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Student speakers at NZIEC 2018
WelTec student Angelique Viola came from the Philippines to study accounting here, leaving behind a secure job and taking a leap of faith. After graduation, her goal is to find employment as an accountant in New Zealand.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. My tutors were supportive and made me feel comfortable to ask them questions. It helped me cope up with my studies and boosted my confidence. Other support, like the free shuttle bus provided by my school, was also a big help.
2. It is the first time that I encountered a study break during the school semester. That one-week break helped me to cool off before the final exams.
3. The Work-Ready Wellington programme helped me learn about New Zealand’s working environment.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Finding a part-time job related to the field I am studying.
2. The cost of transportation is quite expensive.
3. It’s challenging to find an institution that offers free seminars/training to enhance specific skills I am lacking.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I am taking a Graduate Diploma in accounting and it would be beneficial to have on-the-job style training and to learn software such as Xero or MYOB in the curriculum. This would definitely help me in my job hunt since most New Zealand employers are looking for experienced individuals.
Yuki Sugito left Japan to study at Wainuiomata High School – party driven by the appeal of the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. He has become involved in kapa haka, competing in the national championships with his school group. He plans to study tourism management at the University of Otago, and also wants to teach Japanese to Kiwis.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. I like learning about New Zealand culture. At school, I participate in Kapa Haka and get to learn the significance of Māori traditions.
2. New Zealand school is less strict than Japan and I can relate to the teachers and build good relationships.
3. I can practice my English every day.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Learning English is hard. In Japanese we don’t pronounce “r’s” and “l’s”. Also, the slang New Zealanders use is hard to get used to.
2. In New Zealand you have to self-manage your time. In Japan you “must” do things, in New Zealand you “should” do things, but no one makes you do it. You have to be motivated to achieve.
3. The NCEA system is different and hard. The system in New Zealand means if you don’t get your credits you can’t go to university. In Japan, the universities don’t operate like this.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
The classes for each subject in school are longer than in Japan. I wish New Zealand had at least a 10-minute break between classes. In Japan, classes are 50 minutes long with a small break in between which makes you feel recharged to learn the next subject.
Jingxin 'Ada' Wang is originally from China, and studied a master’s degree in accounting at Victoria University of Wellington. She enjoys travelling and has embraced hiking since being in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Excellent international student insurance – I don’t need worry about any accidents.
2. Help from the international students centre, they give you the best advice no matter what issues you struggle with. There are also lots of discounts for international students such as gyms, barbershops and restaurants.
3. I went to a Work-Ready course organised by Wellington Council, which made it easier for me to find employment after graduating.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. The Kiwi accent was very hard to understand at the beginning, and it was difficult for people to understand my own accent.
2. It’s hard to find delicious and authentic Chinese food in New Zealand.
3. Winter is my nightmare, and the weather here is always so rainy, windy and cold!
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I wish I had more support from my university about New Zealand etiquette and taboo. International students need to mingle into New Zealand culture and society and know the appropriate way to speak and to behave.
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Māori and Pasifika experiences: diversifying our outbound programmes
At NZIEC, Jason Cushen, University of Otago’s Director, International and Claire Porima, Senior Project Manager, Office of Māori Development, talked about the need to diversify New Zealand’s outbound cohort and reduce barriers for Māori and Pasifika students.
“Our international exchange programme is 21 years old. In that time, the demographics of Otago’s student body have diversified, with currently 12% of our students Māori and 8% Pasifika – yet outbound numbers for Māori and Pasifika students remain low.
“In fact, the profile of the average student on that programme hasn’t changed. A typical Otago exchange student would be a 19 or 20-year-old Pākehā female from Epsom. Our Māori students are underrepresented amongst those engaged with international education opportunities.”
To overcome cultural and social barriers, the university launched Tūrangawaewae Pōkai Whenua in July 2018, an indigenous exchange programme connecting Māori with indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and the US.
Jason Cushen at NZIEC 2018
“Programmes like this go beyond just an institutional relationship, the relationship with indigenous community is equally important. It adds richness to the experience we can offer Māori students, and can help Māori parents who feel uneasy about their whanau going abroad to feel more comfortable. We are hopeful that this will increase in the future of the programme – already we have 13 MOUs with iwi about developing opportunities for their rangatahi at Otago.”
