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• Letter from the CE: Updating ENZ's business model

  Since its launch in August by Minister Chris Hipkins, ENZ has been reviewing our operational structure and approach to ensure they’re consistent with both the Strategy’s objectives as well as the Minister’s Letter of Expectations.

  Our review has also been informed by industry surveys and discussions with staff.

  We’re working to maximise international education’s benefit to New Zealand. We need to optimise current opportunities to build a sustainable future for the sector and to create new opportunities for growth.

  Coming out of the review, we have established some new and revised roles at ENZ. We are recruiting (internally and externally) for the following senior positions – please go to ENZ’s Careers page for more information on the roles and how to apply:

  • General Manager Strategy, Insight and Planning – this senior leadership role will be responsible for all strategic projects related to future-focused thinking and implementation, business intelligence and insights, and ENZ planning and performance.

  • General Manager Industry and Students – this senior leadership role will be responsible for strengthening the connections between education providers and international students by bringing together ENZ’s international marketing, brand development, industry development and channels teams.

  • Director, Industry – this role will be responsible for leading and managing initiatives to build the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s international education industry.

  • Director, Greater China – this China-based role will be responsible for managing, leading and supporting ENZ’s China teams and leveraging opportunities with other NZ Inc agencies both in-market and New Zealand to promote New Zealand education.

  With the approach of Christmas and New Zealand’s summer holiday period, we have decided to leave the application period open till 9am, Tuesday 22 January 2019.

  This change process will be ongoing over the next few months and we will keep you informed throughout.

   

  Grant McPherson

  Chief Executive, Education New Zealand

  

   

   

   

   

   

• Introducing International Education Sector Future Directions

  “The challenge sector representatives are seeking to address is to identify a series of priorities and actions in international education that can be worked on collaboratively,” said ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson.

  The programme is complementary to the recently launched cross-government International Education Strategy for New Zealand, which was co-developed by ENZ and the Ministry of Education. 

  “Priorities identified through the workshops include more collaboration, facilitating student pathways, joint activation of new markets offshore and prioritising the student when it comes to decision making,” said Grant.   

  The work was initially proposed at September’s International Education Peak Body Forum, attended by representatives of Universities New Zealand, ITP International, Quality Tertiary Institutions, Independent Tertiary Education NZ (ITENZ), English NZ, Schools International Education Business Association of NZ (SIEBA) and Independent Schools NZ.

  Five sub-sector workshops were held in October and November, run by an independent facilitator, with a range of representatives attending each. Areas of common interest were fed into a pan-sector workshop at the end of November. The Peak Body Forum will govern the process from this point.

  “This piece of work is a long-term project – and we plan to keep the sector as updated as possible throughout the process to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute,” said Grant.

  International education providers can find the summary report of work to date in IntelliLab here, which includes information about how to get involved.  

• Consultation on proposed changes to Rule 18

  NZQA is consulting on the following proposed changes to the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2018:

  1. Removing the student visa decline rate from Rule 18. This would no longer be the measure for when prior schooling with English as the language of instruction could be used as evidence of English proficiency.
  2. To use this provision, international students would need to have either
  • a) completed their schooling in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the UK or the United States; or
  • b) been awarded an internationally recognised qualification taught in English such as an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge ‘A’ Levels.

  Dr Grant Klinkum, NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Quality Assurance, says the proposed changes respond to risks that NZQA and Immigration New Zealand have identified in the tertiary education sector.

  “The student visa decline does not reliably reflect English language proficiency, and the countries involved had varying levels of quality within their English medium schooling options.

  “We believe using prior schooling where English was the language of instruction will be a stronger indicator of English proficiency.”

  NZQA is seeking feedback on the proposed changes, including what steps and how long your organisation would need to adapt to these changes, and if there are any other internationally recognised secondary qualifications taught and assessed in English that you would like to see included in Rule 18.

  Consultation closes 11 February 2019.

  To find out more and to complete the consultation survey, click here.

• High numbers of student and visitor visa applications

  Jeannie Melville, INZ’s Assistant General Manager, Visa Services says this is typical for this time of year and will likely continue until March 2019.

  “Due to the high application volumes currently being received, we strongly recommend that visitor and student visa applications are submitted as early as possible.

