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  • Report concludes international education can recover and grow

    In 2019, international education’s direct financial contribution to New Zealand’s GDP was $3.7 billion using the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) methodology. This contribution was reduced to an estimated $0.8 billion in 2020 by the pandemic. The CGE methodology applied by EY to determine the contribution was supported by MBIE and MoE and is more rigorous than previous analyses. 

    Having established the direct financial contribution, EY explored the extent of the indirect longer-term contribution to New Zealand’s GDP from the small proportion international students that remain in New Zealand after completion of their studies. 

    EY found that international students living and working in New Zealand in 2019 and 2022 contributed economic, social, cultural, and international benefits. Using NZ Statistics Department IDI data and CGE modelling, EY found that these students contributed in the order of $6 billion in the form of labour supply and productivity to New Zealand’s GDP in both 2019 and 2022.  

    Determining this contribution involved estimating the GDP output and wage impacts associated with New Zealand educated international students who remained in New Zealand and transitioned into the domestic workforce in the 10 years leading up to each year. 

    ENZ Chief Executive, Grant McPherson said, “This report confirms the tough time the sector has had over the past two years, highlights the contribution it made in the past, the contribution it makes beyond economic value, and tells us that it is possible to become a vibrant, sustainable and resilient sector in the future.” 

    The majority of international students, 62%, return to their country of origin after they have completed their studies. A further 13% leave New Zealand after their post-study work experience meaning that in total 75% have returned home after three years, according to the research. 

    More broadly, EY concluded there is evidence that international education can enable New Zealand students to develop global competence within a structured teaching environment, and contributes to soft power in diplomacy, trade and perceptions of New Zealand through a range of mechanisms. Broader impacts for Māori are potentially also present across each area of impact from international education. These impacts were not directly quantifiable.  

    For a full-size image of the infographic, click hereFor a full copy of the report, click here. 

  • NAFSA 2023: Inspiring an inclusive future

    The theme for this year was ‘Inspiring an Inclusive Future’. The event provided opportunities for international education professionals to reconnect with key partners and discuss new opportunities for international exchanges, identifying indigenous engagement opportunities, developing new partnerships, expanding scholarship opportunities and progressing, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

    University of Otago Director Te Whirika (International) Division of External Engagement Jason Cushen said, "The many conversations and meetings held during NAFSA underscored the range of possibilities and some of the challenges we all face coming out of the pandemic, being able to engage with dozens of partners and potential partners over a matter of days is of incalculable value."  

    NAFSA was held in Washington, D.C and is one of the largest events in the international events calendar. Around 8,500 registrants and 400 exhibitors signed up to learn about the latest innovations, proven strategies, and best practices in international education.  

    ENZ Education Counsellor and Regional Director Americas, Middle East and Europe Amy Rutherford said "The size and scale of NAFSA is difficult to appreciate if you haven't attended, but it demonstrates how competitive the international sector is across the world. The New Zealand presence at NAFSA plays an important part in promoting New Zealand's high-quality education offering on a world stage". 

    ENZ had a busy programme at the conference. ENZ Director of Engagement North America DuBois Jennings co-presented a session on Supporting Comprehensive Internationalisation: National Government Perspectives.  

    "As we continue to develop the Internationalisation Strategic Framework, the presentation was a great opportunity to share our progress with our partners and colleagues around the world. Doing this alongside the US Department of Education highlighted the similarities and differences of two country’s governments approach to Internationalisation," said DuBois.  

    "ENZ’s framework will be a first as it will inform how we bring New Zealand international education strengths to the world through a Māori cultural lens." he said. 

    The conference also was a time of increased connection for ENZ. Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) made ENZ part of their Preferred Partner Network. TIEC is an association of Texas institutions focused on the development of Internationalisation and education abroad programming. ENZ and TIEC will work together to develop a range of activities that enhance the quality of education and promote cross-cultural understanding between Texas and New Zealand. 

    ENZ also hosted a networking function at Embassy of New Zealand. Over 300 people were invited from across the international education sector. New Zealand Ambassador to the United States of America Bede Corry and ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson delivered opening remarks, with University of Auckland Kaiarataki Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Michael Steedman as MC for the evening.   

  • See you tomorrow at NZIEC KI TUA 2023!

    Key information about this year’s conference: 

    • We are delighted to announce that talented entertainer, Greg Ellis will be our MC for the Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner and award-winning broadcaster, Julian Wilcox will be our MC for the conference sessions 
    • For an updated programme, please visit our website. 

