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Showing 10 of 1954 results for NARSC 2016 conference registration fees student pre advance late July 2016
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Letter from the CE on India student market
India is and will continue to be a large part of the international education industry. The vast majority of Indian students who study in New Zealand make a very valuable contribution to our campuses, our workplaces and our society. Every day Indian students, alongside other international students, are helping New Zealand to build its research capability and global linkages, to fill skill shortages and to enrich New Zealand culture.
However, we do currently have a small number of students from India facing potential deportation because of issues with their visa, or with illegal behaviour while they have been in New Zealand. Separately, students affected by the recent sale of an Auckland private training provider are being supported to transfer to a new provider to continue and complete their studies.
There have also been disturbing stories about some cases of the exploitation of international students from employers and others.
New Zealand government agencies are working closely together on these issues, to ensure all students are treated fairly and are well cared for, and to protect New Zealand’s educational reputation. This joint-agency work on international student wellbeing has focused in recent months on Auckland where the majority of international students are located, and involved a range of community meetings and student focus groups to ensure student needs and concerns are being heard and addressed.
It is vital that New Zealand maintains high standards across the international education industry.
It is also important that these events do not tarnish the reputation of an entire community nor devalue the significant contribution that international students from India and elsewhere, and our education providers, make to New Zealand.
To all of us involved in international education, it is a timely reminder to honour our obligations and responsibilities to students. We all – providers, agents, employers, community and ethnic groups, government agencies and other support services – have a role to play in a successful international student experience.
When I talk about shared responsibilities, I am talking about government agencies which set the regulatory frameworks (including setting rules around proof of financial means), and agencies like Education New Zealand which promote New Zealand’s education opportunity offshore. I am also talking about providers which offer students – domestic and international – a wide variety of education programmes. These programmes can act as a stepping stone to further study in New Zealand or overseas. They can also provide a pathway to residence if a student gains the skills that are in demand in New Zealand. At other times, they are very much about the overseas experience.
Education agents and students also have a responsibility for great student experiences. There has been a lot of communication about the obligation on New Zealand providers to manage their agent relationships. Information sharing on agent performance is a key part of Immigration New Zealand’s strategy to support providers’ decisions on the agents they work with. Providers can expect to see greater government engagement on this area of compliance with the new Code of Pastoral Care.
We also have a collective responsibility to share and promote the positive contribution that international education makes to our communities.
We believe that students too have an obligation to come here with genuine intent – that their primary purpose is to study and that they have the means to do so. Working in New Zealand while studying is a way to complement the classroom skills they learn and to really engage with everyday life. It is not intended as a lifeline to cover living costs which can expose vulnerable students to the risk of exploitation.
Of course, New Zealand employers are important contributors to the education experience as well. Everyone in New Zealand has the right to protection through minimum work rights, and we expect employers to uphold New Zealand employment law. We continue to encourage individuals to come forward if they have specific examples of workplace mistreatment. This is the only way we can address these issues.
We are also working alongside the New Zealand communities of international students because we see this as crucial to good outcomes. It helps to bridge the gap that may exist through the different cultural contexts which operate and where, for example, some international students aren’t aware of their rights and protections under New Zealand law.
Of the students and former students facing deportation, some are in New Zealand unlawfully, some have been found to have submitted fraudulent visa applications, and some have committed crimes here. It’s critical that only those who have the right to be in New Zealand remain. This helps to support a quality system for the majority of international students who have, and continue to come here with, genuine means and intent.
Lastly, we acknowledge the role of education providers in this process – we do not accept poor performance. For the hundreds delivering high-quality education programmes in New Zealand, the outcomes for international students are obvious. Education New Zealand has numerous student stories of success. For the small number of providers not performing, agencies are taking appropriate action, not all of which makes it into the public arena, and for good reason. But I can say that agencies are working together more closely than before, sharing information to support change where it’s needed and to continuously improve the New Zealand education experience.
International education is one of the most powerful ways to connect us across the world. Let’s all continue to take responsibility for our part in it.