ENZ is facing similar challenges with the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) programmes. Christine Roberts, ENZ’s Student Scholarships Manager is working on a strategy to encourage wider diversity.
“Māori and Pasifika are significantly underrepresented in those applying for these scholarship programmes. We know there are quality candidates out there but many lack the confidence to apply or face other barriers.
“Sometimes family are not keen on them travelling during their studies, they may see it as a distraction and worry about taking time out of their course and extending the time it takes to complete their degree. Many students also face significant family commitments and responsibilities that make it difficult to get away. And many simply just don’t hear about the programme.
“There’s also a perception that scholarships are exclusively for wealthy students with the highest academic grades, but actually we place more importance on the ambassadorial role, alumna support role, community service, youth leadership qualities and broader cultural experience that many bring.
“We are working on an engagement strategy to change this. Our goal is to have an outbound programme that is reflective of – and values the contributions of all New Zealanders.”
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Japanese agriculture students visit Southland
The students, known as Chikujyo (“ari-girls” in Japanese)came from agricultural high schools across Japan to spend 12 days in Southland at Southland Girls' High School, which offered ESOL classes and technical training in farming. Alongside this, the students visited Fonterra Edendale, Blue River Dairy, Southern Dairy Hub research farm and other dairy farms with women in leadership roles. The Southern Institute of Technology also assisted with some activities.
Misa Kitaoka, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan said the programme generated significant media coverage in Japan and is a great example of industry and institutions collaborating to deliver a programme that highlights New Zealand’s unique education offerings and expertise.
“Students were impressed by the efficiency and productivity of agriculture practices in New Zealand, and the support for women in farming. They left feeling that farming in New Zealand allows a good work life balance,” said Misa.
“I am so inspired by the girls who are using what they learned in New Zealand to promote a new image of working in agriculture that’s more accessible for new entrants, especially females.”
The programme was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ New Entrant’s and Women’s Division, in consultation with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Primary Industries and ENZ. It was administered by the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council and was funded by the Japan Racing Association.
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Education opportunities in Europe
Representatives of all eight New Zealand universities and three ITPs were among the 5,700 tertiary education professionals at the European Association of International Education (EAIE) conference, held in Geneva from 11-14 September.
The EAIE conference is the second largest for international education after NAFSA in the US, with attendees from 95 countries.
New Zealand institutions reported excellent levels of partner engagement throughout the week, boosted by the networking reception that ENZ hosted at the residence of New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the WTO in Geneva.
Ahead of EAIE, ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson and Regional Director Americas & Europe Lisa Futschek visited three key European markets – France, Germany and the UK – to gain deeper market insights, identify market-specific barriers and explore opportunities for growth.
“Each market has different opportunities and challenges. Germany is New Zealand’s largest source of students in Europe, while the UK is our most important tertiary market. Student numbers from France are the second highest, with the majority of these enrolled in English language schools,” said Lisa.
“Understanding these markets is key for New Zealand providers looking to attract international students from there but this needs to be bolstered by relationship-building with education officials and agents in the market.”This year, ENZ has put significant effort into opening up the French market, including hosting a reception at the New Zealand Embassy in Paris this month to raise engagement with French agents (who play a key role in the market) and to increase awareness of New Zealand education with members of the French Senate and National Assembly – critical at a time when the French Government is moving towards a more outward-looking education model.
“At the tertiary level, French universities are interested in partnerships with New Zealand institutions in areas such as environmental management, food security, renewable energy and creative arts. There is also a growing focus on vocational training and pathways to employment – which fits well with our current "future-proof” messaging.”
At secondary level, New Zealand institutions are encouraged to promote longer-duration high school stays.
“French high school students tend to go to New Zealand for short stays during the European summer and aren’t invested in longer-duration visits due to a perceived lack of qualification recognition,” said Lisa.
France’s NZQA-equivalent, the International Centre for Educational Studies, revealed that recognition of NCEA qualifications is considered on a case-by-case basis by applying the French national qualifications framework and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
“This approach opens the door to promoting longer-duration high school stays until the end of Year 13, on the basis that NCEA Level 3 is comparable to the French university entrance qualification.”
Students from Europe make up some 10% of the international student cohort in New Zealand. In 2017, 1,945 French students studied in New Zealand.
