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Student-led business sets out to break down barriers
InterStudentsNZ, a platform which will host resources and courses to meet the needs of international students, is a regional winner in the Company of the Year category in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. It also scooped the Excellence in Promotion Award and Paying it Forward Award.
InterStudentsNZ is the brainchild of budding entrepreneurs Mackenzie Roskruge (CEO), KimSreng Keo (Production Manager), and Russle La Morena (Finance Director), who met through the college’s international student buddy scheme. They bonded over a shared interest in education and curiosity about their cultural differences.
Mackenzie and Russle are both domestic students, but Kim arrived in New Zealand in 2018 as an international student from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, knowing no-one and understanding little of what seemed to be a strange, new culture.
He believes that international students enrich New Zealand communities and have much to offer, but that many don’t make the most of their time here because they face challenges integrating into the community and planning a future beyond school.
“Understanding how people think and how to communicate is important,” he says. “When we first arrive many of us have a big language barrier. There are even subtle cultural differences which we don’t understand, and which need explanation.”
Platform driven by students, for students
Sharing his insights of the challenges that international students can face, the friends determined that more support was needed and that a platform driven by students, for students, was the answer.
The opportunity to enter the Young Enterprise Scheme through their Year 13 Business Studies course, gave the students a chance to turn their ideas into reality.
InterStudentsNZ has big plans. The team want to create a one-stop shop for resources tailored for students to better understand New Zealand’s education system, work environment, and culture.
“For example, if a student came to us and wanted to learn about New Zealand slang, we could direct them to a one-hour course with video tutorials, quizzes and written explanations to help them master slang,” says Mackenzie.
“Or a student might want to learn about social innovation in New Zealand. We could potentially provide a one-two hour course each week for a month with case studies, opportunities for mentorship, and tools for how they could move into social innovation themselves.
Empowering international students in New Zealand
"We hope students will feel empowered to learn new subjects and inspired to remain studying and working in New Zealand."And it’s not only international students who stand to benefit. Surveys of domestic students at Waitakere College showed that they were also interested to explore topics which would likely make them more engaged and invested in their education.
The InterStudentsNZ team all plan to study at the University of Auckland next year and hope to continue developing their business. With more funding, they would like to add workplace mentorship opportunities for international students, courses in te ao Maori, New Zealand history, and New Zealand industry pathways. They also plan a blog space and a social media presence. “We’re creating a digital Aotearoa for rangatahi all around the world to explore.”
Giving international students a sense of belonging
Kim is proud of how much he has achieved since arriving in Auckland as a shy 14-year-old, and grateful for the support he has received from his New Zealand friends. “Working alongside them has been amazing and allowed me to gain so much more confidence. Now we’ve come up with this idea on how to help international students, it’s really strengthened our relationship as a team. “Our business motto is ‘Encouraging Connections’ and that sums up our goals,” says Mackenzie. “It’s about building bridges and supporting international students, giving them a sense of belonging and a great future in New Zealand.”
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Farewell to a champion for international students: Jessica Phuang retires after years of dedicated service
As a founding member of the Auckland Agency Group, Jessica played a key role in bringing together organisations to support the international student experience through tangible, cross-agency interventions.
One of her most impactful initiatives was the International Student Ambassadors programme, which helped students connect with the New Zealand Police, build trust, and learn how to stay safe while studying in New Zealand.
Known affectionately as “Aunty Jessica” by many students, she was often the first person they turned to in moments of need — sometimes even in the early hours of the morning. Her personal commitment to student wellbeing went far beyond her official role.
Jessica and her team also contributed to the development of safety resources for international students, produced in collaboration with ATEED and ENZ. Her work consistently reflected a deep dedication to ensuring international students had a positive and enriching experience in New Zealand.
ENZ Group General Manager International & Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, said Jessica has been a quiet force behind many of the initiatives that have shaped the international student experience in Auckland.
“Her warmth, her advocacy, and her ability to bring people together have made a lasting impact,” she said.
“She understood that international students are not just visitors — they’re part of our communities. Jessica’s work helped raise their profile and ensure they were supported, respected, and empowered,” Sahinde added.
Jessica also supported the development of a unique Auckland University of Technology (AUT) initiative that connected students with retirees, fostering intergenerational dialogue and community building – a project fondly remembered by many, including ENZ staff.
International students enjoyed learning about local New Zealand culture from senior citizens in Auckland. Read more here: AUT international students connect with senior citizens » Education NZ
ENZ extends its heartfelt thanks to Jessica for her years of service and support, and wishes her all the very best in her retirement.
