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  • ENZ Agent Seminars in China make a strong impact for rebuilding connections

    China is the largest source of international students for New Zealand with agents being the leading channel for student recruitment in this market. Building strong connections between providers and agents in China is critical to recovering student mobility, improving awareness of New Zealand as a study destination and strengthening New Zealand's market position. ENZ's Agent Seminars in China are a well-recognised and impactful way of building relationships with a range of key agents.  

    Education Counsellor and ENZ’s Regional Director Greater China, Michael Zhang, (far left) at the Beijing Agent Seminar with representatives from New Oriental Education Agency and H.E. Grahame Morton, New Zealand Ambassador to People’s Republic of China.

    In addition, Agent Seminars also help to keep agents informed with the latest official information and is an important tool that Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and other NZ Inc agencies use to share such information. According to recent Immigration New Zealand (INZ) data, agents in China have a high approval rate for student visa processing.   

    Currently, ENZ runs its Agent Seminar series twice a year in this region and this latest series of events held in Chengdu, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing were supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and INZ. INZ’s China-based representatives gave in-person presentations, an initiative which was well received with 88% of agents reporting its inclusion as “very or extremely important to their attendance” in a post-event survey. 

    Participants at the Hong Kong Agent Seminar discuss New Zealand education offerings.

     

    Kevin Wang from the International College of Auckland presenting at the Shanghai Agent Seminar.

     

    To leverage the visibility of New Zealand education providers in the China market, ENZ facilitated media interviews and social media recordings for participants at the Shanghai and Chendgu Seminars. New Zealand providers and ENZ representatives in Chengdu conducted interviews with 13 journalists, the highest response rate for media attending Agent Seminars to date. As a result, three million views were achieved from 58 stories published by 27 local media outlets, with New Zealand university representatives quoted in a media story and an exclusive interview and story for Te Pūkenga on the uniqueness of New Zealand's vocational education in a separate article.    

    Joyce Zhang, University of Otago, is interviewed by a journalist from local media in Chengdu at the ENZ Agent Seminar.

    In Shanghai, the ENZ Shanghai team delivered a China marketing insights session for sector representatives. The presentation titled “Unlocking China’s Education Market: Insights and tools for success” covered:  

    • The key drivers of the consumer 

    • China’s media/digital/social media landscape​ 

    • The big four – WeChat, Little Red Book, Douyin and Bilibili (case studies included) 

    • ENZ’s China local marketing plan​. 

    Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the Marketing Presentation can access this here on ENZ’s Intellilab. 

    ENZ collaborated with Shinyway, the largest agent in the eastern region of China to produce short videos for the agency to promote online. The online promotion aimed to leverage brand awareness of a New Zealand education showcasing New Zealand providers attending the Shanghai event.  A big kudos goes to the 18 brave New Zealand representatives who accepted the invitation to participate in the filming. Education Counsellor and Regional Director Greater China, Michael Zhang, was also interviewed to present the advantages of a New Zealand education and our institutions across all sectors. 

    Shinyway has published all the videos on their consumer-facing social media platforms, including WeChat, Little Red Book, and Weibo. The collaboration enhances New Zealand providers’ market exposure by leveraging Shinyway's influence across their digital platforms and reaching prospective audiences in China elevating our brand profile within a highly targeted audience group.  

    Mary Nixon, Principal of Takapuna Grammar School participating in the recording for sharing on social media. The first trial video published on Shinyway's WeChat received over 300 engagements including likes, shares, favorites and comments.

    87.5% of New Zealand education providers also said that “attendance at the seminars was either “very valuable” or “valuable” for their organisation.” 

    The dates and locations for the next round of Agent Seminars in China will be announced soon. These details will be posted on the ENZ Events page along with the link for registering. 

