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  • Introducing ENZ’s new Board member, Victoria Spackman

    Victoria is Chief Executive, Director and co-owner of the screen and visitor experience company, the Gibson Group. You can read Victoria’s bio here but E-News put a few questions her way when she was in the office last week.

    How did you come to know about the world of international education?

    I worked with Education New Zealand on a Mandarin language TV series called Dragons in a Distant Land, which was all about Chinese students studying in New Zealand.  The series was launched by the Prime Minister in Beijing in April 2013 during the celebrations of the 40-year relationship between China and New Zealand, and screened on several TV channels around China. 

    What interests you about the sector?

    I am particularly interested in the fact that there are so many advantages to be had from a well-functioning international education system – advantages to the students visiting NZ, to the NZ students they learn with, to the schools and other providers, and to the wider economies in both NZ and, potentially, in the country that the student is from.  The strong personal and professional connections that are made through international education can help fuel lifelong relationships and opportunities. 

    What excites you most about your appointment to the Board?

    I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help the sector grow and help New Zealand take full advantage of its strong international educational reputation. 

    What challenges do you expect to face? 

    New Zealand is not the only country competing for international students and we are not the best resourced or the most famous.  So we have to differentiate ourselves and help what New Zealand has to offer stand out.  My personal challenges will include understanding the complex ecology of the sector as quickly as I can so I can make a full contribution. 

    What parts of your study/work/life experience do you think is most relevant to your role on the Board?

    I started my school life in the UK and, although I don’t think about it much, I expect that it has impacted on the person I am very much.  The company I own has pushed into several new export markets in recent years, including China, the US and Denmark.  The experience of persisting to reach those goals has taught me a lot about exporting and doing so in challenging markets.  I hope that that experience, as well as my broader experience, can help me be of the most assistance to the organisation and the sector. 

    As well as announcing Victoria’s appointment on 9 July, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce also announced the reappointment of Board Chair Charles Finny for an eighteen-month term, and Board members Philip Broughton, Richard Leggat and John Morris for three-year terms.

  • Canterbury launches Strategy Leadership Accord

    The Accord represents a commitment to grow the social, cultural and economic value of international education in the region over the next 10 years.

    The strategy vision is that Canterbury is a “a globally connected region for international education with education and training that leads to enhanced student opportunities and outcomes with enduring benefits for the community”.

    This will be achieved through:

    • Strong industry leadership via the Accord

    • Building partnership with government, iwi and other sectors

    • Building a regional value proposition and strong international partnership in key markets

    • Developing flagship programmes in areas of regional strength

    • Developing pathways through school, higher education and employment in areas of regional strength

    • Enhancing the student experience through developing a regional qual-mark for international education providers

    At the launch function this week, Michaela Blacklock, General Manager for Business and Sector Development at Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) noted:

    “CDC believes that Christchurch’s international connectedness is critical to growing a strong economy which contributes to a better quality of life for people living in the region.  We recognise both the economic and social benefits to Christchurch and Canterbury from a strong international education sector.”

    The Leadership Accord has appointed Murray Strong as the Independent Chairperson, charged with overseeing the implementation of the strategy.  

    “It is important that we build on the industry cohesion and momentum gained during the post-earthquake period, which may be lost if there is no medium-term strategy to provide focus -  the real work starts now.”  says Murray Strong.

    The strategy development process was funded by Education New Zealand and facilitated by Canterbury Development Corporation, the Christchurch City Council economic development agency.

  • NZ education making headlines across Asia

    Key coverage since then has included feature articles in target publications in China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand and the Philippines.

    "Carving a name for themselves in the land of Kiwis”, “Open spaces, open hearts invite ASEAN minds to think new” and “Engineering options in New Zealand” – these are just a few recent headlines about New Zealand education featuring in media across Asia.

    From March to June, 21 media from seven target markets visited 20 different education providers throughout the country on Education New Zealand’s visiting media programme.Key coverage since then has included feature articles in target publications in China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand and the Philippines.“ENZ invites overseas media to visit New Zealand to report on our world-class education experience – filming, writing, blogging and tweeting about their experiences,” says John Goulter, General Manager, Government and Partners.“ENZ developed programmes that saw the journalists visit a wide range of education providers from across all sectors and get a real taste of New Zealand’s education strengths most relevant to their audiences.”“The impressions these visiting journalists form, and the coverage they give New Zealand as a result, relies on the rich experiences they have and the engaging students they meet. Thank you to those involved earlier this year for the effort and time you invested in delivering a great experience.”