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US delegation delighted by New Zealand biculturalism
Although many of the study abroad advisors were already working with New Zealand partners and sending students to New Zealand, they hadn’t experienced the country themselves.
Prior to the visit, participants listed Māori culture and heritage as one of their top three focuses for the visit to New Zealand institutions.
In Dunedin, the delegation was welcomed onto the Otago Polytechnic campus with a powhiri. In return, the delegation sang “Te Aroha” – after having practised it on the bus ride from their hotel.
The group said this moment, and similar experiences on other New Zealand campuses, was what provided them with a better understanding of New Zealand and the international student experience – even more so than the brochures they received from institutions.
“I was surprised and very impressed to see how Māori culture is so integrated and celebrated around the country. This is unique and a stark contrast to the experience of indigenous cultures in other countries,” said one delegate.
Alanna Dick, ENZ Field Director – North America, said the advisors left with a better understanding of New Zealand, and a drive to help more US students experience it too.
“It was clear to me the visit was a success when one study abroad advisor told me that now they understand the main points of difference between New Zealand and Australia! They now tell their students they would have a unique study experience in New Zealand, especially if they take a course to learn more about the indigenous culture like Kapa Haka or introduction to te Reo Māori.”
The US delegation offered suggestions for New Zealand institutions to consider when hosting international guests:
- Explain how Māori culture is embedded into curriculum
- Invite Kiwi students to sit on a student panel or lead campus tours
- More conversations over kai with faculty, staff and students and less PowerPoint presentations
- Consider having faculty give a short presentation about their area of research or courses they teach.
The US delegation also attended NZIEC to present a session on US engagement. They shared interesting initiatives and partnership models from their campuses, highlighted the importance of curriculum integration between US and overseas institutions, and shared best practices for outreach to students from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds.
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Study Abroad NZ schools programme launched in US
ENZ Business Development Manager Mary Camp says this is a pilot project to test the waters in the US market.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with AFS for this pilot – they are a trusted organisation with a long history of matching US students with life-changing education experiences.
“New Zealand schools have much to offer US students looking for a high-quality study abroad experience to give them a competitive advantage in the college application process.”
The programme includes nine New Zealand schools, each offering themed programmes for one semester in the fields of environmental studies, Māori culture, the arts, outdoor education and leadership.
Mary is hoping to see some more US students coming through in 2019 as a result of the pilot.
“Opening up new markets for the school sector will help us achieve sustainable growth, which of course is a focus of the International Education Strategy.
“If the pilot is successful, we’ll look to roll it out to more New Zealand schools.”
Check out the AFS web page for more information about the programme.
The schools involved are Rangitoto College, Western Springs College, Western Heights High School, Aotea College, Papanui High School, Hillmorton High School, Whanganui High School, Whakatane High School and Te Puke High School.
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Brazilian students look to New Zealand tertiary studies
Organised by Brazil agent FPP Edu-Media, ENZ attended the high school tour to introduce Brazilian students to the tertiary possibilities in New Zealand, particularly undergraduate qualifications.
The last BELTA SEAL Survey from March 2018 shows that 30% of the Brazilians who studied overseas in 2017 were in the 18 to 21 age group, and that their main motivation for international education is to stand out professionally.
Daniela Ronchetti, Director of Operations at FPP Edu-Media, says while short-term programmes have typically been the most popular overseas study for Brazilian students, there's a growing interest in undertaking full degrees overseas.
“Many of these students, fluent in English and with experience of overseas study via summer courses at a young age, are comfortable enrolling in international universities.
“With interest in the US and UK declining, Brazilian students are looking closer at New Zealand, Australia and Canada when considering a full degree abroad.”
Ana Azevedo, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager for Brazil, visited eight international secondary schools, from small boutique schools with 15 students per class to large education groups with thousands of students, which are all investing in pathways to international tertiary education.
ENZ’s Ana Azevedo with Marilda Bardal, International Relations Coordinator at International School Alphaville.
“These schools typically offer bilingual education, IB (International Baccalaureate) or the American diploma and academic counselling, so that by the time students complete high school, they are prepared for an international experience,” said Ana.
Also in attendance were government education organisations and universities from the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK – but Ana said New Zealand had an edge.
“It was a great experience to stand among our competitors at the opening of each event and present New Zealand as the country that best prepares students for the future – not an easy ranking to beat!”
