click on the image to view the video.

  • Auckland schools build relationships with education agents and schools in Japan

    For the first time, a group of 16 Auckland-based high schools collectively visited Japan.  

    Their aim? Engaging with education agents and local schools to explore building long-term relationships, develop student exchanges and promote study at primary and secondary schools in Auckland.  

    ENZ supported the delegation by hosting an event at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo for the school’s delegation to make local connections. Over 50 local education agents, schools and the New Zealand delegation were brought together to connect, share and learn from each other. 

    Representatives from Massey Highschool and Waiuku College speaking to education agents at the New Zealand Embassy event.

    Mount Roskill Grammar School International Director, Wendy Reid, said the visit showed what regions can achieve with a joined-up approach.  

    “It was a privilege to work with so many professional and knowledgeable Auckland schools, and continue to build relationships with our Japanese partners,” Wendy said. 

    Feedback from partners in Japan was also positive. Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School English Head of Department, John Headon, said the regional approach to this engagement showcased New Zealand’s strength in community spirit.  

    No matter which school you visit, there’s a strong sense of reassurance that the entire region will come together to support their students,” he said.  

    The participating schools were Auckland Grammar, Botany Downs Secondary College, Gulf Harbour School, Howick College, Maraetai Beach School, Massey High School, Mount Albert Grammar, Mount Roskill Grammar School, One Tree Hill College, Rosehill College, Sacred Heart College, St Mary’s College, St Peter’s College, Takapuna Grammar, Waitākere College and Waiuku College. 

    While in Japan, the Auckland school group maximised the opportunity by independently visiting other key regions, visiting partners and meeting with prospective families.  

    Since their return, the group of schools has been busy following up with the new and existing partnerships. 

  • Prime Minister meets Kiwi students in Singapore

    Last week the Prime Minister announced the 249 young New Zealanders who have been awarded prestigious Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) as part of the August 2018/19 round.

    She congratulated the new round of awardees in Singapore, where she met a group of 11 current PMSA recipients and reflected on the value of young Kiwis having international education experiences.  

    The Singapore-based awardees at the event included Louis Martin (25) who is carrying out a four-month internship with Asia Internship Program (AIP), Nicolas Steyn (20) who is on a one semester exchange at the National University of Singapore, and Lucy Kenner (22) who is undertaking a 12-week legal internship at Providence Law Asia. 

    “Ongoing academic relationships and new business opportunities are two things we are seeing result from the scholarship programme,” Jacinda Arden said in the announcement release.

    “Our awardees are welcomed and supported by diplomatic communities in New Zealand and offshore, which we also value.”

    John Laxon, Regional Director – South and South East Asia, Middle East, said that Friday’s event during which the Prime Minister chatted and mingled with the group of Kiwi students showed how international education can be life changing.

    “Our scholars gave great insights into how they have created lifelong connections through their PMSA experiences, which will enrich their lives and strengthen their careers,” said John.

    “The Prime Minister enjoyed the discussions, which brought back memories of her own exchange student experience at Arizona State University.”

    Applications for the next round of PMSA and PMSLA opens mid-January and must be submitted online by 30 March 2019. More information on the application process can be found here. Institutions are encouraged to contact ENZ to discuss potential group applications.

    The PMSA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here. The PMSLA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here.

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  • Around the world in five

    IRELAND

    Irish gov’t creates group to enhance student wellbeing

    Ireland’s government has announced the creation of a new group, chaired by the Union of Students in Ireland, to examine how student wellbeing and engagement can be enhanced at the country’s higher education institutions.

    Read more

     

    GLOBAL

    Why ethical internationalisation is no longer a choice

    By catering mostly to rich kids from rich families in the developing world, we surely have to admit that international education in developed countries serves to reinforce the economic inequality and social stratification in students’ home societies.

    Read more

     

    NEW ZEALAND

    Returning student happy with coffee and company

    Hannah Mello (29) was the first Otago PhD student to return to complete their studies in New Zealand, under a Government scheme to allow up to 250 overseas PhD students to return the country.