    Highlights include:

    • A two-page feature on the front of the ‘Learning’ section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Open spaces, open hearts encourage ASEAN students to ‘think new’” reached over 2.7 milion readers through the stories
    • of two students studying IT and cooking. The article compared New Zealand’s work-relevant programmes, choice of subjects, strengths in niche areas such as Computer Science with those offered in the Philippines, and praised New Zealand’s diversity and equality.
    • A story on New Zealand’s rising prominence as a high-quality, value-for-money destination for international students, published in the Bangkok Post as part of an ASEAN 40 visit to celebrate four decades of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and ASEAN nations. The newspaper has a daily circulation of 75,000. You can read the story here.
    • Multiple-page features in Malaysian newspapers the New Straits Times (average daily readership 240,000), Sin Chew Daily (500,000 readers) ande  Berita Harian (983,000 readers). Articles highlighted New Zealand’s strengths in a variety of subject areas, the student experience in NZ, and qualifications that equip students with work-ready skills.
    • Full-page features in India pointing out the advantages of studying media design and hospitality and adventure tourism in New Zealand (New Indian Express, circulation 335,616).
    • One-page profiles on each New Zealand university in the Indonesian youth magazine High End Teen, which reaches a targeted youth audience aged 13 to 18. Each profile highlighted the university’s distinctive strengths and included a student profile.

  • Agent engagement in Thailand

    Delivering his welcome speech, H.E. Mr Reuben Levermore, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Thailand, emphasised the niche strengths of New Zealand education; how we can best stand out from crowd and the importance of agents as key partners in raising awareness.

    The workshop included speakers from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Immigration New Zealand, Thai government partners and local New Zealand alumni, to help give agents a good understanding of the value of New Zealand’s education offering and to provide them with a range of tools to sell New Zealand as an education destination.

    Chortip took a new approach to the workshops – presenting on market trends and statistics, while also showcasing niche courses offered in New Zealand such as film, animation and sports management. The workshop topics included: cyber security and health IT in Thailand; labour market information; overseas engineering programme accreditation and approval by the Council of Engineers Thailand; criteria for establishing equivalence for New Zealand education qualifications by the Bureau of Education Testing under the Thai Ministry of Education; and ‘Apply on Behalf’ online visa application training by Immigration New Zealand.

    This was the first full day workshop delivered in this style offered to Thai education agents and was well received by participants. ENZ will continue to support agents in Thailand in promoting New Zealand as a study destination, with further activities planned in the coming year.

  • New Zealand’s agriculture training pique’s interest of Moroccan delegation

    The delegation was led by Amine Mounir Alaoui, who is the head of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and Executive Vice President of the OCP Foundation. The university was set up by Moroccan phosphate exporting company, Office Chérifien des Phosphates. During their visit the group visited Waikato, Auckland, Massey and Lincoln universities, as well as meeting with government agencies, Universities New Zealand and research partners in the new Lincoln Hub.  Education New Zealand facilitated the visit. 

    The main purpose of the visit was to explore the potential for cooperation in the agriculture and agri-tech area for the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University’s new School of Agriculture.  They were impressed with the capability and applied/industry-based approach of the New Zealand universities, and were especially interested in research cooperation and the potential for student exchange, study abroad, PhD study and teacher training. 

    Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is less than three years old, but it has ambitious plans to be the leading institute in Africa with 10,000 students enrolled by 2025.  It is a state of the art university located in the new city of Benguerir, close to Marrakech, and hosts three living labs – the new green city itself, a local phosphate mine and an industrial plant. 

    The delegation promoted Morocco as a secure gateway to Africa and a bridge to western countries. 

    Now that links have been made, the focus will be on identifying some key areas of research collaboration and gradual expansion of the education partnerships – perhaps more simmer than spice, but still warmer than a zero degree Lincoln day!