“There is still work to be done on raising awareness of all that New Zealand has to offer to Brazilian students, particularly in tertiary education. It is a significant investment for a family so we need to be clear about the return of this investment.
“Showing students the variety of programmes they can find in New Zealand, the cultural diversity and welcoming environment – very few countries offer this combination. It is a full package!”
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Students around the globe join New Zealand summit
Kicking off this week with seminars on the space economy and mechanisms for social change, and the human cost of climate change, the online global workshop connects a diverse group of potential international students to help them connect, collaborate and shape their future.
ENZ’s Deanna Anderson, Business Development Manager says the project offers ENZ a great opportunity to learn more about the motivations of learners from new markets while offering the students involved a unique digital engagement with New Zealand.
“It’s a two-way learning experience that explores the futures of our next generation of learners while offering them a window into New Zealand’s unique way of problem solving.
“The aim is to create an inspiring initiative that engages hundreds of students and allows us to use their insights to better understand the future of our next generation of learners.
“Each student has the ability to offer insight that could help shape a more personalised, meaningful, relevant and uniquely New Zealand education experience.”
The summit involves 12 expert speakers who are presenting six online seminars on topics ranging from sustainable design to social entrepreneurship to climate change.
“After the seminar series, the students will be involved in a co-creation weekend where they will work as part of 65 online challenge groups to discuss solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing issues such as energy production, waste as a resource and the future of human survival.”
Deanna says this pilot research project will provide invaluable insights for New Zealand’s international education sector that will inform the direction of future industry innovation.
For more information or to join the webinars, visit https://www.emergingfutures.co.nz/
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Kiwi schools hit the road in the Philippines
Led by a team of ENZ staff, the group made the journey through Manila and Cebu over one week in September in a (very cosy) ENZ bus.
Desiree Lee, ENZ’s Market Manager, Malaysia and Philippines, said it was great to see the camaraderie shared by New Zealand providers and the shared vision of promoting New Zealand education to the world.
“We had a blast hosting our energetic providers from the university, ITP, PTE and school sectors across the Philippines. We braved the Manila traffic together, met with more than 200 international school students whose interests ranged from medicine to creative writing.”
The providers had another chance to meet school counsellors, New Zealand alumni and parents at the ENZ Networking Night hosted by Ambassador to the Philippines, David Strachan, at the Official Residence.
“Most Filipino students considering study abroad are from the private education network and, to attract these students to New Zealand, we have to be prepared to compete against strong brand names like there are in the US,” explains Desiree.
“The US is the most high-profile study destination for Filipino students, with a very active in-market presence including many Ivy League names such as Stanford University.
“Targeted activities such as the Schools Roadshow is a chance to get some face time with these students and present our unique offering.”
The tour of the Philippines was capped off with an oversubscribed agent seminar in Cebu, where Immigration New Zealand gave key market updates.
“They revealed that Cebu, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Davao del Sur and Cavite are the top five regions where student applicants are coming from.
“INZ also highly recommends the use of its online application platform which is far more cost and time efficient.”
New Zealand providers included Carmel College, Rangitoto College, University of Auckland, Massey University, ACG Education, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Southern Institute of Technology, Toi Ohomai, WelTec & Whitireia, Eastern Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, and more.
Braving traffic in Manila on the ENZ Bus
At the Chinese International School Manila
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Around the world in five
UK
ELT sector concerns over rising agent costs
English language training institutions have voiced concerns that the rising commission rates of education agents are making it unsustainable for schools to pay.
GLOBAL
Bilingual education – a competitive advantage
Offering students a bilingual education could be key to improving access to higher education, provide opportunities to study abroad and improve future job prospects in an increasingly globalised world.
SOUTH KOREA
Fourth straight year of strong international student growth
Enrolments from Viet Nam are a strong factor in South Korea’s overall international student growth of nearly 70 percent since 2014.
BRAZIL
EMI courses in Brazil grow to more than 1,000
A growing number of higher education institutions in Brazil are recognising the importance of offering English as Medium of Instruction courses, with the number of EMI courses rising from 671 in 2016 to over 1,000 in 2018.
CHINA
The consolidation of private higher education
With more than 740 private higher education institutions in China, and thousands of private vocational schools, China’s fragmented private higher education industry is expected to undergo a wave of consolidation over the next decade.
