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Showing 10 of 1931 results for how to register international groups

• Improving orientation programmes 

  At NZIEC 2018, a number of breakout sessions talked about the need to reconsider current approaches to orientation and student support in order to improve the student experience and increase their intercultural competence.

  

  Izzie Guo

  In the Inspiring global citizens panel discussion: How can we make a difference? Izzie Guo, ChristchurchNZ’s Student Experience Coordinator talked about their Student Ambassador programme, and how positive student experiences are often shaped by the social and extracurricular space, not the academic.

  “Student Ambassadors are involved in events and activities around the city, some volunteer, some organise and MC big events like our Student Welcome. It’s a way to improve their interpersonal skills and make new friends. It helps them settle in and build connections,” said Izzie.

  Student Ambassadors are also the first connection that new international students make – they run the airport welcome and support orientations at institutions, welcoming and greeting new students in their own language, asking them about their home and breaking the ice.

  Education Tauranga has taken a similar approach. In Redefining orientation programmes, Anne Young talked about how Education Tauranga has redefined its orientation programme by holding events throughout the year to mitigate ‘culture shock’ and help students achieve a smooth transition to life and study in Tauranga.

  

  Education Tauranga's international student orientation in February 2018

  “For most people, orientation means the first two weeks a student arrives, but that’s really an induction to their education provider and region. Orientation should go well beyond that, because the transition to a new setting takes more than two weeks.

  “The key is continual engagement. Throughout the year, you need to build relationships with international students and their families and show you have a continued offer.”

  AFS research supports this approach. In her presentation, Global competence development in international education: Tools to make it happen, Marcela Lapertosa, AFS Director of Education and Intercultural Learning, said skilled facilitation and regular reflection is the answer.

  

  Marcela Lapertosa

  “It is not enough to make one phone call to a student each month asking yes or no questions, “do you like your homestay,” “do you like your school” – there needs to be an attempt to unpack differences, challenges and perceptions.”

  AFS has undertaken research in this area to develop the AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum, which includes a variety of one-on-one and group activities to help students reflect and understand their new surroundings and how best to navigate it.

  “For example, you could ask the student and their host family to draw a picture of the floorplan of their home and use questions to learn more about each other: Where does your family spend the most time? What does a closed door mean? Does it mean someone is mad at you, or that they want privacy?” This kind of exercise shows how different cultural values are reflected in a building and can help students and their host family understand one another,” said Marcela.

  “It can also make it easier for students to open up who are not natural reflectors, especially when done in a group with their homestay family or school peers.”

• Korean celebrities promote New Zealand education

  The episode was broadcast in October and highlighted New Zealand’s future-focused education system.

  Jae Hee and In-kwon Kim are famous in Korea and China, having appeared in a number of Korean television shows. In September they visited Christchurch with their kids and a film crew to shoot Change the Class, a Korean TV programme that follows them as they visit schools in other countries to experience education and lifestyle abroad.

  Jae Hee was accompanied by his seven-year-old son Raon, while In-kwon Kim was joined by his two daughters Jayoung, 11, and Minkyung, nine.

  ChristchurchNZ International Education Programme Manager, Bree Loverich, said ChristchurchNZ hosted the families and crew while they attended Halswell Primary School to shoot eight episodes of the show.

  “The actors and their families got to experience first-hand the difference between Korea and New Zealand culture,” said Bree.

  “This was a great opportunity to showcase Christchurch’s education system, as well as the wonderful lifestyle our city offers to visitors and residents.”

  TVN, the broadcaster for the series, is famous all over Asia and has 28 million viewers, with the potential to translate the show into Chinese, Filipino, Malaysian, and Russian to name a few.

  “This is huge exposure for New Zealand in the Korea market – the interest this will generate about Christchurch and the wider region is invaluable,” said Bree.

  “Although the show’s purpose is not specifically to promote our international education sector, it is a fantastic bonus for us. The Korean and Chinese markets are important for international education, as well as to our visitor market in general.

  “Some of the communications about the show focus on how New Zealand is first in the world for future-focused education, with Halswell being an example of a modern learning primary school.”

  China is Canterbury’s largest international student market, and Korea its fourth. Both countries also contribute strongly to the region’s visitor economy, with more than 46,550 Chinese and 19,660 South Korean visitors for the y ear ending July 2017.

  “The support and advice of [ENZ Regional Director China and North Asia] Adele Bryant and [ENZ Business Development Manager] Richard Kyle was absolutely key to the successful hosting of a large film crew on a primary schools campus,” said Bree.