     

  • From the CE: Board announces new ENZ CE

    Tēnā koutou katoa 

    Our Board yesterday announced the appointment of Amanda Malu (Ngāi Tahu) as our new Chief Executive. Amanda is currently Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery at ACC, and formerly Chief Executive at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, leading that organisation through extensive change over six years in the role. She previously held senior marketing and communication roles including at the Tertiary Education Commission, and earlier in her career worked in marketing and international student recruitment in the polytechnic sector. Amanda will take up the role in September. Until then, I will continue as Acting Chief Executive.  

    This is excellent news. I am sure you will all join me in giving Amanda a very warm welcome to Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao and our international education community. 

    Amanda Malu has been appointed ENZ's new Chief Executive by ENZ's Board.

    To the visit of Premier Li. Last Friday I had the privilege of attending three events held as part of Premier Li’s visit to New Zealand. Significantly, Premier Li was accompanied by Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng who led a delegation of Chinese university senior leaders and senior education officials. This is Minister Huai’s second visit to New Zealand within 12 months following his engaging contribution to NZIEC Ki Tua 2023. This is a very special recognition of the close education ties between New Zealand and China. 

    ENZ's Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons greets Minister Huai with Minister Penny Simmonds and ENZ Regional Director & Counsellor, Greater China (Education), Michael Zhang, prior to the Education Forum (held at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland)

    Our Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Penny Simmonds and Minister Huai co-chaired a “Looking into the Future: High Level Education Forum”. The Forum was attended by 11 University Presidents from some of the most prestigious universities in China, and all eight of our university Vice-Chancellors. The Forum discussed themes spanning student and academic mobility, research partnerships, innovation and productivity and digital education. A compelling discussion topped off with the signing of twenty institution-level MOUs. 

    Minister Huai and Minister Simmonds open 'Looking into the Future: New Zealand - China High Level Education Forum

    And towards the end of the Forum, Premier Li, our Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, as well as the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, joined the closing ceremony and took an active part in proceedings. This included the Prime Minister presenting the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships to a group from Canterbury University heading to China and announcing the 2024 recipients of the New Zealand-China Tripartite Research Partnership Fund. Premier Li also announced allocations of scholarships for New Zealand Chinese Language teachers, summer camp places for New Zealand students and donations of Chinese language textbooks. 

     

    Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon with Maia Hosking of the University of Auckland who will begin her programme in China under the Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia.

    Premier Li (centre left) presents list of announcements to Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon (centre right) on stage with six New Zealand students who received Chinese Language books

    To close the day, we accompanied our Minister, our Chinese and New Zealand university colleagues, and NZ Inc representatives to the Gala dinner where Prime Minister Luxon called out education among the other vital ties between China and New Zealand.  

    These special events proved a unique opportunity to showcase our high-quality education offering to China while demonstrating our commitment to enhancing student mobility and future education and research collaboration. It was fantastic. We can all be very proud of education’s contribution to this important relationship. 

    Ngā mihi nui,   

     

    Dr Linda Sissons 

    Acting Chief Executive 

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

     

  • 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!"

  • Clarifying visa process for students sees launch of video guide

    ENZ General Manager Marketing and Communications Geoff Bilbrough said the video would support those considering study in New Zealand. 

    “As we get closer to the end of the year and the peak period for student visa applications it was important to get this information out early and help the students considering New Zealand understand what is involved in the application process.”

    The video outlines what applicants can do to make sure their application is able to be processed as quickly as possible. These include: 

    • checking the student visa information sheet on the INZ website to make sure a good quality application is submitted that includes all the evidence and supporting documents needed to process the application

    • demonstrating that applicants can comfortably afford to study in New Zealand. New Zealand has a thorough funds assessment and INZ looks for genuine sources of funds that are credible and can be verified. If INZ cannot verify funds or is not satisfied that any verification would be genuine, then the application will be declined.  


    It aims to make sure the students understand the requirements before applying.

    INZ receives the highest volumes of student visa applications between October and March. Applications generally take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that anyone who is wanting to come to New Zealand to study next year applies early. 

    “If you want to study in New Zealand next year, INZ recommend applying three months before you intend to travel. This gives you the best chance of having your application decided in time,” Bilbrough said. 