Grant McPherson
Chief Executive, Education New Zealand
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International student employment: overcoming barriers
The panel, chaired by ENZ’s Director Student Experience, Hayley Shields, featured a diverse and informed range of views from
- Brett Berquist, Director International at the University of Auckland
- Dr Cate Gribble, Senior Research Analyst at the University of Auckland
- James Koo, former international student and founder and CEO of Niesh, a free student discounts app
- Paul Hickey, Managing Director at SpeakData
- Charan Mohan, former international student and now Business Intelligence Analyst at SpeakData.
Dr Cate Gribble talked about the need to raise awareness of the benefits to businesses of employing international students to counter employer concerns around the challenges of international student employees, including perceptions they won’t fit culturally, their English will be limited or that their visa situation will make paperwork too challenging. Students also find their international work experience in their home country is not always valued here, and employers often require New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
Brett Berquist added that we need to counter the perception that international students will not stick around.
“The reality is that all students, both domestic and international, are equally mobile. Employers need to stop thinking Kiwis make employees for life, and that international students are a flight risk.”
James Koo said the lack of transparency around these concerns is a challenge for international students. As a result, many international students end up sending a generic CV and cover letter to any and all available jobs, too discouraged to spend time tailoring their CVs to each role.
James also noted that student expectations can sometimes be unrealistic, and some students expect to work in large, prestigious companies whereas most New Zealand companies are SMEs – which he noted can actually offer more opportunities and experiences for students and recent graduates.
SpeakData’s Paul Hickey then talked about his experience hiring international students, such as fellow panellist Charan Mohan. While Charan clearly had the hard skills required for his company, Paul needed to be convinced of his soft skills, which he calls being ‘Kiwi-ready.’
“Often, international students come into interviews and talk solely about their studies and qualifications when actually, we’re just as interested in hearing about their interests outside of work.
“That social aspect plays a big part – sharing a story about kayaking in Taupo at the weekend or going to an All Blacks game is an easy way to connect with Kiwi employers.”
Paul also talked about the need to work with institutions to create a pipeline of talent.
“Employers often take a short-term view and hire people ‘just in time’ rather than looking ahead, whereas if you expect to have 10 new positions available in two years’ time, why not try to establish a pipeline for talent through local institutions who can connect you with new graduates with relevant skills?”
Panellists also agreed that having internships and work experience in education programmes will also help international students get into the job market when they graduate.
Brett concluded that while all these approaches can reduce barriers, ultimately, a strategy is required – supported by data that is already available in reports such as the Ministry of Education’s ‘Moving Places’, ENZ’s Beyond the Economic and Immigration New Zealand data.
It is an ongoing discussion that will continue to be in the spotlight in New Zealand as the industry works to meet international student expectations of global employability.
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Student visa processing update
A very large number of applications have been submitted to INZ in January for courses beginning within four weeks of the application submission date.
Jeannie Melville, INZ’s Assistant General Manager, Visa Services reminds applicants to apply for their student visa at least eight weeks before their course start date.
“For those with an application in progress, we ask that they first check the recent student visa processing times published on the INZ website before contacting INZ to seek an update on their application. Those who submitted their visa application online should also check their online account regularly to ensure they haven’t missed any communications from INZ. If INZ needs more information to decide an application, it will take longer to assess.”
During this peak student visa application period, INZ is processing applications in some additional sites in an effort to ensure applications are decided as quickly as possible.
To ensure the sector is well informed, INZ is developing improved reporting on application processing, including the volume of work in progress and expected processing times. INZ will provide this information in regular email updates to education peak bodies.
ENZ is working closely with INZ on student visa processing matters, to help providers, students and agents understand the current situation. While INZ continues to experience high volumes of student visa applications, ENZ continues to monitor market reactions and engage constructively with INZ.
Current fee paying student visa application volumes (as at 27 January 2019)
Status
Application volumes
Assessment ongoing
7430
Approved in principle
1109
Total on hand
8539
Recent processing timeframes (calculated based on fee paying student visa applications decided 28 Oct 2018-28 Jan 2019)
Provider Type
80% decided within:
90% decided within:
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
38 days
50 days
Private Training Establishments
36 days
47 days
Schools
15 days
25 days
Universities
21 days
31 days
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Creative rangatahi showcased at the New Zealand Youth Film Festival
Seventeen-year-old Jaeyun Han, an international student at Newlands College, Wellington, bagged the award for Best International Student Film. Han, from Korea, won the award for his film ‘Him’ - a dark tale of jealousy, obsession, and unrequited love.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) sponsored the Best International Student Film category of the awards, with ENZ General Manager Sector Services Sahinde Pala presenting the winner’s award.