    Read more

     

    AUSTRALASIA

    Spotlight on Australia and New Zealand

    ICEF Monitor featured a country spotlight on New Zealand (including the 1,000 cohort announcement and the global pathways initiative) to their e-subscriber base. Recent surveys among agents and students gave high marks – and top safety ratings – to Australia and New Zealand in the wake of the success that both countries have achieved in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

    Read more

     

    UNITED STATES

    US: first Biden policies will “restore” international student confidence

    US education organisations have welcomed Joseph Biden as the 46th president of the US, whose administration shows “encouraging signs” towards a more favourable climate for international education, science, and engagement with the world.

    Read more

  • Strengthening education partnerships in Japan

    The visit was led by ENZ Group General Manager for International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, and Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, who met with partners in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo to formalise agreements and discuss future initiatives. 

    Renewed commitment to education collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education 

    On 20 October, ENZ renewed its Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. First signed in 2017, the arrangement underpins collaboration on inbound and outbound study programmes and initiatives that deepen understanding of New Zealand’s education system. 

    The renewal included a review of past activities and discussions on future areas of cooperation, ensuring the partnership continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for students and educators. 

    New arrangement with Ritsumeikan Academy 

    On 21 October, ENZ signed a new ECA with Ritsumeikan University and its affiliated schools. Ritsumeikan is recognised for its strong focus on global competence and has maintained a close relationship with New Zealand since 2000 through long-term and exchange programmes. 

    ENZ Group General Manager International & Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, alongside Chancellor, The Ritsumeikan Trust Presindent, Ritsumeikan University, Dr.Yoshio Nakatani.

    The formalisation of this partnership builds on years of collaboration, including support for identifying partner schools and facilitating study tours. The new arrangement will strengthen opportunities for Japanese students to experience New Zealand education. 

    Reaffirming ties with Hokkaido Board of Education 

    On 22 October, ENZ met with the Hokkaido Board of Education to reaffirm a partnership that began in 2017 and was formalised through an ECA in 2020. Discussions focused on continuing reciprocal school exchanges, advancing digital learning in regional areas, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and global learning for students in both regions. 

    From L to R: ENZ Senior Market Development Manager Takako Tominaga, Chief Coordinator, Hokkaido Board of Education Yohei Kato, ENZ Regional Director Ben Burrowes, ENZ Group General Manager Sahinde Pala and International Exchange Section, High School Education Division, Bureau of school Education, Aoi Konagaya.

    This engagement reflects ENZ’s commitment to sustaining and deepening educational exchange between Hokkaido and New Zealand. 

    Meeting with JAOS leadership 

    Also on 22 October, ENZ met with Mr. Sone, a Board Member of the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), the peak body representing Japan’s study-abroad agencies. JAOS promotes ethical industry standards, provides counsellor training, and advocates for safe, high-quality study abroad options for Japanese students. 

    The discussion covered the strong reputation of New Zealand in the high school sector, emerging market dynamics, and evolving preferences among students and parents. Both sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with Japanese agents, including future initiatives to strengthen partnerships and enhance global learning experiences. 

    Looking ahead 

    The visit marked an important step in strengthening ENZ’s partnerships across Japan and reaffirming shared goals for international education.  

    Reflecting on the visit, Sahinde Pala said this visit shows ENZ’s commitment to building strong international partnerships. 

    We are delighted to work with our Japanese partners to create more opportunities for students from both countries to gain global skills and for Japanese students to experience the quality of NZ's education system," she said.  

  • Reflections from English Teachers in South Korea

    In January 2024, six New Zealand teachers were selected to spend part of their summer season teaching English in South Korea as part of the New Zealand Korea FTA Partnership English Language Training Programme 

    This programme is supported by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) who assists with the teacher recruitment process. This was one of the key KNZFTA programmes recently discussed during the South Korea Government delegation visit to New Zealand late last year.  