    The video is available on Study with New Zealand the official Government website giving information for students considering studying in New Zealand. ENZ will also be promoting the video on social media in all key markets and making it available to education agents.

    Link to video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GoqKkkXgIck

    Update on 24/9/2024

    The video is now available in Chinese and Thai and will soon be available in Japanese and Korean. These versions can be downloaded from ENZs's BrandLab. 

     

    For further information:

    Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand 

    justin.barnett@enz.govt.nz

    +64 021 875 132

     

     

    About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and students experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas.

    With approximately 105 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector. 

     

  • EOIs sought for 2025 PTE and ITP Roadshow in the Philippines

    As part of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s (ENZ) ongoing efforts to expand the Philippines market for Private Training Establishments (PTE) and Te Pūkenga (Business Divisions – ITP) sub-sectors, ENZ will be leading a roadshow from 1–10 May 2025. This roadshow will include an agent seminar and three student fairs with three days allocated to each location in Manila, Bacolod and Cebu.  

    The roadshow’s objectives are to increase awareness of New Zealand’s education offerings, particularly in the PTE and ITP sub-sectors, and to support the growth of inbound student mobility. Additionally, the roadshow seeks to strengthen existing relationships between agents and institutions. 

    The agent seminar will bring together PTE and ITP representatives and education agents while the student fairs will offer prospective students and their families an opportunity to meet with sector representatives and gather detailed information about studying in New Zealand.  

    In addition to the fairs and seminar, the programme will feature a school roadshow and a counsellors' dinner. The school roadshow will provide information sessions for secondary school students while the counsellors’ dinner will be an opportunity for participants to meet with school counsellors.  

    For further details, please refer to this Expression of Interest document. Interested participants should confirm their interest with their Business Development Manager by 5pm (NZT), 29 November 2024.  

    For any enquiries, please contact: 

  • From the CE: International education in the spotlight

    Kia ora koutou,  

    I’ve recently returned to New Zealand following a productive visit to Viet Nam with the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission. It was highly encouraging to see international education front and centre of so many conversations. Beyond attracting Vietnamese students to New Zealand, the education relationship between our countries is evolving into deeper collaborations involving education institutions, businesses, and governments. 

    The visit also showcased outstanding examples of educational partnerships across the spectrum of New Zealand’s international education sector, from universities and private training establishments to EdTech companies, highlighting the breadth of collaboration opportunities. 

    Overall, the Mission was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of New Zealand as a top-tier education destination offering a safe and welcoming environment.  

    International education was also a component of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters’ official visit to China. As part of his programme, the Minister had a warm meeting with Chinese alumni of New Zealand universities. From the report back, it was clear that the New Zealand study experience had left the alumni with a lasting, positive impression.  

    Coming up in May, ENZ will be going into the field for the 2025 International Student Experience Survey. This survey covers a range of topics relevant to the sector, including student decision-making, arrival and orientation, the education experience, living experience, people and connections, and perceptions of value for money. 

    Last year’s survey had 86 percent of international students reporting a positive overall experience of their time in New Zealand, and 41 percent of students giving an ‘excellent’ rating, the highest percentage yet! In case you missed deep diving into specific aspects of the student experience, you can browse through them here. 

    I’ve started packing my bags again, as this weekend I will be joining the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to India. I’ll be staying on for a further week in Delhi for APAIE 2025. I look forward to updating you in my next column. 

    Ngā mihi nui, 

    Amanda Malu 

    Chief Executive  

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

  • New Zealand tertiary institutions make strong connections in Indonesia

    A series of education promotion engagements in Indonesia kicked off with a co-funded activity alongside local education agency ICAN Education that ran from 13 to 18 February.

    The schedule was packed with student outreach, school visits and a New Zealand Application Day in both Jakarta and Surabaya.

    All eight New Zealand universities, the Southern Institute of Technology, UC International College, Waikato College, UP Education and Le Cordon Bleu were involved in the roadshow.

