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Journey to transformational student experience
The session, presented by ENZ Director, Student Experience, Hayley Shields, and Study Auckland International Education Manager Henry Matthews, reinforced how students are at the core of our initiatives.
Hayley said that 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.
“We are providing a good student experience, but how can move from good to great? The answer is to ask our students and to have them co-design initiatives with us.”
To reinforce the point that students are at the core of our work, James Koo and Will Kim from Niesh (a student-services start-up business serving hundreds of students a week) spoke about the brand new partnership between Niesh, ATEED and ENZ to design a solution that assists international student with global employability.
Neish’s philosophy is never to charge students for anything, and is one of those exciting approaches that happen if you ask students to design solutions for students.
“The audience resonated with the premise that focusing on the student experience can set us apart from our competitors."
The theme of student experience was prominent at NZIEC 2017.
“The New Zealand student experience was argued as a competitive advantage in the NZIEC Kiwis versus Aussies debate, and Roger McElwain from the University of Otago’s Language Centre and Foundation Year provided a great student experience soundbite in the NZIEC wrap-up video.
“There were also a number of student panels, a session on the International Student Wellbeing Strategy and a comprehensive student experience breakout programme developed by ISANA, meant the mission to put the student experience at the centre at NZIEC was well accomplished.”
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Kapa Haka and lion dancing welcomes students to Christchurch
Christchurch Educated has run the event since 2014, and this year’s welcome was sponsored by Christchurch City Council, Ara Institute of Canterbury, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and China Southern Airlines. Nearly 250 students – both international and domestic, new and returning – from the Canterbury region attended, with some accompanied by their homestay families.
Izzie Guo, International Student Experience Coordinator at Christchurch Educated said making students feel welcome is a key factor in creating a good student experience.
“Coming to a new country to study and start a new life can be a very challenging journey for international students,” she said.
“We are grateful that they chose our city as their second home, so it’s our responsibility to make sure they are have a positive experience with us and are well-cared for.”
The theme of the event was “Feel at home in Canterbury”. Students received a traditional Mihi followed by a warm welcome from Christchurch Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner.
The welcome event had food trucks, art demonstrations, games, as well as a range of cultural performances, including kapa haka, Indian bhangra, Chinese lion dancing and live music. Students also had a chance to pick up some Kiwi culture with rugby skills training, poi making and flax weaving.
Sigred Yamit, a University of Canterbury student and event MC said such events are a great way to bring the community together.
“My family and I migrated to New Zealand five years ago, so I can relate to the experience of international students. I wasn't aware that such events existed back then but they’re so important,” she said.
“Meeting people from different cultures broadens your perspective in life, and you get the chance to learn something new from them.”
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On the ‘road’ again
ENZ’s team in South Korea, in partnership with the Seoul Board of Education, held their first-ever online school roadshow this October. It aimed to give Korean students a better idea of New Zealand and inspire them to study here in the future.
Virtual webinars were delivered to over 500 students at 13 Korean high schools. Before each webinar, students were asked to send in their questions about New Zealand education, so their presentation could be tailored to reflect their interests.
New Zealand Ambassador to Korea, Philip Turner, supported the roadshow with a pre-recorded video.
“This strategic engagement with the Seoul Board of Education is an example of how we’re working with key in-market stakeholders to keep the dream of New Zealand education alive in the hearts and minds of our future international students,” ENZ Regional Manager – East Asia, Ben Burrowes says.
Maintaining the New Zealand brand in our offshore markets is a key part of the third workstream of the Recovery Plan for international education, ‘Transforming to a more sustainable future state’.
Elsewhere in Korea, ENZ working on connecting NZ schools with Korean schools for virtual language exchanges. In September, Team Korea launched a digital platform for a local Korean audience that shares positive stories about New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, institution updates, and inspiring stories of Korean international students.
“Before COVID, Korea was the fourth-largest student source country for New Zealand’s international education sector,” Ben says. “In 2018, nearly 2,500 Korean students studied at New Zealand schools, a five percent increase on 2017, and our market research indicates that the interest in a New Zealand education certainly still remains. It’s therefore vital that we maintain our brand presence and help to build a pipeline of Korean students for our institutions.”