    The group of six New Zealand teachers selected to teach English in South Korea in January. From left, Jane Bassett, Food Technology Teacher from Havelock North Intermediate School, Sharon Powell, English Teacher from Long Bay College in Auckland, Kara Shortland, Acting Team Leader (Bilingual) from Whangārei Intermediate School Te Tai Tokerau. Glenn Cheyne, Head of Learning Area Social Sciences from Nayland College in Nelson, Gordon Sim, Social Science teacher from Hillcrest High School in Hamilton, and Dan Greer, Social Studies/Drama teacher from Logan Park High School in Dunedin.

    Kay Lee, ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – Korea, said that it was an absolute pleasure to see New Zealand teachers continue to travel to South Korea to teach English during their summer break.  

    “There are so many positive outcomes from the running of this cross-cultural programme for both the Korean students and the New Zealand teachers participating.  

    "On one hand, the students get the opportunity to hone their English language skills while experiencing the New Zealand teaching style, learning more about New Zealand, including its culture and education system. Meanwhile, while teaching English and serving as ambassadors of a New Zealand education, the teachers can immerse themselves in Korean life for a few weeks, seeing new sights, trying new food and making new friends.  

    Gordon, Jane, and Dan, sampling Korean cuisine at the end of the teaching day.

    "Our Korean government partner for educational programmes, EPIS, has acknowledged ENZ for its significant contribution to the programme’s success through effective teacher recruitment. These positive outcomes are testament to the strength of our NZ-Korea Government-to-Government partnership,” added Kay.  

    Upon their return to New Zealand, two of the teachers who are trained in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), shared their experiences with ENZ. Read on to hear about the reflections from their two weeks abroad.... 

    Jane Bassett (지안 (Jian) from Havelock North Intermediate School with her students.

    Jane Bassett is a Food Technology teacher at Havelock North Intermediate School and said that the experience of exchanging cultures whilst teaching in an overseas classroom environment was an absolute privilege.  

    “Our students were aged 14 – 17 years old and came from all over South Korea with family backgrounds in the Agricultural and Fisheries industries. Each student had been awarded a scholarship from the Korean government to attend the two-week intensive English programme organised by the Hyundai Research Institute. 

    "The Institute went above and beyond in their efforts to ensure an incredible experience for both the students and our group of teachers.   

    The teaching programme included a wide range of modules and as well as English grammar, we covered lessons on New Zealand culture, history, tourism, agriculture, sports, famous New Zealanders, and school life.  My class was also exposed to the New Zealand Technology curriculum and was tasked with developing a new snack product. As part of the project, I introduced them to several New Zealand snacks and Kiwi classics such as WeetBix, Marmite and Watties Baked Beans, to varying degrees of enjoyment!”  

    Students were encouraged to speak in English throughout the day via fun-games, readings, conversations and plays so that the teachers could fine-tune their English to help them become more fluent with more natural English phrasing.  

    "We also explained aspects of Māori culture and the significance of pepeha (way of introduction). The students, who were from agricultural and fisheries backgrounds, were quickly able to identify their  own awa (river) and maunga (mountain), showing their own personal connection to their land.   

    Jane said that a personal highlight was being able to spend her birthday in Seoul learning about Korean cuisine through a cooking class on kimchi making and tea ceremony in a traditional house. She admitted that this was an appropriate birthday experience for a New Zealand Food Technology teacher! 

    She summed up the experience by saying that the group of teachers gained a greater understanding of cultural diversity and appreciation of the challenges learning English poses for new learners, learnings which they will take home with them.  

    “We really hope that our students will remember their experience as fondly as we will and that they will look to study and visit New Zealand in the future.” 

    Drama and Social Studies teacher, Dan Greer, of Logan Park High School with three of his students.

    Dan Greer, is a drama and social studies secondary school teacher from Logan Park School in Dunedin. He joined Jane as one of the six teachers selected to travel to South Korea, his second experience as an English language teacher in South Korea, having taught in Ulsan 12 years ago.   