    A word from some of our sponsors 

    We are very pleased to have the following sponsors onboard. Below you will hear from three of our key sponsors.  

    Youbee College of Creative Innovation 

    Yoobee College of Creative Innovation (YCCI) is a proud partner of NZIEC KI TUA. YCCI is New Zealand’s largest specialist creative and technology college – training talented animators, filmmakers, designers, technology innovators, and game developers. 

    Established over 30 years ago, YCCI is committed to educating work and world ready graduates through a range of foundation programmes, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  

    In consideration of this year’s theme ‘Te Ara Ki Tua | the pathway forward,’ YCCI highlights the importance of educating industry ready graduates that ‘create the future at the speed of culture.’ What does this mean? It’s about providing learners with the skills they need, now and in the future, to adapt to the ever-changing needs of technology and creative industries.  

    Reinforced in YCCI’s whitepaper Unleashing New Zealand’s Creative Economy, YCCI is delighted to support this year’s NZIEC KI TUA event focused on driving worldclass education and employment outcomes for international students.   

    International Development Programme and International English Language Testing System 

    Kia ora! IDP and IELTS are excited to attend and sponsor KI TUA 2023 in Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

    As a global leader in international education, IDP’s innovative use of digital technology, unparalleled live student data and global network of trusted local counsellors provide insight and ensure success for both our students and partners. 

    As co-owner of IELTS, the world’s most trusted English test, IDP help organisations attract the broadest range of high-quality applicants, and our test takers achieve their global goals. 
     
    By building on trusted relationships and actively connecting our community of students, institutions, sector bodies, and local education experts throughout the world, we play a vital role in nurturing a thriving future for higher education and help our customers turn their study or English goals into a launchpad for their career. 

    Drop by the IDP IELTS tea cart on the exhibition floor to say hello and learn more about how IDP can support your institution. We look forward to meeting and reconnecting with our partners and friends in New Zealand.  

    https://www.idp-connect.com/apac | https://ielts.co.nz 

    OrbitProtect  

    At OrbitProtect, we provide travel insurance for international students so they can focus on enjoying their travel and education, knowing that if something goes wrong, they can access the support they need.      

    With affordable and easy-to-understand plans which include excess-free cover for medical care, property cover, multilingual customer support and more – our international student insurance is designed to meet the needs of students, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance and support during their time in New Zealand.  

    We know that international students face a unique set of challenges and considerations, such as navigating a new healthcare system, dealing with medical emergencies or unexpected events, all while tackling language barriers and being away from their support networks.       

    That’s why we’re excited to sponsor the 30th NZIEC KI TUA – Visit stall #4 to take our interactive Health & Travel quiz to be in to win a $500 Prezzy Card. For more information on our products, go to orbitprotect.com. 

    Look out for the NZIEC Ki Tua Experience Garden 

    This year’s expo hall is being transformed into something a little different than your average exhibition hall. We will be introducing you to the NZIEC KI TUA Experience Garden. In the garden, you will have the chance to engage and connect with some of our conference partners through a variety of ways! 

    • Join us for the NZIEC KI TUA Welcome Function on Wednesday 16 August brought to us by University of CanterburyUniversity of Canterbury International College and Lincoln University. 
    • Join The University of Auckland at the Women in International Education networking light breakfast on our first day.  
    • Thanks to the innovative minds at Streamliner, a colossal 11x3-metre big screen will bathe the atmosphere in festival-like vibes as we celebrate three decades of groundbreaking conferences.   
    • Immerse yourself in the world of the 'Flywire live illustrators,' who will breathe life into the core conference themes and explore ‘how collaboration will shape the future of global education’.   
    • Recharge your senses at the tea cart hosted by idpconnect and IELTS  
    • Savour a bold barista coffee from Student Safe 
    • Indulge your sweet tooth at Southern Cross Travel Insurance's ice cream stand.   
    • Craving an active adventure? Embark on a virtual reality journey at the VR footprint with Yoobee College of Creative Innovation 
    • Need to make a powerful first impression? Visit Host Families Linked in headshots for a professional LinkedIn profile photo that showcases your best self.
    • Take a moment to unwind in the Kiwiflora Nurseries massage relaxation corner, where a tranquil neck and shoulder massage awaits you, just take a seat in the cozy waiting room.  Kiwiflora Nurseries are partnering with NZIEC KI TUA and the Christchurch Foundation and the Tui Corridor Project to help us in our commitment to sustainability; for every delegate registration, we will plant a native tree, fostering a greener future for generations to come. 
    • And fear not, if your mobile phone is running low on power, seek refuge beneath the grand tree where a convenient Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao mobile charging station awaits.   
    • Enter the Orbit Protect Better Health Quiz and go head-to-head with other conference delegates to earn points in gamification.  
    • Fuel your passion for sustainable development goals (SDGs) by joining Bridget from Bead and Proceed at her activation station, where you can paint a bead symbolizing the SDG you personally commit to and engage in compelling conversations with fellow attendees.   
    • Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the NZIEC KI TUA 2023 Experience Garden and unlock a world of activations and inspiration.   