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New Zealand's growing presence in US study abroad
The Forum on Education Abroad
Held in Seattle, Washington, this year’s conference was an opportunity for New Zealand providers to meet with existing and potential partners in the US, and to participate in professional development sessions on standards in study abroad. The University of Auckland exhibited, and the University of Otago co-presented a session. Representatives from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington also attended as did ENZ’s US Director of Education, Amy Rutherford, and ENZ’s US Field Director, Alanna Dick.
The conference capped off at a luncheon plenary where Shanna Law, a former study abroad student, gave a talk about her year at the University of Otago. Shanna won the ‘Award for Academic Achievement Abroad’ for her research project on geology in Central Otago, which she presented to 1,000 conference attendees.The Forum on Education Abroad is accepting nominations for next year’s Award for Academic Achievement Abroad. The deadline is 30 August 2017. The next conference will be in March 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Institute of International Education Best Practices conference
Alanna Dick also represented ENZ at the Institute of International Education (IIE) Best Practices Conference, in Florida, in March. The event showcased the 2017 winners of the IIE Heiskell awards, which acknowledge international partnerships, internationalising campuses and study abroad.
Monash University and Macquarie University were the only non-US award recipients to present their programmes. Awardees were given 15-minute speaking slots at the event, while their institutions were recognised through IIE press releases, a cash prize and an awards ceremony.
As the awards are a great way to showcase the innovative practices on campuses, Alanna hopes to see New Zealand institutions involved in future.
“New Zealand institutions have several innovative initiatives that could fit the Heiskell award categories, including the unique ways they run international partnerships with US institutions to meet the needs of students.
“The awards are self-nominated, and it’s never too early to be thinking about next year’s award selection,” Alanna said.
IIE Heiskell Award applications are due in October 2017. Winners are notified in December, giving ample time to prepare for the conference in March.
Get involved with the IIE
IIE aims to double the number of US students studying abroad by 2020. New Zealand institutions can partner with the IIE by becoming a participating university in the Platform for Education in Emergencies Response programme or hosting a professor or researcher from the Scholarship Rescue Fund.
For more information, contact Alanna: alanna.dick@enz.govt.nz.
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Around the world in five
Global
The global rankings season is now in full force, with this being the first time that three major releases have occurred within 24 hours. The results highlight the transformation that is occurring across higher education worldwide.
United States of America
United States President Donald J Trump has asked Congress to cut funding for basic research by more than one-third in the budget year beginning in October, according to an analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Australia
The latest data on student visa grants and applications from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs shows a decrease overall for the international education sector and ELICOS and vocational visas at record lows, following the implementation of higher visa fees and a new visa priority system.
United Kingdom
In response to the growing concerns around quality assurance, ethical practice, and accountability in recruitment, a number of destination countries are introducing formal frameworks and codes of conduct to govern the activities of education agents.
Canada
Canadian universities have welcomed the government’s planned audit of the international student programme to strengthen processes and integrity, and to reinforce public trust in the system.
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Talented young Kiwis awarded PM’s Scholarships to Asia and Latin America
This round of scholarships supports 252 recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships at institutions in Latin America and Asia, including Brazil, Mexico, China, India and Japan.
Awardees are in a range of fields including languages, law, business, health, sustainability and the arts. They will attend for periods ranging from four weeks to one year.
The scholarships enable a wide range of educational experiences, including: a cultural exchange and internship programme for Māori and Pasifika graduates in Vietnam; a global business and innovation programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen, China, for a group of undergraduate business students; an internship with an Indian charity supporting street children and another with the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development in Korea.
‘’These scholarships enable talented young New Zealanders to enrich their education offshore, adding international experience and global perspectives to their qualifications,’’ Chris Hipkins said.
“The quality of the awardees, from all over New Zealand and from a wide range of tertiary institutions, is impressive. I am sure they will serve as excellent ambassadors for our country.
‘’Longer term, the international networks and cross-cultural skills that they bring back home will enhance and strengthen our future workforce. Their experiences benefit New Zealand at a national level and improve our ability to engage and connect with Asia and Latin America.
‘’The Prime Minister’s Scholarships support the Government’s goal of a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education,” Chris Hipkins said.
Of the successful applicants in this round, 114 will travel on an individual scholarship and 138 will travel as part of a group. They come from a range of tertiary institutions nationwide, including the University of Auckland (69 awardees); Victoria University of Wellington (41); Massey University (40); Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design (16) and the Southern Institute of Technology (nine). There are also 10 recipients from the education NGO, TupuToa.