    “I had such an amazing time participating in the Hyundai Research Institute’s programme. It was great to have other quality teachers on this experience with me and we were able to work together, mixing up the style of teaching and activities. I had the more beginner level class, and as a drama teacher we added games to my traditional English teaching. The students really enjoyed it, and it gave them more confidence to give things a go. 

    Dan reflected on the fact that there was one practice of teaching English in Korea that he had often thought was a little unfair, that being the naming of Korean students with English names.  

    “As an English teacher in Korea, you are often asked to name Korean students with English names. Sometimes this is because they want them, sometimes it is because they ’have’ to, and for many it is because westerners find Korean names hard to pronounce. I have named nine children in my life, one being my daughter and the other eight have been my Korean students. 

    Dan used this practice as a topic of discussion in class one day and shared his opinion that it had not always felt right to him as he felt that if Korean students were taking the time to learn the English language, that teachers should make an effort in return.  

    He then asked his students whether English teachers should have Korean names. This prompted them to ask many questions about Dan including who he is when he is not “Dan the teacher”, his whakapapa, and the meaning of his name in English.  

    Dan said “You can imagine my surprise when my students were all waiting for me when I arrived the next day. One wonderful student then stood up and using perfect English gifted me a Korean name. I was no longer just “Dan the Teacher,” but also now 도혁 (Dohyuk), which meant I was ‘leading them to a bright path’.   

    “This was such a humbling experience that I will cherish forever. For me, this is what makes teaching and life so special,” added 도혁  (Dan). 

    If the Korean organisers decide to run the NZ-Korea FTA Partnership English Language Training Programme in the future, ENZ will continue to share the applications with NZ school teachers through the Asia NZ Foundation and Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA).  

  • Auckland Agency Group progresses student well-being initiatives

    AAG Chair Isabel Evans, Director of the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Auckland, says more than 60 per cent of international students currently study in Auckland.

    “The AAG group was established to build cross-agency government leadership in the Auckland region,” she says.

    “We also wanted to ensure that agencies on the ground in Auckland are collaborating effectively.”

    Education members of the AAG include the MOE, Education New Zealand (ENZ), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission. Other government agencies include New Zealand Police, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Social Development and Office of Ethnic Communities, Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards and the Human Rights Commission. Auckland economic growth agency ATEED also plays an important role.

    Ms Evans said the AAG was involved in stakeholder engagement in August which contributed to a draft International Student Wellbeing Strategy.

    “From this engagement, we identified a number of action areas. Since then, group members have been working on ways to improve the overall international student experience in Auckland, with the potential to roll these out nationally if successful.”

    Below are some of the initiatives underway.

    • ATEED and NZ Police are working on a refresh of a safety video for international students. While it will be filmed in Auckland, its messaging will apply to students nationally, and should be available from early 2017.
    • ATEED is developing an International Student Experience programme in partnership with ENZ and industry partners.
    • Several agencies are looking at ways to improve the information available to international students and their families. Students are seeking more information on such topics as the true cost of living, insurance and what it covers, employment rights, health services and New Zealand culture.
    • Agencies are also looking at ways to provide more volunteer and internship opportunities for international students. ATEED and MBIE will also launch phase two of their job-ready graduate programme working with ICT grads specifically.
    • Several agencies are looking at ways to better support international parents, particularly those accompanying children who are studying at primary school here. These parents can be isolated and lonely. This support can also extend to the homestay parents who host international students.

    “These initiatives are a start, and the AAG members are enthusiastically collaborating to make sure that opportunities to enhance the international student experience are progressed,” says Ms Evans.

    She says the AAG’s work is aimed to enhance the service that international students receive from their education provider, rather than replacing it.

    For further information, please contact ENZ Acting Director, Student Experience, Sahinde Pala at Sahinde.pala@enz.govt.nz.

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