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International students welcomed to New Zealand
James Hargest College’s new international students meet their homestay families at the airport (the stuffed lion toy (school mascot) has all the emergency contacts in its school bag!)
Whakatane High School performed a powhiri for its new German, Austrian and Swiss students.
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
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Around the world in five
AUSTRALIA
Visas and cost could dampen Australia’s growth prospects
Despite Australia’s international student numbers improving, agents at the recent ICEF ANZA workshop in Cairns said ongoing concerns in Australia could hinder the growth – citing difficulties with the new Simplified Student Visa Framework, high tuition fees and an increasing cost of living.
ASIA
‘Glocal’ students get a chance to attend foreign universities at home
As the competition for international students intensifies and the political climate in some Western countries becomes less welcoming, institutions are adapting and offering innovative ways of engaging with international students – including through international branch campuses (IBC).
GERMANY
What Germany is doing right to edge past the competition
Germany is comfortably poised among the top five education destinations worldwide. It is the fourth largest economy in the world, spends 9.3% of GDP on education, and its science and research reputation continues to draw inlarge numbers of international students. While this will remain Germany’s strength, efforts are being made to lure a more diverse pool of students.
GLOBAL
Younger universities outdo old in attracting international talent
Older schools have the upper hand in funding, teaching and research, but trail behind younger schools when it comes to internationalisation, the 2017 Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings show. Newer universities do better than their older counterparts in attracting students from abroad as well as in publishing international research – a finding that researchers say reveals the priorities of these younger schools.
UK
The millennial shift to simple, authentic, and inspiring
In an online survey of more than 2,000 British millennials (ages 16 to 24), more than eight in ten respondents feel that it is important to continuously improve themselves in both skills and wellness, with 22% of respondents saying they study languages. The report also ties the impulse to better oneself to an interest in making the world a better place.
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International IT graduates connect with industry
Tip:
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Work-ready programmes are a great way to connect employers with local talent
Each of the international graduates delivered a 60-second pitch to the room, followed by an informal networking session to talk further with employers about work opportunities.
The event was organised by ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development).
The graduates are participating in a 12-week software development boot camp delivered by Industry Connect, an initiative that prepares graduates for the New Zealand IT market. Each student received a full scholarship, thanks to a joint funding agreement between ATEED, ENZ and Immigration New Zealand. Five graduates from the programme have already secured permanent jobs in the tech sector.
Study Auckland Manager, Nick Arnott, said through these networking events, ATEED hopes to retain the best international graduates in the region by promoting skilled employment pathways – particularly in high-growth sectors such as IT.
“It's great to see the graduates throw themselves into networking with employers, and also to see how interested the employers were in hiring diverse talent,” said Nick.
"It really showcased the human side of the work ATEED is doing to transition international graduates into skilled employment.”
CVs of international graduates
Greg Scott, ENZ’s General Manager, Industry Development said the programme is indicative of a wider change happening in international education.
“International students are starting to seek more from their education than just a qualification – career outcomes, soft skills, and work experience are more likely to sway their decision on which location and institution they should choose for study.”
Greg said the number of employers attending the networking event was a testament to the growing interest in talented international graduates.
“More and more employers are seeking people that aren’t only tech savvy but have cultural knowledge and language skills too.
“It demonstrates that Auckland's tech sector is hungry for skilled international graduates. Most likely, other sectors are too.”
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Journey to transformational student experience
To tackle this challenge, ENZ and Study Auckland recently undertook an International Student Experience design project.
The goal of the design project was to provide detailed international student experience insights that can help education institutions lift their student satisfaction and referral rates, says ENZ Director of Student Experience, Hayley Shields.
Four areas of opportunity were prioritised: information provision, employability, social connectivity and shared values. From these, guiding principles were developed for how international students’ needs can be addressed to create unique value to the student experience in these areas.
Hayley says the New Zealand industry needs to focus beyond the on-campus experience.
“International students come to New Zealand to experience life beyond their studies and to grow as individuals.
“In true manaakitanga spirit, if we want to host, care for and respect our international students, we need to design programmes that are student centred.”
As part of the report, more than 80 face-to-face conversations were undertaken with students, business people and local community representatives. The students interviewed came from 16 countries in Asia, Latin America and North America.
The findings of the report were also informed by a wide range of international research projects which featured insights from leading global surveys on international student, parental and employer expectations.