Here is the full list of PMSA and PMSLA recipients from this round (2019-2020 Round One).
The total value of the scholarships offered in this round is $1.9m. Information on past PMSA and PMSLA recipients can be found here.
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Following his own path – International student builds life, family, and community in New Zealand
Luke Qin has never been afraid of a challenge. Born in Sichuan, China, his childhood was a rich mix of classical Chinese literature, table tennis, badminton, basketball, football, and music.
Early intensive schooling means he can read, write, speak, think and dream in Chinese and draw on traditional Chinese virtues, but a desire to follow his own path, experience something new and explore education options overseas, led him to New Zealand as a high school student.
Selecting New Zealand was a relatively easy choice at the time – English-speaking, safe, ‘clean and green’ and affordable – it ticked all the necessary boxes. But his desire to test himself drew him to Christchurch because “fewer Chinese students there” meant he would have no choice but to fully immerse himself in the new environment.
And what an immersion it was. Luke credits his first years at Linwood High School as the perfect place to experience “an excellent introduction to the New Zealand way of life” and in his first year in New Zealand, he was playing on the wing for Linwood High School’s First XV rugby team!
“With a little help from All Black stars!” Luke tapped his rugby passion to enlist support for the Dragonboat Festival in Wellington from All Blacks Ardie Savea (left) and Dane Coles.
“I wasn’t very big and didn’t know the rules of the game when I arrived, but I had some wheels back then.” Luke explains. If it looked like trouble was coming my way, I’d just try to outrun it!” But he also knew he had to prove himself to his teammates. Once, while tackling his opposite wing, a strapping Samoan teammate joined in and sent them all to the ground. “I felt something hot dripping down my forehead but charged straight back into the ruck, only to be dragged off the field and sent to the hospital.” Three stitches later, he knew he had earned the respect of his teammates and become ‘one of the boys’.
Luke credits his school experience with developing his self-belief and preparing him for what was to come, through his university years and beyond.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, he relocated to Wellington to join the banking industry, and completed a Master in Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington. He then continued on with his quest for lifelong learning and experience by achieving qualifications in Sustainable Finance, Te Reo Māori, Medical Co-Response, Citizen diplomacy and Urban Fire and Rescue, and volunteering for a number of causes.
His banking experience broadened, and several promotions later he joined Kiwibank in Auckland, leading the development of its International Strategy and Trade Finance offering, and working closely with NZ Inc partners to help New Zealand exporters and importers with risk mitigation and working capital funding.
Nowhere has his quest for a challenge been more evident than in his decision to become a volunteer firefighter 10 years ago.
“My younger self had been watching ‘Spiderman’ and saw Peter Parker leap into a burning building to save the day. At the time I thought, ‘I wonder if I could do that?’ Then I heard a call for volunteers from the NZ Fire Service on the radio while driving to work so decided to contact my local fire brigade in Seaview, Lower Hutt.”
“I thought I might be the first Asian volunteer in the station, but I was beaten to it by a Chinese lady.”
“The Fire Service is where you find the real New Zealand,” says Luke.
“Teachers, accountants, plumbers, builders, people from all walks of life - all bonded by the same commitment to serve their community. The camaraderie and environment was addictive.”
There, with the support of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, he completed the Sky Tower Stair Challenge with fellow firefighters from across the country to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Scaling 1103 steps and 51 flights of stairs in full fire-fighting gear with a steel cylinder on his back was one of the most physical tests he has put himself through.
1,103 steps and 51 flights of stairs behind him, Luke was happy to complete the Sky Tower Stair Challenge - “Man of Steel” with other firefighters dressed in full gear with steel cylinders on their backs to raise funds for leukaemia and blood cancer in New Zealand.
“I have benefitted so much from all the opportunities and adventures since coming to New Zealand, especially from my volunteer roles. It’s a small way I could repay my second home for its kindness.”
“I hope I can encourage more international students and members of our diverse ethnic communities in New Zealand to become volunteers and join activities that benefit the community. There is so much we have to offer, and the reward in terms of friendships and life skills is amazing.”
From Sichuan to Wellington waterfront, leading the Dragon Dance during Chinese New Year Parade.
Luke Qin’s journey as an international student began with a desire to immerse himself in a new environment. Grateful to his family, friends, colleagues, and mentors for the opportunities and adventures New Zealand has given him, he takes pride in being able to go home whichever way he travels between his ‘little shire’ in Sichuan and ‘Middle Earth’ New Zealand.