    The NZIEC KI TUA 2023 Conference App brought to you by UP Education will be available for registered conference attendees to download from your friendly app store soon so keep an eye out for that update and instructions.

  • From the CE: 12 months on from the borders reopening

    Kia ora tātou,

    Twelve months ago, New Zealand’s borders reopened to international students. From a standing start the international education sector has, alongside Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and our New Zealand Inc partners in government, worked enormously hard.

    The first challenge was to get New Zealand back “on the map” as a high-quality international education destination. One of our ENZ teams tells me that we were involved in a minimum of 27 events including NAFSA, ANZA, EAIE, agent and student fairs over the last 12 months. There have been at least 11 senior ministerial and sector delegations covering China, India, Viet Nam, Japan, South Korea, US, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Thailand. This is only the tip of the iceberg of all the effort expended by New Zealand providers, with our partner agents, providers and Government agencies – offshore and onshore.

    And as students started to apply for their visas and arrive in New Zealand, we cannot underestimate the amount of effort that has been required to get the infrastructure that supports the sector up and running. Reviewing applications, delivering offers of place, processing visas, finding accommodation, pastoral care; the list goes on. Lots of unseen and unheralded effort that goes on behind the scenes to ensure international students receive a high-quality experience.

    Yet this is just one part of what we do. Onshore and offshore, the sector has also supported the Prime Minister’s and Manaaki Scholarships, and worked closely with ENZ to explore opportunities to innovate and make the sector more resilient.

    It isn’t easy and while we all know that there is more to do on all fronts, it is worth taking a moment to acknowledge just what has been achieved together.

    Turning our attention to the next 12 months, in June the ENZ Board approved our business plan for this financial year (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024). The plan has four clear priorities:

    1. Grow inbound student mobility for Aotearoa New Zealand
    2. Support sector capability development
    3. Build global connections
    4. Encourage and support innovation in the sector

    Within these priorities, close to 75% of our discretionary budget is focused on the first one. This is completely aligned with Focus Area 1 of the New Zealand International Education Strategy, which is to help providers of international education to build back onshore offerings. We know there is more to do and over the next 12 months the priority is to build on the good start we have made and cement the recovery and rebuilding of the sector.

    That’s not to say we aren’t investing in the other areas; we are. We will continue to build global connections. These connections go hand-in-hand with our first priority and in some countries, they are essential to achieving it.

    We will also build on the lessons of the past 12 months around innovation. In the first week of August, we organised a series of events facilitated by Professor Martin Bean, a recognised leader in discussions around the future of education. His brief was to provoke and encourage discussion on what the future could look like and what it might take to get there. You can read more about his visit in our E-News story here.

    And when it comes to building sector capability this week’s NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE KI TUA is an immediate opportunity to listen, learn, discuss, contribute, and network with specialists and colleagues. It will be great to be able to meet in person for the first time in close to three years and to celebrate the 30th time that we have joined together as a sector. I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you over the next few days.

    Mauri tū, mauri ora, an active soul is a healthy soul.

    Ngā mihi

    Grant

  • Inaugural Chief Executive Grant McPherson moving on after 12 years of service

    Grant has been in the role since ENZ’s inception nearly 12 years ago, leading the organisation’s development and growth to what it is today.

    “Over the course of his leadership, we saw significant growth of the international education sector that saw it become New Zealand’s fourth-largest export earner pre-Covid.

    “ENZ launched the “Think New” brand and received several international and local awards recognising achievements in public relations and marketing (including digital). We have been entrusted by our NZ Inc. partners with initiatives such as the Manaaki scholarships.

    “Alongside the highs, Grant also led the efforts to help the sector manage the challenges brought on by the pandemic. He chaired the International Education Chief Executives' Group. Together with peers from other government agencies with interests in international education, the group helped to drive the Government's International Education Recovery Plan.