The full report can now be accessed in IntelliLab here.
An example of an off-campus student experience was Study Auckland’s Rugby Have-a-Go Day for international students in July, where All Blacks players taught basic rugby skills. Through this, international students had a taste of Kiwi culture, and learned how rugby’s values can help form bonds and leadership skills. You can read more about the experience here.
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2017 ISB results: Universities and ITPs
The ISB is a global study that investigates the decision making, expectations and experiences of international students including their arrival experience, the support they receive from their education provider, the quality of education provided, and their living experience in country.
Universities sector
Among the 5,487 international students surveyed from six New Zealand universities, 90 percent were satisfied with their institution experience overall. This is the same percentage as the last wave of the study in 2015 and in line with the global benchmark.
International students in New Zealand placed higher importance on several work- and visa-related factors than the global average: 77% considered ease of getting a visa to study as important (8% above the global average), 65% considered opportunities for permanent residence as important (6% above the global average) and 73% considered opportunities to work while studying as important (5% above the global average).
Of the four major components of the survey, universities outperformed the global benchmark on three dimensions:
New Zealand Universities
Global Benchmark
Learning overall
88%
87%
Living overall
86%
87%
Support overall
90%
89%
Arrival overall
91%
89%
And 81% international students in New Zealand would recommend their university to others, which is slightly lower (-2%) than international students globally.
ITP sector
Some 3,470 international students from 13 New Zealand ITPs were surveyed, and overall satisfaction remains high at 89%, similar to the proportion in 2015 (+1%) and in line with the global benchmark.
International students who come to New Zealand ITPs place relatively high importance on employment and employability factors both during and after study: opportunities for permanent residence were rated 12% above the global benchmark, ease of getting a visa and opportunities to work while studying were both 11% above the global benchmark and opportunities for full-time work following their studies was 10% above the global benchmark.
Of the four major components of the survey, ITPs outperformed the global benchmark on three dimensions:
New Zealand ITPs
Global Benchmark
Learning overall
87%
87%
Living overall
90%
87%
Support overall
89%
88%
Arrival overall
92%
90%
Despite high satisfaction, students’ likelihood to recommend their institution to others has fallen to 76%. This is 5% below the global benchmark and a 3% fall since 2015, continuing the downward trend from 82% in 2013.
Each participating education provider in the ISB survey receives a customised report based on their own international student survey results, which they can use to make informed decisions to enhance the student experience and drive successful recruitment and marketing strategies.
ENZ, who funds the survey, receives overall aggregate results for each education sector but does not have access to individual provider results.
Click here for the summary Universities report.
Click here for the summary ITP report.
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Student speakers at NZIEC 2018
WelTec student Angelique Viola came from the Philippines to study accounting here, leaving behind a secure job and taking a leap of faith. After graduation, her goal is to find employment as an accountant in New Zealand.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. My tutors were supportive and made me feel comfortable to ask them questions. It helped me cope up with my studies and boosted my confidence. Other support, like the free shuttle bus provided by my school, was also a big help.
2. It is the first time that I encountered a study break during the school semester. That one-week break helped me to cool off before the final exams.
3. The Work-Ready Wellington programme helped me learn about New Zealand’s working environment.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Finding a part-time job related to the field I am studying.
2. The cost of transportation is quite expensive.
3. It’s challenging to find an institution that offers free seminars/training to enhance specific skills I am lacking.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I am taking a Graduate Diploma in accounting and it would be beneficial to have on-the-job style training and to learn software such as Xero or MYOB in the curriculum. This would definitely help me in my job hunt since most New Zealand employers are looking for experienced individuals.
Yuki Sugito left Japan to study at Wainuiomata High School – party driven by the appeal of the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. He has become involved in kapa haka, competing in the national championships with his school group. He plans to study tourism management at the University of Otago, and also wants to teach Japanese to Kiwis.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. I like learning about New Zealand culture. At school, I participate in Kapa Haka and get to learn the significance of Māori traditions.
2. New Zealand school is less strict than Japan and I can relate to the teachers and build good relationships.
3. I can practice my English every day.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Learning English is hard. In Japanese we don’t pronounce “r’s” and “l’s”. Also, the slang New Zealanders use is hard to get used to.
2. In New Zealand you have to self-manage your time. In Japan you “must” do things, in New Zealand you “should” do things, but no one makes you do it. You have to be motivated to achieve.