  • Meet MoE’s new Director, International Emily Fabling

    The new Director role leads the Ministry’s wider international education engagement strategies, international education policy development, and key country-to-country and multilateral education engagements.  The Director is in front of Ministers on a regular basis, and works closely with other parts of the Ministry, other government education agencies such as NZQA and TEC, ENZ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) and Immigration New Zealand to develop and support international education.  Having strong working relationships with education and research professionals, education providers and sector & community groups is also essential to Emily in working effectively in her role as Director.

    You can meet Emily at the New Zealand International Education Conference in Hamilton this week, but in the meantime, E-News caught up with the Ministry’s busy new Director and asked her a few introductory questions.

    You’ve been in the job three months now – tell me about the path that led you to your new role as Director, International Education at MoE.

    I grew up in Waipukurau, central Hawke’s Bay.  I studied the only foreign language available to me, French, and hung out with the only ‘international students’ at the time – Rotary Exchange students from Australia.  I actually started my government policy career in the Ministry of Education back in 2001 (when there were 79,000 international students in New Zealand), after having worked at Parliament and for MFAT in the APEC Taskforce, and some typical Kiwi overseas experience in the UK and through Asia.  I moved into Immigration Policy in the then-Department of Labour (DOL) in 2004, where I was responsible, among other things, for developing the licensing regime and legislation for immigration advisers and agents. 

    Emily20Fabling20220small2

    I became Deputy Director, International for DOL in 2009 and focussed my international engagement efforts there on the International Labour Organisation and bilateral labour agreements with Thailand, the Philippines and China, before taking on the role of National Manager, Recognised Seasonal Employment for almost three years (bringing Pacific Island workers to New Zealand’s horticulture & viticulture sectors for temporary seasonal work).  This role was an amazing opportunity, where I travelled to far-flung developing countries like Tuvalu and Kiribati, and experienced, first-hand, the life-changing impacts of time spent in New Zealand on individuals and communities back in the Pacific Islands.  I then spent six months back at MFAT (in the Asia Pacific Regional Division), before returning to the immigration fold and the Immigration New Zealand leadership team, as Executive Director in the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive for two years.  And now I am here!

    What study/work/life experiences do you bring to the role?

    At Victoria University, I studied Politics and Modern Languages (French & Japanese), and then combined these into an Honours degree in International Relations.  My public service career has followed an underlying thread of “international people mobility” – be it through skills and knowledge, or work and the labour market.  I’ve grown into broader public sector leadership roles from jobs in pure policy analysis and development.  I’m an extrovert, so enjoy presenting policy ideas or strategies to others – I’m also an eldest child and heavily results-focussed, so I like getting things done and working with others on the challenge of turning policy ideas or problems into pragmatic, sensible solutions.

    Outside of work, I live in Wellington’s northern suburbs with two cricket and PlayStation-mad sons (aged 10 and 7), two Labradors (aged 12 ½) and a husband (age undisclosed), a large garden and similarly-sized mortgage!

     Emily20Fabling203

    What’s on your ‘to do’ list for your next three months?

    In no particular order – supporting Ministerial engagements overseas and the International Education Senior Officials’ Group; giving practical effect to the Ministry’s own International Engagement Framework (which helps prioritise MOE’s international activities); finishing consultation on the new Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (submissions close on 30 August!) and developing the new International Student Contracts Dispute Resolution Scheme; completing the Annual Report on the Export Education Levy; working with sector bodies to think about how to better enable New Zealand students to study overseas and New Zealand providers to deliver programmes offshore; looking at ways to commercialise New Zealand education agency know-how and intellectual property; two weeks in China on the ANZSOG China Reciprocal Program hosted by the Chinese Government... and participating in the NZIEC 2015 in Hamilton on 20-21 August, of course!

  • Student voices celebrate the NZ-ASEAN relationship

    ENZ has been running Student Voice since 2012, providing a platform for international students to share their experiences and views on studying in New Zealand.

    This year’s event was jointly run by ENZ and the MFAT, and domestic students were also invited to take part, in recognition of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and ASEAN. 