  The series consists of eight one-hour episodes. Click here for a clip of the students during a maths lesson.

  

  

• International students get work ready in Welly

  Several times a year, Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) offers a free Work Ready in Wellington programme to help prepare international students and graduates for work in New Zealand.

  Since 2016, some 600 students have completed the course, which covers CV preparation, job search strategies, interview techniques, employee rights and more. Specialist tutors teach a range of topics such as the importance of communicating in the New Zealand workplace including small talk.

  WREDA’s Talent, Skills and Education Manager Brook Pannell said the programme gives international students a clear picture of what is appropriate in the Kiwi workforce.

  “That sounds intuitive to New Zealanders but there are a wide range of norms in business behaviour and expectations around the world. We want to show students the Kiwi way to kickstart their careers in Wellington,” he said.

  Course coordinator Nicky Riddiford said engaging in small talk in a new workplace is an important element of fitting in.

  

  “It’s important to engage in small talk but it is often more challenging for newcomers because they are not sure which topics are suitable, and who they should do small talk with,” she said.

  Chinese international student Allen (Feng) Zhu graduated from Massey University before completing a Work Ready course in 2017. He then worked as an intern at WREDA’s head office for a month before starting his current role at the Ministry of Health.

  “Being able to quickly fit into a new workplace is something employers look for and having the confidence to chat with colleagues about everyday things is important.

  “Small talk was a good thing to learn about as part of the Work Ready programme.”

• Around the world in five: News round-up 3 March 2016

  THAILAND 

  The Bangkok Post reports on the pace of progress to reform the education system in Thailand, the impact of this on Thai people and the Thai economy, and the flow on effects of intense competition for international schools in Bangkok. The article states Thailand may now be ready to increasingly look to foreign partners to make progress; the Education Ministry is reported to be working with Cambridge University to reform English language teaching and assessment and talking to education officials in Finland. 

  
  GLOBAL

  Research in to the regional differences in motivations, goals and behaviours of students seeking to study internationally culminated in FPP Edu Media producing a report that provides insights in to which messages and education offerings resonate in which markets. Download the report here.

  
  JAPAN 

  This month the Japan Business Federation, Keidanren, has brought forward the national start date for its companies’ rigorous graduate hiring processes, with mixed views to date on the impact for Japanese students studying abroad. From this year the association has advised members to begin interviewing students from June for job offers in October. Encouragingly, Keidanren’s guidelines have suggested companies make allowances for students abroad when hiring. The PIE News provides more detail.

  
  SAUDI ARABIA 

  The recently appointed Minister Mohammed Al Isa has signaled that the Ministry [link in Arabic] will review a long-standing ban on foreign universities being established in Saudi, and commented that private education will ‘drive the future of the education sector’.

  
  MALAYSIA
  

  The Malaysian government has reported that it is on track to meet its goal of attracting 200,000 international students annually by 2020. Earlier this month it announced that all university students will be required to pass English language, currently taught as a second language, in order to graduate from university. The government expects a focus on English languages skills at all levels of its education system will make Malaysia a more attractive international education destination. Read more in The PIE News.

• NZIEC 2018 nearing capacity

  New Zealand International Education Conference and Expo (NZIEC) are selling like hotcakes and a sell-out crowd is expected.

  We also have a broad array of partners joining us for this year’s event.

  ENZ is pleased to announce that Southern Cross Travel Insurance and Vodafone New Zealand / OKNZ will be joining NZIEC as our Premium Partners.

  Vodafone is offering connectivity packages for international students that includes bonus data and calling offers as well as a greeting and translation service.

  Meanwhile, Southern Cross Travel Insurance will showcase its affordable travel insurance options for international students and their families, including for students moving into the local workforce.

  Other partners joining us at conference are:

  • IDP IELTS Australia offers IELTS testing in New Zealand and around the world. IDP has more than 80 offices in over 25 countries to assist the placement of international students in education institutions.
  • QS Intelligence Unit appears at NZIEC to showcase its expertise as a trusted source of global higher education intelligence to inform institutional decision-making. QS provides high-quality intelligence, distinctive evaluation tools and transformational insight.

  “We thank our Premium Partners and Partners for their support of our industry’s annual hui,” says Grant McPherson, ENZ Chief Executive.

  “We encourage conference delegates to connect with them in the Expo Hall during conference.” 

  Be sure to book your accommodation and confirm your registration today at www.nziec.co.nz  

• ENZ connects with industry

  Led by ENZ, Connect attracted 250 participants to seven sessions around the country to discuss the key strategic priorities for the sector over the coming year.