    Jakarta

    The team began with visits to two international schools in the Greater Jakarta Area — BINUS School Serpong and Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School. These sessions gave students a chance to learn about New Zealand’s tertiary education system.

    On 15 February, the New Zealand Application Day in Jakarta drew a crowd of around 435 students and parents. The event created a space for prospective students to speak with universities about undergraduate study options, application processes and life in New Zealand.

    Crowds gathered around university booths, eager to learn more and take their first steps towards studying abroad.

    Surabaya

    In Surabaya, the New Zealand Application Day took place on 16 February, the event attracted 183 attendees.

    The next day, institutions visited students at Cita Hati West and Cita Hati East schools. Engagement focused on introducing year 10 to 12 students to the New Zealand education system, helping them visualise study pathways and what student life in New Zealand looks like.

    Connecting with education agents across Indonesia

    Alongside student-focused activities, ENZ organised a series of agent networking events across Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Denpasar. These sessions formed part of the Study with New Zealand roadshow, which ran from 21 to 28 February and created space for deeper engagement between New Zealand providers and Indonesian education agents.

    Each event aimed to strengthen relationships, share updates, highlight New Zealand’s unique offerings, and help raise visibility for New Zealand education among prospective students.

    A range of education providers participated in the networking event, including University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Lincoln University, Massey University, University of Otago, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, and UP Education.

    Education agents play a matching game with New Zealand tertiary providers and the regions where they are based at a networking dinner in Jakarta.

    ENZ Market Manager for Indonesia, Naluri Bella, presented the latest market promotional resources available to agents, followed by interactive quiz games hosted by New Zealand providers. These sessions were attended by around 30 agencies and gave agents the tools and confidence to market New Zealand as a study destination.

    Naluri said that there is an appetite in the region for high-quality international education experiences.

    “New Zealand is increasingly seen as a destination that offers both academic excellence and a welcoming, supportive environment,” she said.

    “Our institutions were able to showcase not only their study options, but the unique values and lifestyle that set New Zealand apart,” Naluri added.

     

  • 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.

  • The global citizens helping connect New Zealand with the world

    The future looks like arts and crafts. In a room at the TSB Arena in Wellington in August, the Festival for the Future expo floor is packed with things to paint and fold and stick and make. At a stall for the Sustainable Development Goals I pick up a wooden bead representing the 11th goal – sustainable cities and communities – and paint it carefully orange, ready to be strung into a bright pattern with everyone else’s. As a shameless eavesdropper, this is my natural habit. I listen to two people discuss 3D printing, while another group sip ethical soda on colourful beanbags and chat about responsible investment.

    At the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) stall people line up for coffee while filling out forms about their experience of “global citizenship”. ENZ is the crown entity responsible for international education in Aotearoa. In 2019, pre-Covid-19, there were over 100,000 international students in New Zealand, studying mostly at tertiary institutions, but also at primary and secondary schools. Since 2013, more than 2,400 New Zealanders have been awarded Prime Minister’s Scholarships to study in Asia or Latin America.

    "Global citizenship is an essential part of New Zealand’s international education strategy, and these inbound and outbound students represent an opportunity to create global connections, research links and broad partnerships for New Zealand."

    ENZ partnered with the Festival for the Future to discuss what international education and global citizenship looks like in the unique confines of 2021. For Carla Rey Vasquez, ENZ’s global citizenship manager, the strategy’s value in an era of limited travel is the gift of a dual perspective to complex problems. It is also an opportunity to help New Zealanders understand the nuanced and mutual benefits of international education and the long-term relationships it creates with people around the world.

    “Our world is characterized by complex issues. Global citizenship offers an opportunity to find ways to navigate and respond to those issues through shared understanding,” she says. “It’s about realising the value and power of your identity and knowledge, but also acknowledging the potential of others’ experience and perspectives on the world.”

    This is a worldview that Rey Vasquez says is built on a relationship of local belonging and responsibility to our people as well as people across the world. International education is an essential way New Zealand builds that bond with the rest of the world, bringing diverse people, organisations and countries together.