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International students welcomed to Wellington
Proceedings began with a rousing Kapa Haka performance from Whitirea performing arts students. This was followed by a warm welcome from Wellington Mayor, Justin Lester, who reflected fondly on his time as an international student in both Germany and Japan.
After the formalities, there were lots of fun activities, including giant games, a national dress competition, poi making and the opportunity to take photos in booths or with a life-sized Gandalf.
Local tertiary education providers and tertiary student ambassadors were on-hand to answer questions.
Chinese International student, Raymond Chen, said he loved the event and was enjoying life as a Year 12 student at Scots College.
“We are like brothers at Scots College. And my homestay family in Miramar make me part of their family. We do all sorts of things like going to their friends’ house or camping. I really enjoy being with them.”
Education New Zealand is one of a number of agencies the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency is working with on the multi-year Wellington International Student Growth Programme (WISGP).
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BizVenture winners tackle youth mental health with "It's Okay" clothing range
The innovative business entrepreneurship scheme is a pilot initiative led by Education New Zealand, Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), and Japanese partners to give students in both countries real-life experience in developing business solutions that address one of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Forty students collaborated in a three-day virtual exchange, where they chose a challenge tackling some of Japan’s pressing social issues, before designing and presenting a business plan in a “Dragon’s Den” style pitch to judges.
The winning New Zealand team - Hamish Robinson (Taradale High School, Napier), Benjamin Young (Tauranga Boys’ College), Daniel Blight (Waimea College, Napier), Kaiah Sherriff (Southland Girls’ High School), and Abirami Kabilan (Pakuranga College, Auckland) - chose to come up with a strategy which would directly enhance the mental wellbeing of Japanese teenagers.
The UN SDGs are some of the biggest problems facing humanity today, so working on them was a pretty full-on task” – Pakuranga College student Abirami Kabilan
It is a topic which directly impacts young people in both countries, as UNICEF ranks Japan 37th among 41 OECD countries for the state of children’s mental health, and New Zealand one lower, at 38th place.
Insights into business and culture “eye-opening”
To succeed, the students had to gain a thorough insight into Japanese culture, youth behaviour, and business practice. Ahead of their pitches, the teams joined interactive workshops with New Zealand and Japanese guest speakers, cultural mentors, and language coaches.
Abirami Kabilan describes the exposure to Japanese business and societal culture as “eye-opening”.
“The UN SDGs are some of the biggest problems facing humanity today, so working on them was a pretty full-on task.”
“One of the most interesting things about this cross-cultural experience was seeing how the Japanese students approached the same problems. Young people around the world will have such different ways of approaching these problems too. Imagine the ideas we would come up with if we all worked together.”
The winning team successfully pitched a clothing brand called 大丈夫, which translates in English to “It’s Okay”, to get the conversation about mental health out in the open among Japanese youth, and hopefully gain the support of high-reach Japanese influencers to help push their critical wellbeing message.
They decided the best way to break into the Japanese market would be with “in your face” messaging using symbols of strength, such as dragons and samurai, to promote their message.
“This is something that has not been done in Japan before and we’re ecstatic to be winners,” Hamish Robinson says.
BizVenture promotes global competency
The BizVenture programme will allow students to understand the Japanese business context and increase their global competency, says Young Enterprise Scheme lead Elizabeth Pittman.
“New Zealand youth have such a strong interest in sustainability and improving social outcomes within their communities and abroad, and this challenge allows them to explore that interest in a business context.”
International education adapts to changing needs of learners
Education New Zealand is keen to build on the success of this year’s pilot BizVenture programme as international education adapts to meet the changing needs of learners. International research shows that students are increasingly seeking programmes and content that is relevant to real world problems and which will allow them to make a real difference.
The programme also builds on New Zealand’s diplomatic relationship with Japan while travel for international students remains limited.
“Over many decades Japan and New Zealand have benefitted from an enduring partnership,” says Hamish Cooper, New Zealand Ambassador to Japan. “Education has played a really important role in fostering people-to-people ties, and supporting the development of what are now, in 2021, very close connections between our two countries.”
“Before the pandemic, more than 10,000 students from Japan studied in New Zealand every year, making an important economic contribution, but also enriching our schools and communities, and helping New Zealand students become more globally connected.”