    “If the New Zealand International Education Conference KI TUA in August 2023 was anything to go by, the international education sector is in good heart and energised to rebuild.

    “I appreciated Grant’s support as I took on the Chair role earlier this year. The Board and I thank him sincerely for his service and wish him well,” Tracey said.

    Grant says he is proud of the incredible work ENZ and the international education sector have been doing to take New Zealand education to the world, particularly how we have navigated the complex environment post the pandemic.

    “It’s fantastic to see what ENZ and the international education sector have achieved in such a short span of time. It has been an amazing adventure made possible by the great people of this organisation and this sector, thank you,” he said.

    Grant will finish his role in mid-November and Dr Linda Sissons has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive while ENZ undertakes the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive. 

  • Around the world in five

    Asia  

    South Korea outlines plans to host 300,000 international students - StudyTravel Network 

    The South Korean Government announced the Study Korean 300k Project in August, which aims to have 300,000 international students at South Korean universities by 2027 as part of its goals to secure more high-skilled workers and boost global competitiveness. A fast-track scheme to permanent residency in South Korea for international students with advanced degrees in key fields will also be established.  

     

    North America  

    Canadian sector concerned as government considers student cap and integrity issues - StudyTravel Network 

    The international education sector in Canada has expressed concerns about potential reforms, with the Housing Minister suggesting that a cap on international students should be considered while the Immigration Minister has referred to concerns about integrity in the system. This comes amid an emerging housing crisis that has been described as complex and multifaceted, and with Canada projecting to host 900,000 study permit holders by the end of 2023.   

     

    South America 

    Chile launches higher ed mental health plan 

    The University of Chile, in collaboration with multiple government entities including Chile’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public health, have launched a comprehensive plan to help domestic and international students take care of their mental health. The plan aims to address an “alarming rise” of students impacted by mental health problems in the return to in-person education after the COVID-19 pandemic.  

     

    Europe 

    German chancellor appeals to international graduates

    The German Government’s Skilled Immigration Act will create new opportunities to enter Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying that international graduates of Germany’s higher education system will help to successfully develop the country’s economy. Scholz said it was inspiring to see how many students from around the world come to Germany and wish to work there afterwards. 

    Africa 

    2022 US visas 'broke records' in India, Ghana and Nigeria 

    The US state department reported that it is issuing more student visas to applicants from African countries than anytime in the past six years, with more visas for students from Nigeria and Ghana being issued last year than any year in the past two decades. This comes after an estimated 92,051 African students were denied US visas between 2018-2022. 

  • International student enrolments top 59,000 for the first eight months of 2023

    The Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds, today released international student enrolment data for the first eight months of 2023. From January to August 2023 there were 59,306 international student enrolments* with New Zealand education providers, a 43% increase compared to the full year in 2022.   

    Minister Simmonds said, “Over 59,000 enrolments, in just eight months, confirms that international students continue to find New Zealand an attractive education destination. And for the university sector with 27,535 students enrolled, where a proportion of learners may study for a number of years, there is a solid base of students from which to grow.” 

    International student enrolments have grown in all subsectors except wānanga. Comparing 2023 to 2022, English Language Schools have seen the greatest percentage increase in international enrolments, increasing by 347% from 1,565 to 7,001Schools reported a 114% increase from 5,925 to 12,662. Te Pūkenga, a 32% increase from 4,955 to 6,560. Universities, a 15% increase from 24,040 to 27,535 and Private Training Establishments (funded and unfunded), a 13% increase from 5,000 to 5,671. 

    Universities and schools remained New Zealand’s two largest subsectors for international students.  

    As with all New Zealand’s competitors, China is the largest source market for international students. In the reporting period, China was 36% of enrolments, with India (10%), Japan (10%), South Korea (5%), and Thailand (4%) in the top five. 

    Minister Simmonds said, “It is a Government priority to diversify our recruitment efforts for international students with the aim of reaching a broader spectrum of countries.” 

    Final enrolment numbers for 2023 will be available shortly. 

    To access the latest data provided by the Ministry of Education, please use the public access link to Tableau here

    * One individual may enrol more than once 

     

     

    For further information: 

    Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand  

    +64 21 875 132 

  • ENZ reflections on NZIEC KI TUA 2024

    ENZ’s Acting Director International, Ben Burrowes summed his experience up succinctly and said....

    “As always, I found the conference to be an awesome opportunity to connect face-to-face with my colleagues and friends across the sector. It was hugely helpful to discuss (in-person) their areas of focus and how we can continue to align ENZ’s International team’s work alongside them”. 