    Vasquez, a former international student herself, knows how transformational international education can be for both the student and New Zealand.

    “It brings the world to our home, if we can harness the cultural value that international students bring to New Zealand we will all grow as global learners,” she says.

    ENZ sees global citizenship as a way to bring shared understanding and learning between countries and cultures. Marc Doesburg, senior innovation advisor at ENZ, believes it offers new perspectives on the world, and a chance to question one’s own understanding. 

    “We give young people an opportunity to critique [their cultures] by going overseas, to see that things are done differently here.”

    International students are a significant source of income for education institutions and the New Zealand economy, contributing more than $5b in 2019. But for both ENZ and international students the benefits students bring New Zealand are far broader than a GDP injection.

    “I don’t want us just to be seen as bringing money – we bring culture, we bring international values…we want to know local people,” says Claire Lu, a Taiwanese student studying politics and international relations at Victoria University of Wellington.

    That works both ways – studying abroad was an “invaluable” experience for New Zealander Anna de Boer, who studied Mandarin in Shanghai as part of a Prime Minister’s Scholarship and has been back to China several times since. De Boer now works with international students at Victoria University of Wellington. She wants to reframe the narrative that international students “come here, take something, then go back to their home country.”

    There’s a huge benefit in how international students can take a piece of New Zealand home with them, and leave an important part of their own story behind in Aotearoa too, says De Boer. This builds long term relationships that have value far beyond the years they spend studying.

    This was originally published on The Spinoff as part of a content partnership between Education New Zealand and The Spinoff.

  • Wellington embraces talents, culture, and passion of international students

    While they love the great arts and culture vibe, fabulous food, and easy access to parks and hills, they choose Wellington principally for its world-class educational opportunities and diverse career prospects. 

    In a city where 23 percent of people are studying, international students quickly feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into a well-connected community of learners and achievers. As the capital city, Wellington offers sophisticated collaboration between education providers, research institutions, the business community, and Government. 

    Innovative programmes build long-term relationships with international students 

    Study in Wellington, a specialist team within economic development agency WellingtonNZ, promotes the region as a great place to study and enter the workforce, and recognises that international students have much to offer the city both during their stay, and after they have finished studying.  

    “International students bring their culture and their talents,” says programme lead Sarah Grant. “They bring determination, skill, and passion to our community. And they also bring a good work ethic with them.   

    Study in Wellington is focused on building-long-term relationships with students and alumni and has developed an innovative range of programmes tailored to each stage of an international student’s journey, and to provide channels for future collaboration.  

    Networking programmes key to “amazing” experience 

    For 25-year-old Shamanthi Jayawardena, leaving her home in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to study overseas in 2019 was a big decision and there were plenty of options. In the end she chose Wellington, saying the “cool city vibe” and reputation for safety attracted her, along with the quality of the courses available at Victoria University. 

    Returning home 15 months later, having completed her Master’s in Global Marketing, she reflects on an “amazing” experience in Wellington and says much of it was down to her involvement in the programmes offered by Study in Wellington, including Work Ready in Wellington, Alumni Connect and Employer Connect. 

    She says there’s no doubt a highlight was being involved in Employer Connect, which builds up the networking skills of graduating students and connects them with employers.

    “As a project coordinator facilitator, I got the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, understand their needs and help design a programme that benefits both the international students and the community of local organisations.” 

    So successful was Shamanthi’s networking that she landed a contract role with Wellington design and digital agency Obvious and continues to work for them remotely from Sri Lanka. 

    The opportunity to succeed is there for all international students, Shamanthi says. 

    “You need to be open-minded, connect with the programmes available to you, and put yourself out there. It’s a great place to follow your passion.” 

    Wellington proud of its international student community 

    Grant is proud of the way Wellington embraces its international student community, even with closed borders.  

    “We are ready to welcome back students when we can and believe that we do provide a unique experience and the opportunity to really get connected with the local community, businesses, and institutions. 

    “In return, the students make Wellington a more dynamic and interesting city.” 

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