    Thirty international students representing all 10 ASEAN countries joined with the 10 New Zealand students who were recipients of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia, Understanding South East Asia programme. Together, the students took part in an interactive two-day programme aimed at better understanding the student experience. They heard from sector experts including Simon Chu from the University of Otago around the importance of alumni networks; Lester Khoo from Auckland University of Technology on how a New Zealand education can launch careers in ASEAN; and Jimmy Walsh from Beca on the value of ASEAN-NZ links in business.

    The students also had the opportunity to talk informally about their experiences.  We will share more on this in a later edition of E-news, but here are some of the comments for starters:

    Student20Voice202

    “Only when you are out of your comfort zone will you understand and learn many things, not just about your degree, but everything. It’s hard to not fall in love with New Zealand."

    “Studying in New Zealand has opened up my soul. The past two years at the University of Otago had a significant impact on my character building. The University of Otago has moulded me into a more expressive, responsible, and confident person. New Zealand has also taught me to seize the opportunities whenever you have a chance because you will never know where that opportunity might lead you.”

    My participation in ASEAN Student Voice 2015 only reinforced my belief that studying in NZ gives me that well-rounded academic experience that I can take home to enrich my contribution to Indonesia's development."

    A real community has built up around this year’s Student Voice, and participating students set up a Facebook page to keep their connections going.

    Studetn20Voice203

    The programme culminated in an evening reception attended by around 100 people, including Hon Steven Joyce, the students and their host institutions, officials on the English Language Training for Officials programme, Heads of ASEAN missions and government representatives as well as people from ENZ, MFAT and the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

    Students from Wainuiomata High School’s Kapa Haka Group, Te Tira Whakaau, brought New Zealand’s powerful cultural history alive with a performance at the reception. Te Tira Whakaau finished first overall in the regional secondary school Te Awakairangi ki Wairarapa Kapa Haka competition last month.

  • Go Overseas a go!

    “I’m very excited that we’ll be working with Go Overseas over the next three years,” says Amy Rutherford, International Market Manager, North America. “Their genuine love of both New Zealand and studying abroad, their innovative ideas, and the enthusiasm with which they embrace all that New Zealand has to offer is energising.”

    This year’s promotion will start in the US on 1 September and run for six weeks. “We’re excited about our continued partnership with ENZ for the next three years and beyond,” says Mitch Gordon, CEO Go Overseas. “New Zealand is a top destination for students around the world and we’re committed to continuing the growth in inbound numbers. This partnership fits well with the Go Overseas mission to increase opportunities for US students around the world. On a personal level, we love New Zealand and are passionate about sharing that enthusiasm with others.”

    More than 1,000 students from 615 US universities applied for the scholarship last year, with the successful student Emma Faucher studying at Victoria University of Wellington from February to June this year. Emma can be seen below with the pounamu she received for her excellent contributions to the Study in New Zealand Instagram page. New Zealand has seen significant growth in the number of US students this year, with a 23 percent increase in the number of US first time student visas in 2015 to date.

    Amy will be talking about the scholarship during her session at NZIEC 2015 tomorrow. However if you can’t be there and you have questions about the scholarship please email Amy amy.rutherford@enz.govt.nz and Mitch mitch@gooverseas.com.

  • Kāpiti College’s doors are always open

    With 83 students from 17 different countries currently enrolled, Kāpiti College’s international education programme is one of the largest in the Wellington region – no mean feat for a school ‘up the coast’ from Wellington city. 

    Theirs is an opportunities-focused approach, combined with strong ‘say yes, and work it out later’ attitude. Steve’s the first to admit it’s an approach that doesn’t suit everyone but, for now, it’s one that’s working for them.

    This open and proactive way of working has seen them develop an array of innovative teaching methods and programmes to the benefit of both local and visiting students, including those with learning disabilities.

    Interesting aspects and benefits of Kāpiti College’s programme include:

    International class

    Kāpiti College’s innovative approach to international education puts a strong emphasis on internationalising the Kiwi students, with a specialised ‘international’ class bring trialled this year.  This Year 10 class sees Kiwi students learn social studies and English through an international lens and learn the basics of Mandarin and Thai language. International students join the class as they arrive during the year.

    There is some competition to get into this class, with those who are successful being given the opportunity to travel to China and Thailand later in the year.