Sahinde Pala presenting the award to Jaeyun Han with festival founder Ryan Chow looking on
“We warmly congratulate Jaeyun.
“ENZ is pleased to support the International Student Film award and the film festival for the wonderful platform they offer young people to share their stories and collaborate. The festival is a great way to showcase what New Zealand offers as a film and creative study destination, and ultimately helps grow connections between international students and New Zealanders,” Sahinde said.
“I was blown away by the talent of all the students involved, they will have bright careers if they choose to enter the film industry. Jaeyun’s storyline, coupled with sophisticated editing and camerawork, made for a gripping and unforgettable film.”
The winning Best International Student Film ‘Him’ being shown at the award ceremony
Jaeyun was one of three final nominees, all of whom were invited to an industry experience day exploring TVNZ, Department of Post and AUT last week, ahead of the awards.
The competition was judged by leaders in the industry. Marvel Studios Director of Technology Katie Hinsen, Weta Digital Visual Effects Associate Producer Jeremy Hollis, and Professor Welby Ings from AUT made the final decisions.
Judges Jeremy Hollis and Katie Hinsen congratulating Jaeyun Han alongside Sahinde Pala and Ryan Chow
“A teacher at school encouraged me to enter the festival and I didn’t think I had a chance of winning. This is such a surprise and an honour,” Jaeyun said.
He received a $500 cash prize and mentorship session with New Zealand cinematographer Phillip A.T Smith, who has worked on notable films such as ‘Mad Max Fury Road’, ‘Dune’ and ‘District 9’.
From left to right: ENZ Student Experience Manager Ross Crosson, festival founder Ryan Chow, Senior Advisor Student Experience Faymie Li and Sahinde Pala
NZYFF is founded by Ryan Chow, an international student from Canada studying towards a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Communications Studies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Ryan is passionate about providing an opportunity for youth to have their work celebrated and connecting them with industry professionals to kick-start their careers, which is how NZYFF came to be founded.
Jaeyun’s film is available to view here, and the other nominated films are available to view on the NZYFF website here.
Trophies presented to the category winners
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ENZ’s latest Statement of Intent is out
While the overarching goals and objectives for New Zealand's international education industry remain the same, the strategic framework of our next steps to support the industry to reach these goals are reflected in more detail.
The two intermediate outcomes of these next steps include activities to increase both the economic value of international students studying in New Zealand and increase the economic value of our products and services delivered offshore.
Alongside these marketing and industry development activities, we also support government-government liaison work and will launch our outbound scholarship programme.Download the Statement of Intent 2013-2016.
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Talkin’ ‘bout a Generation
Around 300,000 US students study overseas each year, and, recognising the value of international education, the US has strong plans to increase this number. Last year the Institute of International Education (IIE) launched the Generation Study Abroad initiative, which aims to have 600,000 US students studying overseas by the end of this decade.
In April last year, ENZ committed as a foreign government partner to the initiative, and pledged to double the number of US students studying in New Zealand by 2020 (in 2014, there were almost 2,500 US students enrolled at New Zealand institutions).
The inaugural Summit on Generation Study Abroad was held in Washington, D.C. in October. As part of the New Zealand commitment to the Generation Study Abroad initiative, ENZ hosted one of four official receptions at the New Zealand Embassy.
Four New Zealand universities, Waikato, Auckland, Otago and Canterbury, attended the Summit.
“Being asked to host a Summit reception was a recognition of the strong support New Zealand has given to the Generation Study Abroad initiative,” said Amy Rutherford, International Market Manager, North America.
“The US wants to increase the number of its students studying abroad at all levels – including from schools, community colleges and universities – and New Zealand is well-positioned to work with US institutions to host US students.”
The second IIE Summit on Generation Study Abroad will take place in Washington, DC in September/October 2016. Check here for more details.