    General Manager Sector Services Sahinde Pala with international student Ibuki Nishida.

    General Manager Sector Services, Sahinde Pala, said....

    “It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the global international education sector connecting with each other over the 2 ½ days of NZIEC KI TUA. Attendees and speakers brought a global approach to thoughts and reflections and was a reminder of the environment within which we’re working. The extended networking breaks saw much cross-sector collaboration and sharing of good practice.  

    The attendance and speech by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was a great honour – the President reflected on the importance of international education for communities as well as the individual, how transformative education has been for her during her life, and the value of Indian international students in NZ,” said Sahinde. 

    Dr Fanta Aw was a crowd favourite, with her reflections on the complimentary nature of international education alongside domestic education and the opportunity for us to collaborate globally given the societal value it brings to our communities and countries.  

    My absolute highlight is always the student speakers, who threw down the wero (challenge) to delegates to keep focused on the importance of striving to deliver an excellent student experience,” Sahinde added.  

    I’m really proud of the whole ENZ whānau who collaborated to put on yet another successful NZIEC KI TUA. 

    ENZ’s General Manager Sector Engagement, Innovation and Growth, Wendy Kerr (pictured second from left) said that attending NZIEC was incredibly energising.  

    “I was impressed by our teams combined approach to developing new areas for high value growth. Adrian Hirst, ENZ’s Director of Marketing, spoke passionately about the challenge of standing out in the competitive international education market. His words resonated with me: “In a sea of competing destinations, it’s increasingly difficult to stand out.” It really made me think about the importance of creating a unique identity that speaks to prospective students and their families," said Wendy.  

    "Christina Gomes, our Director of Innovation and Growth, shared an exciting framework that aligns global demand with New Zealand’s strengths. I was particularly drawn to her insights on the agri-food sector, which highlighted New Zealand's expertise and global reputation. This provides an anchor to develop our unique identity and secure additional learners by targeting a new segment".

    Wendy added, "Tim Brown introduced a new “mixed reality” tool designed to immerse prospective students in the New Zealand agri-food systems career opportunities and study experience".

    "I left the conference feeling energised and hopeful about these initiatives, knowing they could accelerate how we attract additional international students and showcase the incredible opportunities that New Zealand offers. It was a reminder of the exciting future ahead for our education sector!"

  • International students cap off education experience with Mural

    Three students have rounded off their international education experience in Aotearoa New Zealand by teaming up with respected artists and local iwi to create a large street-side mural which celebrates the culture and diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau, their host city.

    In the first collaboration of its kind, international students Nikita Sharma from Unitec, and Celia Lee, and Jenny Zhong from Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts, were chosen to design and paint one panel of a three-panelled mural after Study Auckland invited art students from tertiary institutions across the city to join the project.

    Nikita, who came from India to study in New Zealand, enjoyed working on the project along with Chinese-born New Zealander Jenny and Taiwanese international student Celia. “Our panel depicts diversity, inclusion and culture,” she says. “The project has given us the chance to give something back to the city and to the people who have welcomed us. We hope people feel a sense of connection to the artwork.”

    International students were given the opportunity to connect with local iwi

    The aim of the Study Auckland panel was to give international students the opportunity to connect with local iwi and work with respected local artists, including Hana Maihi of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to explore what it means to make public art in New Zealand.

    To help with the design process, the students joined Hana in a three-day wānanga at Ōrākei Marae to immerse themselves in Māori history, and learn about the significance of the mural’s location in Te Tōangaroa, on Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei owned land.

    Study Auckland business development manager Beth Leyland, who led the project, is thrilled with the outcome and says the students are too.

    “Auckland Unlimited’s Head of International Education Henry Matthews says the project truly reflects the principle of hospitality amongst the diverse cultures that make up our collective world right here in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

    The students’ panel was funded through a $20,000 grant from the Ministry of Education’s International Student Wellbeing Fund. The other two panels were designed and painted by Hana and Te Whetū Collective member Poi Ngawati to bring awareness to the rich Māori heritage and taiao (environment) on which the city was founded.

    Collectively, the three panels depict the importance of welcoming different cultures and diversity in Tāmaki Makaurau.

    The vibrant 12-metre-high mural, incorporates elements of biodiversity which were once part of the landscape of the area. The students’ panel includes the poutama, a well-known step-like pattern seen in tukutuku panels adorning the walls of wharenui.

