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Showing 10 of 1803 results for NARSC 2016 July student registration fees

• Making New Zealand’s roads safer for students

  The Visiting Drivers Project is aiming to do just that. The project is a collaboration between the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and its road safety partners, including the Automobile Association (AA), and rental vehicle operators and tourism operators across the country.

  The focus for the project is the Otago, Southland and West Coast regions where visiting drivers make up a large proportion of traffic. On roads in these regions, safety improvements such as centre-line rumble strips, “keep left” arrows, “no-passing” markings and new signage have been installed. Road safety information has also been made more accessible and user-friendly, with resources available in different languages and formats, including interactive videos and apps.

  Over summer, during the regions’ peak visitor season, an education campaign will be run to help visiting drivers understand and prepare for driving in New Zealand.

  Jim Harland, NZTA’s Regional Director, Southern, says the strength of the project has been in the shared objective of ‘host responsibility’ and a partnership approach that ensures visitors are helped at every stage of their journey.

  While the project is largely aimed at tourists, it will benefit all newcomers to New Zealand, including international students.

  “We want all visitors who are driving on our roads, including students, to make good decisions based on correct information about travel times, speeds and conditions,” he said.

  “It’s our responsibility as New Zealanders to help our visitors have a safe and enjoyable time.”

  The Visiting Drivers Project initiatives also include the following, many of which are available in different languages.

  • AA’s online Visiting Driver Training Programme, which includes video footage of New Zealand driving scenarios.
  • Apps with road safety messaging such as CamperMate.
  • Air New Zealand’s 'Driving in New Zealand' in-flight app (available on long-haul flights) and videos on all international flights about driving in New Zealand.
  • A 'Driving in New Zealand' leaflet available from rental vehicle and other tourism operators, and can be downloaded here.
  • Providing road safety information to successful applicants for student visas.
  • Guidelines for accommodation providers to provide practical driving advice to their guests.
  • A Rental Vehicle Operators’ Code of Practice.

• School exam reform in China

  The changes are part of the Guiding Opinion on Further Advancing Exam and Student Enrolment Reform at High School Level, officially released by China’s Ministry of Education. Key features of the Guiding Opinion include:

  • The intention to combine the Middle School Completion Exam (Chuzhong Huikao) and High School Entrance Exam (Zhongkao) into one ‘Middle School Academic Achievement Exam’ (Chuzhong Xueye Shuiping Kaoshi).
  • Middle school students (Years 7 – 9 in China) will have the freedom to choose optional subjects whose exam results will contribute to the final Middle School Academic Achievement Exam (alongside their usual compulsory subjects, for example, Chinese literature and maths).

  The overarching objective of the reform is to advance students’ development by allowing them to choose elective courses to complement compulsory subjects. This reform is consistent with adjustments to Gaokao, China’s College Entrance Exam, where students have the option to choose what they want to study, and can pursue what they are good at.

  Piloting of the reform is expected to begin at a provincial level from 2018 onwards, and will not affect students enrolling until then.  

  Rosemary An, ENZ’s Education Manager based in China, says that when these changes come into play, they will likely have some impact on Chinese students who decide to study abroad.

  “The changes show an effort by China to mitigate exam burdens and to emphasise the value of all-round development. An added benefit is that if these Chinese students decide to study in New Zealand, they are likely to adapt more quickly to New Zealand secondary schooling as they will have already experienced ‘course selection’ in their home country.”

  While it is still too soon to predict what this development will mean for overseas study trends, Rosemary recommends that any institutions recruiting Chinese school students should be aware of this development. 

  The ENZ China team will keep an eye on the progress and impact of these reforms, and share any updates as they occur.

• Asia NZ report highlights 'huge scope' for NZ ties with India

  The report – India and New Zealand: Growing our connectivity – was written by Graeme Waters, a former high commissioner to India, and highlights the way New Zealand’s cultural landscape is being enriched by our growing ties with India.

  Mr Waters said he was impressed how dynamic the Indian community in New Zealand was, and how it continued to grow.

  In talking about education, Mr Waters said that recent issues with the Indian student market meant New Zealand authorities needed to deal firmly with students and agents who breached standards, but longer term the "answer seems simple - quality not quantity".

  "The growth in the number of Indian students has been impressive, but it is now in both countries' interest to focus higher up the education value chain."

  Among the individuals profiled in the report were Indian twin sisters Tashi and Nungshi Malik, who are studying sport and exercise at Southland Institute of Technology. Both sisters are accomplished outdoor adventurers including having climbed Mt Everest.

  Mr Waters argued for better airline connections between India and New Zealand, which would bring more tourists and open the door to better trade connections.