  Hosted by ENZ Chief Executive, Grant McPherson, and General Manager Industry Development, Greg Scott, the series covered what’s happening globally and nationally in international education and ENZ’s strategic direction for the year.

  “Part of ENZ’s role is to be a thought leader for international education, and it’s important we take the time to discuss the future direction of the industry for New Zealand within the global context,” said Grant.

  Greg added that the series was an important opportunity for government agencies to hear from industry.

  “Working collaboratively with the sector is vital to the success of international education in New Zealand,” said Greg. 

  “The most valuable part of these sessions is for us at ENZ to hear from the sector about challenges they are currently facing, and any opportunities and questions they wish to raise.”

  The sessions included consultation with ENZ and the Ministry of Education on the draft International Education Strategy. Immigration New Zealand attended each session to discuss the proposed changes to post-study work rights. NZQA representatives also attended some sessions.

  Participants said they valued the chance to have free and frank discussions with industry colleagues and government, and are keen for similar opportunities in the future.

  A presentation by Grant was recorded and will be available online for industry representatives to view. Keep an eye out in E-News for when this is uploaded.

• Planning for success in Taranaki

  The Taranaki International Education Strategy was launched by Minister Joyce in New Plymouth on Tuesday 23 February, when he announced that the government is investing $162,000 in the initiative over two years, through the RPP.

  And, the news of the launch reached China!

  A partnership between Venture Taranaki and local education providers will allow the group to share resources and make strategic and targeted investments. It will also enable collateral and pathway products to be developed, agent familiarisation visits to take place, and make it possible for the region to be represented at the Australia New Zealand Agent (ANZA) Workshop on 13 – 15 April 2016.  

  Minister Joyce’s visit to Taranaki sends out a strong message that international education in New Zealand’s non-metro regions is high on the agenda.

  The government has committed an additional $2 million in 2016/17 to ENZ’s RPP for supporting growth initiatives in the regions. The additional funding is to build on the successes in 2015, with 11 out of 14 regions experiencing an increase in international student numbers.

  The RPP will support the implementation of growth projects involving our regions outside of the metro centres. As announced previously in E-News, three new Regional Project Managers join our Business Development Managers in supporting regional growth initiatives: Sahinde Pala, based in Auckland with a focus on the regions north of Taupo; Jo Keane, based in Wellington and supporting our central regions from Taranaki to Nelson Marlborough; and Sarah Gauthier who will manage a range of pan-regional projects including New Zealand’s regional presence at ANZA, the development of an online regional resource and an agent familariisation programme.

  For more information about ENZ’s RPP contact Greg Scott, Programme Manager Regional Partnership: greg.scott@enz.govt.nz  Phone: 64 3 3795575 Mobile: 64 21 2422868

• Confidence in Christchurch

  Murray Strong, Chair of the Canterbury Leadership Accord, joined Christchurch Educated Chair, Mike Hadley, in opening the day with a reminder of the Strategy vision and 2025 targets to lift student enrolments to 25,000 and economic value to $937 million. Murray noted that good progress is being made in a range of product and market development projects.

  The Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend, indicated that, with $100 million additional investment each week, the Christchurch rebuild will maintain its momentum for some time to come. Drawing on material produced by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Peter emphasised the bright future for the city as a place to learn, live and work.

  Peter noted that; “The future of this region depends on the way we apply technology to our natural capital on a platform of product and service integrity”.

  He challenged our industry to ensure that “service integrity” is central to all we provide for our customers.

  Carl Everett, International Director, Christchurch Boys’ High School, commented; “There was a lot of talk about innovation, being flexible and thinking of new ways to approach the market, and then sharing all of that information together – especially here in Christchurch, where we are particularly good at sharing.” 

  Deanne Gath, International Director, Kaiapoi High School, particularly liked the definition of collaboration suggested by keynote speaker, Education Consultant, Chris Clay; “I like the idea that collaboration is working together to an end goal, but not necessary all doing the same thing.  It’s about not putting all our eggs in one basket, but trialling different things to see what works – with the end goal being that we all want to increase international student numbers in the Canterbury region,” she said.

  The Conference was closed by Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chen, representing Mayor Lianne Dalziel, who emphasised the contribution of international education to the region and the commitment of local government to support future growth aspirations. 

  Above: Conference attendees

• ENZ’s Connect seminar series returns in 2018

  The seminars will be hosted by ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson and General Manager Industry Development Greg Scott.