    In 2019, 115,713 students from 180 countries enrolled to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, and became part of our communities. This injected $4.9b into our economy and supported more than 48,000 jobs. Just over 63,000 of those students were based in Tāmaki Maukaurau. The city currently hosts just under 13,000 international students.

  • International students provide Asia perspective for Canterbury businesses

    The students had signed up to take part in the Business School’s first Global Virtual Micro-Internship Programme, providing them with real-world research and industry experience, while enabling local businesses to tap into the expertise and insights international students can offer of their home countries. 

    A total of 35 mostly Commerce students participated in the three-week programme, working in nine teams across six local businesses which were keen to be involved. They were divided into the three Chinese teams, three Malaysian teams, and one each from Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.  

    The programme had a competitive element, with the teams competing for a prize pool of $1500. They were judged on a range of criteria, with the most important factor the extent to which the research was designed, undertaken, and presented in a way that met their client’s needs. 

    Programme meets needs of students and businesses 

    Programme lead Will Shannon, also UC Business School’s Internationalisation Director, was excited to be able to develop the programme with the local business community, saying it met an unfilled need for international students wanting practical business experience, and highlighted the skills they had to offer.  

    The catalyst for the programme was the release of a report by Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in mid-October which found that South Island businesses were keen to expand trade and investment links with Asia, but often lacked the right skills and connections to make it happen.  

    Fifty-seven percent of businesses surveyed identified language skills as a barrier to business, and 51 percent said they lacked knowledge of target markets and relevant organisations in Asia. 

    “We consistently get requests from international students wanting practical experience where they can apply their knowledge to real world problems,” Dr Shannon says. “So, when the Asia New Zealand Foundation report came out, we had the perfect combination of companies needing what international students can provide.” 

    Opportunity for international students to be involved 

    New Zealand’s border restrictions mean that close to half of the Business School’s international students are studying remotely, while others were unable to travel home for summer. This added impetus to the programme.  

    “We’d been looking for ways to engage students here over the summer break,” Dr Shannon says. “And while the offshore students have been catered for with online lectures, it can feel a bit isolating for them, so we have actively sought opportunities to involve them and get them the extra-curricular experiences that they need.” 

    He says it worked out well for all the teams, many of which were a mix of onshore and offshore students, because there were students “on the ground” in Asia who could easily talk to people locally. This added value to the insights that they were able to provide their clients. 

    The businesses represented a range of industries and included a rental car company, a business working in the motorsport industry and specialising in engine modification, a research agency looking to set up an office in Asia, a high-end safety product for the hair and beauty industry, and a truffle company gearing up to export.  

    “The enthusiasm of local businesses to be involved exceeded our expectations, as it’s the first time we’ve done this.”  

    The students had to tailor their approach to meet the varying needs of the clients, with the university providing mentors, workshops, and regular meetings to ensure it was a learning experience and to keep everyone on track.  

    For the New Zealand Truffle Company, co-founders Catherine and Matthew Dwan already knew that they offered a high-end product. They were keen for the students to help them research previously un-targeted Asian markets, likely consumer demand and, importantly, whether Halal certification would be needed in predominantly Muslim markets, as truffles are traditionally searched out by dogs.   

    Assigned to the truffle business was a Malaysian team and an Indonesian team which provided cultural and religious insights in their findings. The Malaysian team even provided a list of guidelines when engaging with businesspeople in Malaysia.  

    The programme proved to be a valuable experience for both students and clients and, based on its success, the university is already considering running it again in 2022. 

    Programme was “experience of a lifetime” 

    "The Global Virtual Micro-Internship Programme was the experience of a lifetime,” says Nuranisa Nabila Binti Zainudin, a member of the winning Malaysian team.  “It provided me with a remarkable opportunity to learn, grow, and unleash my skills both personally and professionally while working for the best New Zealand company with an incredible team.” 

    “We know that international students are crying out for practical experience and sometimes their knowledge and skills are overlooked,” Dr Shannon says. “There was a lot riding on this, but they did what we knew they were capable of, so I think it would be a shame not to build on the experience.” 

    As a bonus, the students have built invaluable contacts in the New Zealand business community.  

    “We know that many jobs come about through connections,” says Dr Shannon. “It is great that the students have had experience of working with local companies in a professional setting, got endorsements for their skills, and will have gained confidence to go out and build their networks.” 

    He believes the programme has highlighted the unique skillset that international students can offer the community.  

    “We have amazing people here ready to contribute.” 

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