  He made the point that New Zealand's trade with India was only about 10 percent of our trade with China.

  “It's a bit humbling to look at the stats compared to China and to realise that we're only operating at about a tenth of the level we do with China, so huge scope for advancement and lots of cultural advantages in doing so," he told Radio New Zealand.

  Along with the main report, Mr Waters has also written India and New Zealand: The Ties that Bind Us, which looks at the historic relationship between the two countries.

• Victoria joins US-led international student network

  GSA was launched in 2015 to provide an opportunity for more Americans to gain international experience through study abroad programmes. As of April this year, GSA has partnered with more than 400 colleges and universities around the world. 

  In late September, Victoria University’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (International Engagement), Dr Matthew O’Meagher, flew to New York to sign a Letter of Commitment on behalf of Victoria University. 

  As part of the agreement, Victoria University has committed to: 

  • Increasing opportunities for US students to study at Victoria on non-degree programmes, including options for gap year and community college students. 
  • Offering scholarships for US students to study at Victoria. Two of these scholarships have been set aside for US students from diverse backgrounds, including indigenous, low income and first generation university students, and students with disabilities. 
  • Exploring new exchange partnerships with US tertiary institutions.
  

  Matthew O’Meagher signing the agreement.

  Victoria University hosted more than 300 American students in 2015, and hopes to double that number by 2025.  

  Dr O’Meagher said joining GSA was an exciting move for Victoria University, and a key way to further internationalise its campus and community.

   

   

• Minister Joyce in Chile and Colombia

  During his time in Chile, Minister Joyce attended a Chilean Kiwi alumni reception held at the New Zealand Residence, where he met Chilean students who studied in New Zealand – some who are now currently working with New Zealand companies in Chile. The Undersecretary of Education, Valentina Quiroga, also attended the event, chatting with alumni and the Minister. 

  ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager, Javiera Visedo, said that the relaxed and friendly nature of the event meant alumni were comfortable speaking with the Minister – with some even taking selfies with him.

  “It was great to see so many young people engaged with Minister Joyce, talking fondly about their time studying in New Zealand. It shows that alumni events are a great opportunity to network and build people-to-people connections.”

  From there, Minister Joyce went to Colombia to discuss education with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patti Londoño. Minister Joyce highlighted that the education relationship between the two countries has strengthened thanks to the establishment of a permanent Education New Zealand presence in Bogota from October 2015, as well as the opening of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America, in which Colombia is one of the priority countries.

  The Minister also used his Colombia visit to give a guest lecture at the Universidad de los Andes, titled “New Zealand, an innovative economy” and answered questions from audience members interested in studying in New Zealand. The Minister highlighted New Zealand’s innovation and the Kiwi “can do” attitude, using the example of Peter Beck, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year who helped New Zealand launch its first rocket into space.

  Javiera Visedo said the Minister’s visit also provided the perfect opportunity to launch four new videos of alumni stories for ‘My New Zealand Story – Chile and Colombia’. The Chilean stories were launched at the Kiwi Alumni reception, while the Colombian stories were launched at an NZ Inc reception.

  “The videos were the highlight of each event in Chile and Colombia, as it gave guests a glimpse inside the student experience in New Zealand. I’m really pleased to have launched them during his visit.”

  

  Minister addressing alumni in Chile

• Letter from the CE: $4.28 billion valuation a great result

  This places international education (onshore and offshore delivery) as New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry, and puts us well on the way to achieving our goal of a $5 billion economic value by 2025.

  This achievement belongs to our education providers for delivering high-quality education programmes, the government bodies who work together and keep student well-being at the heart of the industry, and the Kiwis who welcome young people from around the globe into their homes and communities. This is what keeps bringing students to our shores.

  As we know, economic contribution is just one aspect of international education, with the social and cultural benefits (though harder to quantify) being equally important.

  International education connects New Zealanders with the world in a personal and meaningful way, and provides a global perspective to our institutions and communities. International students bring a rich cultural diversity, and allow Kiwi students to learn about the world by bringing the world to them. Students are exposed to different ways of thinking and looking at things, helping them to become more outward-looking and accepting of other cultures.

  Of course, international education is a two-way flow. While New Zealanders are increasingly aware of the benefits of having international students here, there is ample opportunity for young Kiwis to go out into the world and experience the benefits of international education for themselves. This, I hope, will be a growing focus for the industry.

  The new valuation is a clear reflection of New Zealand’s successful approach for both providers and students. It also demonstrates that great things that can happen when we work together. Let’s keep working together for the benefit of all.