If you’re interested in becoming an official commitment partner to the Generation Study Abroad initiative, email Amy at amy.rutherford@enz.govt.nz
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ENZ Emirates Airline promotion launches in Saudi Arabia
This promotion builds on a successful #YourSummerinNZ competition, which concluded on 5 June with the award of six prizes to study in New Zealand. The winners receive full scholarships to study English language at one of the six sponsoring New Zealand English language schools for up to six weeks, including return flights to New Zealand and accommodation.
The Emirates Airline promotional discount offer is on flights to New Zealand, booked from 1 June until 31 August, departing from Riyadh, Jeddah, Medinah, and Dammam. To redeem the offer, students need to use an infographic posted on ENZ’s Arabic Twitter page – @nzeducationsa.
“We are delighted to partner with Emirates Airline in promoting New Zealand as the premium destination for English-language students,” says John Laxon, ENZ’s Middle East Regional Director.
“Saudi students can now fly direct from Dubai to New Zealand via Emirates, and enter New Zealand visa-free when studying for up to 12 weeks.”
The flight promotion, and competition, are targeted to students looking at summer abroad study, given the longer summer holiday period in 2016.
New Zealand Ambassador, Hamish MacMaster, announced the Saudi #YourSummerinNZ scholarship winners: Abdullah Al Fifi (New Zealand Language Centres), Thamer Albugmi (Worldwide School of English), Ali Al Shahrani (Academic Colleges Group), Mohammed AlQabbaa (Southern Lakes English Language College), Majed Alzahrani (Languages International), and Fahad Alfifi (The Campbell Institute).
“The #YourSummerinNZ competition was a great success,” says Ambassador MacMaster.
“More than 3,000 entrants promoted New Zealand on ENZ’s dedicated Arabic-language Twitter channel – @nzeducationsa. ENZ now has more than 38,000 followers on its Twitter page, where students can find out how great it is to study in New Zealand.”
ENZ will continue a series of promotional and marketing initiatives during the summer period, and any providers looking to partner on further promotions can contact: rachel.simpson@enz.govt.nz
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Education initiatives during Indian President's visit
President Shri Pranab Mukherjee of India and Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister, Steven Joyce, launched the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) on Monday 2 May to an audience of 150 Indian students and staff from the AUT. The awards are the outcome of a joint campaign between all eight universities and ENZ, and offers scholarships to Indian students to study Level 7+ courses in the fields of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), business and fashion.
The NZEA scholarships were promoted in India at a high profile media event attended by ENZ Chief Executive, Grant McPherson; the NZ High Commissioner to India, HE Grahame Morton and ENZ Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fleming on 4 May 2016.
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Telling the whole New Zealand story
We want to see the benefits of international education spread across all regions and sectors, so ENZ has boosted its team to better support international education growth in the regions.
New appointees Sarah Gauthier, Sahinde Pala and Jo Keane join Christchurch-based Business Development Manager, Greg Scott, to ensure ENZ’s Regional Partnership Programme activities are well-supported by a team of highly-experienced international education practitioners.
ENZ’s General Manager Business Development, Clive Jones, says, “I’m excited about starting 2016 with a strong regional team who are committed to helping our regions achieve growth. Greg and the team are passionate regional advocates, who are keen to get stuck in and work with regional providers and agencies to put plans into action.”
Many of you will be familiar with the new Regional Project Managers:
Sahinde Pala has joined ENZ from her role as Marketing Manager at LSI Language Studies International Worldwide. Sahinde is based in Auckland.
Sarah Gauthier moves back to ENZ after her recent work as Export Education Coordinator at Dunedin City Council. Sarah will be based in Wellington.
Jo Keane hops Cook Strait to join our Wellington office from her role as International Market Manager at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Jo starts on 8 February.
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Saudi event for education exporters
Ta’leem 2016 is a Ministry of Education-sponsored event focused on connecting providers of goods and services solutions to Saudi education buyers. Alongside an exhibition hall is a forum on education. This year’s theme for the event is Investment in Education.
The event offers providers an opportunity to gain insight into the opportunities available in Saudi Arabia’s education sector, as well as meet potential buyers and distributors of products and services.
Several New Zealand organisations are already committed to attend Ta’leem. You can find out more at www.iefe.sa