  ENZ is planning to use this face-to-face time to listen to industry partners and participants will be encouraged to share insights throughout each seminar. 

  “We want to offer practical support to our industry," Mr McPherson said.

  “To help us achieve this, it would be valuable to hear about your experiences. For example, what are the biggest challenges you face? Where do you see opportunity? How can ENZ better assist the international education industry from your perspective?”

  Attendees will also receive an update on ENZ’s strategic direction and current priorities. What these insights mean for industry and how ENZ’s work can be leveraged will also be discussed.   

  “ENZ looks to do the longer term strategic thinking to help provide real intelligence and direction for New Zealand’s international education industry,” said Mr McPherson.

  The series will involve seven workshops in six New Zealand cities. The seminars are open to all international education professionals. They will be particularly valuable for leaders and international staff from:

  DATE	CITY	VENUE	TIME
  Thursday 14 June	Christchurch	TAIT	0900 - 1130
  Friday 15 June	Dunedin	Dunedin Public Art Gallery	1300 - 1530
  Monday 18 June	Hamilton	Claudelands Arena	0900 - 1130
  Tuesday 19 June	Wellington	Te Wharewaka o Poneke	0900 - 1130
  Wednesday 20 June	Palmerston North	Massey University: Sport and Rugby Institute	1300 - 1530
  Thursday 21 June	Auckland	Cliftons	0900 - 1130
  Thursday 21 June	Auckland	Cliftons	1300 - 1530

   Registration details can be found here. Light refreshments will be served.

   Please note: This event is for representatives from New Zealand education institutions and Education Technology Businesses only.

• Diversity and inclusion in North America

  “Partnering with marginalised communities around us to confront harm in our past is something we all have to practise,” says course co-ordinator David Wick, Associate Professor, Middlebury Institute of International Studies.  

  "What was striking was that, from the first in-person meetings, everyone was willing to make personal connections to the content, share their own learning and vulnerabilities, and very curious as to how they can learn from one another to create better learning environments.” 

  Diversity Abroad, based in US, is the largest organisation focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in international education. ENZ works with Diversity Abroad on a range of initiatives, such as the annual Global Inclusion Conference, as well as partnering to deliver the specially designed course. 

  Attended by 18 people from NZ universities and ENZ, the three-month certificate course was fully online. Workshops, group discussion, videos, articles and assignments kept the participants highly engaged, and feedback on the course was very positive.

  

  Dr. Anna Foster, Study Abroad and Exchange Manager at the University of Canterbury, says the programme provided a comprehensive exploration of Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (AIDE) in relation to student mobility. 

  “The programme was really valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of AIDE as it relates to Education Abroad, particularly due to the focus on considering every aspect of the student mobility journey in an end-to-end approach from the perspective of diverse cohorts,” Anna says.  

  “This has certainly influenced our team approach on an ongoing basis - it has shaped many of the continuing conversations we have around our outreach and processes, and has also helped us consider how we can further partner with both external and internal partners to better support our students. 

  “I think all of the group also found the programme to be impactful from a self-reflection perspective, prompting some really useful reflection on the backgrounds, biases and perspectives that shape each of us and how we can use this awareness as leaders and in our work with students.” 

  Anna also appreciated the practical focus of the course, and says her team is now considering some of the barriers to outbound mobility for diverse and under-represented cohorts, and working on strategies to address these. 

  Sarah Sung, Study Abroad Manager at the University of Auckland, also found the programme very beneficial.  

  “The programme has given me opportunities to delve into every single aspect of our team’s work through AIDE lenses as well as reflect on our past initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion. I learned that to make diversity work, AIDE should not be seen as a stand-alone project or matter but be embedded in our everyday life and all work,” Sarah says.  

  Sarah says AIDE conversations will be part of regular team meetings, as well as being integrated into team members’ KPIs and performance reviews, and she is working on a plan to increase participation from under-represented students.   

  “This includes extensive work in identifying opportunities to collaborate with partners for diversity and inclusion goals, reviewing our scholarship, communications and co-curricular programming for diverse students and developing a system for data collection.”  

  Lewis Gibson, ENZ’s Field Director North America, also took part in the course and says feedback from the cohort participants demonstrates the need for further AIDE learning in the New Zealand international education sector.  

  “Hearing from colleagues about the personal and professional measures they are actively putting in place to support under-served inbound and outbound students, as a direct result of this programme, is inspirational,” he said. 

  For more information about the International Education Diversity & Inclusion Certificate, contact Lewis Gibson at Lewis.Gibson@enz.govt.nz