    One such student, Max Ross, was awarded a scholarship to spend three and a half weeks at Pibulwitthayalai School in Thailand. Steve Burt visited Thailand a short time later to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the school, formalising the partnership between the schools and creating the foundation for a long-term engagement.

    Pathways

    Other education providers in the region also reap the rewards of Kāpiti’s successful international programme, with many Kāpiti College students choosing to remain in the area and enrol with them.

    The aviation programme offered by the school in conjunction with Kāpiti Air Academy has proved just the hook to entice one of Kāpiti College’s international students to further his education in New Zealand.

    The school also offers academies for golf, swimming, basketball and rugby.

    Special programmes

    The flexible and open approach of Kāpiti College’s international team has seen them host foreign students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. The smaller class sizes and specialist teaching ensures these students aren’t left behind and they feel welcomed by their peers and the staff.

    Community engagement

    Kāpiti College’s programme is supported by a strong homestay community. This creates a real sense of welcome for the students and brings about a strong understanding within the community as a whole of the value of international education.

    The broad reach of the school’s engagement with the wider community has seen them build a strong relationship with a local Chinese real estate agent who acts as a willing ambassador for the college’s education programmes on her visits to China.

    Offshore government engagement

    Paul and Steve have worked at making good connections at a government level too, with the Thai Ambassador to New Zealand, H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, recently visiting Kāpiti College and praising their achievements in teaching Thai language and culture. The Ambassador also invited the families of the 17 College students soon to travel to Thailand to visit The Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington where he will provide them with an orientation programme.

    The future looks bright for Kāpiti College’s ongoing success in it international programme but there’s one thing Steve is only too aware of: “We can’t take things for granted. It’s important to keep our eye on the ball as far as the student experience goes, as well as maintaining regular and meaningful contact with offshore stakeholders.”

    Kapiti20College20Thai20Ambassador20Visit20small

    H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Ambassador of Thailand to New Zealand meets with Kāpiti College’s International Thai Students

  • New postgraduate course in international education launched

    The first course starts on 16 November 2015, and finishes on 12 February 2016.

    E-News caught up with course co-lecturer, Chris Beard, on the development of the course.

    What students did you have in mind when developing the course?

    This course will assist international programme managers, principals, directors of study, ministry officials, teachers and lecturers who deal with significant numbers of international students and student support professionals. It provides an introduction to international developments in international education, key concepts with application to local contexts, fundamentals of intercultural communication and critical reflection on practice.

    How is the course the structured?

    International Education is an online 15 point course that can be taken as part of VUW’s Masters in Education (180 points) with options to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (60 points) and Postgraduate Diploma (120 points).

    VUW’s School of Education has excellent online courses which can be taken alongside International Education to complete these qualifications. Such courses include: Educational Leadership, Research Methods, Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students and Effective Mentoring and Coaching. More information can be found on our website here.

    Is the course delivered solely online?

    The course is delivered online and it is possible to complete a postgraduate qualification online. Other blended, on-campus courses are also available to those who prefer a face-to-face style of learning.

    What are your expectations for enrolments this year?

    Our surveying suggests there’s good demand for a course of this kind, and we’re hoping for around a dozen enrolments in the first cohort. A component of the course includes discussion on an online blog, which enables participants to draw on their professional experience and explore theory-to-practice.

    When do you expect your first graduate?

    The first graduates (postgraduate diploma and certificate) will potentially finish at the end of 2016 depending on whether students are full time or part time.

    Are there similar courses in other parts of the world that have been useful models for the development of this course?

    Points of reference have included Lesley University’s Master of International Higher Education and Intercultural Relations (US), University of Sydney’s MEd (International Education) and SIT Graduate Institute’s (US) MA (International Education).

    What are this course’s points of difference to others around the world?

    The uniqueness of this course is that it is tailored for educators, officials and professionals whose work depends on or is shaped by international education. It is designed to aid critical enquiry and evidence-based practice in an emerging field that is of increasing relevance to schools and tertiary education providers.

    A copy of the flyer for the International Education course can be found here.

    More information on the course can be found on the VUW website here.

    If you have any enquiries about the course please contact:

    Chris Beard Chris.Beard@vuw.ac.nz

    or

    Dr Stephanie Doyle Stephanie.Doyle@vuw.ac.nz

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