  Grant McPherson 

  Chief Executive, Education New Zealand

   

   

   

  The Economic Impact of International Education Report for 2015/16 and its key findings can be found here.

• Earthquake communications - 1

  ENZ Auckland and Christchurch are open for business today. Senior Wellington staff are working remotely as ENZ’s office building undergoes building safety inspection. All Wellington staff have been told the office is closed today. 

  The earthquake was not centred near areas of high population density, and initial reports suggest damage has been superficial rather than serious or widespread.

  We have received no indications of injury to any international student.

  New Zealand’s national senior secondary school NCEA examinations are currently underway. Some schools have cancelled today's examinations because of the requirement for building safety inspections. In these cases, an emergency derived grade process is available to reduce any disadvantage to students. See NZQA’s website for more information.

  We will provide updates as soon as they are available.

• Asia comes to Marsden School

  With funding from the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Marsden Head of Humanities, Fiona Crawford, organised a full day of activities for students, with the aim to increase their cultural awareness and educate them on a region with increasing ties to New Zealand.

  "We want our students to thrive and contribute towards putting New Zealand on the map, so it is our responsibility to equip them for their future relationships with Asia," Crawford said.

  

  Marsden students dressed up for Experience Asia Day.

  The day included a range of activities and sessions that represented 11 Asian countries, starting off with a Tai Chi session in the gym, and ending with an inter-house KPop (Korean Pop) dance competition. In between, students broke into groups to take part in Judo, Kung Fu and Bollywood dance classes, sushi, dumpling and curry making, language learning and haiku writing, as well as origami, henna painting, sari dressing, lantern making, calligraphy, kite making – and much more.

  “The students really enjoyed themselves, but also gained valuable insights into the many Asian cultures on show. Many commented on how fun it was, and hope to do it again next year,” Crawford said.

  Amanda Cundy, a former Marsden student who went on the school’s first exchange to China back in 2010, stopped by Asia Day to share her experience with students. She spoke about the impact that Chinese studies had on her life, and the importance of understanding other cultures in an increasingly globalised world.

  

  Marsden students tried their hand at sushi making, Diwali art and calligraphy.

   

• International students are work-ready for the summer

  The seminar was hosted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), and targeted international students who have completed, or are studying towards, a Level 7 qualification and above. 

  Most of the attendees were Massey University PhD and Masters students from a range of fields, as well as UCOL students of graphic design, cookery, operations and project management, ICT, furniture design and science. 

  Judy Bennett-Smith, CEDA International Education Development Manager said the free seminar was the first in a series to be held locally, with the next one aiming to connect potential employers with skilled international tertiary students. 

  The seminar covered study-to-work visa pathway information and advice, tips on how to navigate the job market, how to present oneself to employers, information about New Zealand employment rights and even invited a former international student to share their experience.

  Philip Hastings, Relationship Manager at MBIE said the seminar was a great opportunity for students to talk directly with INZ representative about their work options.

  “With the increase in international tertiary students in New Zealand, it is important they have an understanding of the pathways to meeting post-study work visa and residency requirements,” Mr Hastings said.

  “Together with CEDA we aim to facilitate a series of study-to-work seminars in the Central North Island that are aligned with regional work shortages.”

• Massey University promotes ‘borderless' online education

  At the launch, Massey Assistant Vice-Chancellor Operations, International and University Registrar, Stuart Morriss spoke of the growing demand for online education and how Massey is well-placed to take advantage of this. 

  “Many universities provide online programmes to international students, but with Massey’s long history of distance and online learning, we have a strong competitive advantage.” 

  Massey University’s online education currently offers 45 degrees with 115 programmes. With no contact course requirements, students can complete these studies from anywhere in the world. 

  Massey University Worldwide General Manager Rob Stevens said this is a solid foundation, but there is room to grow. 

  “We already have a sizable offshore student body – some 9,000 overseas-based students use our distance programmes, and this number has been reached only through word of mouth! We now want to step things up a notch using a range of offshore promotions,” Stevens said. 

  Over the last few months, Massey has undertaken some preliminary online digital promotions as part of a ‘soft-launch’. In key markets, Massey’s website traffic has increased such as Malaysia (up 184%) and Singapore (up 70%). 

  ENZ’s Marketing and Strategic Relations Manager – Malaysia, Jane Goh attended the Singapore launch, and said Massey’s announcement reflects a wider shift in international education to go online. 

  “Not all international students are able to go abroad, for a variety of circumstances. Because of this, education providers are starting to ensure that students can study online, allowing them to enjoy the high-quality New Zealand education experience from anywhere in the world,” Goh said.

  

  Attendees at the Massey University launch at the New Zealand High Commissioner's residence in Singapore