3. The NCEA system is different and hard. The system in New Zealand means if you don’t get your credits you can’t go to university. In Japan, the universities don’t operate like this.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
The classes for each subject in school are longer than in Japan. I wish New Zealand had at least a 10-minute break between classes. In Japan, classes are 50 minutes long with a small break in between which makes you feel recharged to learn the next subject.
Jingxin 'Ada' Wang is originally from China, and studied a master’s degree in accounting at Victoria University of Wellington. She enjoys travelling and has embraced hiking since being in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Excellent international student insurance – I don’t need worry about any accidents.
2. Help from the international students centre, they give you the best advice no matter what issues you struggle with. There are also lots of discounts for international students such as gyms, barbershops and restaurants.
3. I went to a Work-Ready course organised by Wellington Council, which made it easier for me to find employment after graduating.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. The Kiwi accent was very hard to understand at the beginning, and it was difficult for people to understand my own accent.
2. It’s hard to find delicious and authentic Chinese food in New Zealand.
3. Winter is my nightmare, and the weather here is always so rainy, windy and cold!
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I wish I had more support from my university about New Zealand etiquette and taboo. International students need to mingle into New Zealand culture and society and know the appropriate way to speak and to behave.
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A message to our students and their families
Our focus at this time is on supporting the families and communities affected by the attack and making sure people feel safe and secure – public safety is the top priority for the New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Government.
People everywhere in New Zealand are coming together to ensure that New Zealand remains an inclusive, caring country.
The attack is an assault on the values of New Zealanders – values of international friendship, tolerance and kindness. International education has a powerful role to play in this, and we value the diversity and perspectives all our international friends bring to New Zealand.
The following services are available, and we encourage you to access them if required:
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If you are in New Zealand, and you or someone you know is feeling distressed in the wake of these events you can call or text 1737 to speak to someone.
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If you are currently studying in New Zealand you can also get support from your education provider.
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Ministry of Health is offering health advice for coping after a traumatic event.
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ACC has support available to victims of the Christchurch terror attack.
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Immigration New Zealand offers general information and guidance for those living and working in New Zealand.
New Zealand is committed to making sure all international students feel safe and well, and that the country remains a welcoming and open society:
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The New Zealand Government’s pastoral care requirements are world leading and set high expectations for the support of international students. The requirements ensure education providers are providing support, information and counselling services. Also, that students are safe and properly cared for.
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New Zealand’s International Student Wellbeing Strategy includes a focus on health and wellbeing, and inclusion, and funds initiatives that support these aims.
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The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 is focussed on delivering excellent education and student experience, and ensuring international students are welcome and safe.
Noho ora mai (stay well, look after yourself).
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Wellington International Students Excellence Awards showcase the value of international education
Established in 2016, the Wellington International Student Excellence Awards, held by WellingtonNZ, recognise high-achieving international students based in the Wellington region.
Awardees included Academic Excellence Award winner and Whitireia NZ/WelTec student Matthew Hitchener from England, who was honoured for his project introducing pelvic binders to paramedic services in Wellington. Pelvic binders are commonly used overseas to compress the pelvis to prevent bleeding in those with a pelvic fracture. After a successful trial on a LifeFlight helicopter, the binders will soon be launched on all Wellington Free Ambulances.
WellingtonNZ Workforce and Business Growth Manager, Matt Carrere, says the awards show both what the Wellington region can offer international students, as well as the vast contribution students make to the region in return.
“Wellington is an interconnected, social and diverse region where international students learn and thrive. It’s unsurprising that many choose to remain here after their studies to pursue a career.”
The awards also recognised individuals and organisations that work to welcome international students to the region.
PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, Anna-Marie White, received the Internationalisation Award – Domestic Student for organising regular PhD writing workshops (or ‘bootcamps’) with international students.
She was nominated by a group of PhD candidates from around the world, who said: “Anna has expressed her manaakitanga to her international friends and has increased our feeling of home, our love of New Zealand, and our passion for our research. Bootcamp will always be the highlight of our PhD studies, and Anna is a member of the Wellington community that you can be incredibly proud of.”
This year’s Internationalisation Workplace Award went to Wellington tech company MarginFuel for offering employment and internships to 20 international students and graduates.
“MarginFuel offers the students opportunities to further their careers, and in return we have found the students are intelligent, hard-working and add a rich layer to our team culture,” CEO Andrew Pascoe says. “New hires especially comment on how culturally diverse we are, and how this adds so much to the organisation.”
For the full list of winners, visit the WellingtonNZ website.