  “Student visas should be submitted at least eight weeks ahead of their intended travel date, while visitor visas should be submitted as soon as possible in advance of travel. This gives INZ time to assess the application and gather more information from the applicant if needed.”

  The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to use the Immigration Online system via the INZ website, where applicants can upload supporting documents, photographs and pay for their application.

  While INZ makes every effort to streamline assessment of applications, applicants may experience longer timeframes if they do not supply all required information (including translations) when they submit their application. If they do not supply the correct information this could hold up the processing of their visa.

  INZ does not advise purchase of travel before an application is completed as the grant of a visa is not guaranteed. In particular, assessment of visitor visa applications will not be prioritised if the sole reason is that the applicant has pre-purchased travel.

  Education providers can refer students to the INZ website for visa processing timeframes, which applicants should take into account when applying for their visa and planning their travel.

• Chinese students engage with My StudyNZ WeChat

  In October, ENZ brought My StudyNZ to WeChat, a social media platform with more than one billion users.   

  Students enter their study intentions into the programme and receive suggestions of institutions or courses that closely match. This enables ENZ to drive high value leads to New Zealand institutions and ENZRA agents from China. 

  Lucia Alarcon, ENZ’s Digital Programme Manager, said as ENZ has had a WeChat account since 2014, it made sense to build on the existing social community which is easier for Chinese students to use than the China version of the Study in New Zealand website. 

  “It has enabled us to engage with students in a more personal way, and to share tailored information. It also provides a more seamless user experience for the student, allowing them to assess study options using their mobile phones, and to contact institutions directly if they want.  

  “While it’s early days, we’re already seeing high-quality leads coming through.”  

  My StudyNZ China has gained strong interest from Chinese students, particularly those with an interest in tertiary and secondary institutions:

  

  ENZ’s efforts in China have included a media campaign using WeChat banner ads with Future Proof key messages and an invitation to join ENZ’s social community on WeChat. Seen by more than three million prospective students and parents so far, this has helped increase ENZ’s WeChat followers by 25 percent. 

  “Our Future Proof Campaign and Wechat development are part of a wider programme of work in China. As we continue investing in our China audience, we will also find new ways to reach students and share useful information personalised to their study plans,” said Lucia. 

• Indian and Kiwi students explore water issues

  The Untouched World Foundation’s (UWF) Waterwise Leadership and Global Citizenship Programme gave students the opportunity to learn about the entirety of the water resource chain - from primary energy players, through to farming, recreation, cultural and conservation interests.

  Taking part were students and teachers from Otago secondary schools, tertiary institutions and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP). Representatives from YESPeace Youth Network in Asia also attended.

  The programme involved a week of activities which included visits to lakes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, discussions with water and land use and tourism and irrigation experts, and interviews with locals.

  “Youth leadership is firstly about agency – understanding the many facets of the issue, developing the transferable skills to collaborate with others, acting responsibly and then finding a clear path to actively and positively model their own views and behaviour. It is vital we all listen and engage with an international perspective on these issues,” says Mark Prain, Executive Director of UWF. 

  Key partners included Otago Regional Council, Otago Community Trust and Contact Energy. Further support was also provided by ENZ, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ngai Tahu.

  “Otago Polytechnic believes educating youth on key issues facing society, unlocking their unique leadership potential and inspiring them to become active change-makers is vital,” said Marc Doesburg, Otago Polytechnic Director Globalisation.

  Last week’s activities are just part of a range of ongoing initiatives.  An “Acts of Kindness’” Campaign is also being developed and will involve MGIEP and UWF mobilising youth in partner institutions to foster meaningful exchange of ideas, knowledge and action towards the achievement of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  Organisers are aiming to establish a New Zealand-India youth leadership exchange programme with a focus on fostering youth leadership, which is a key aspect of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Global Action Programme.

  For further information visit the Untouched World Foundation website

• Around the world in five

  JAPAN

  Japanese-language schools expand offerings overseas

  Japanese education companies are expanding their language offerings overseas to meet the growing demand for Japanese-speaking foreign manpower as the nation opens its doors to workers from overseas.

  Read more

   

  THAILAND

  Thailand eyes lifelong learning push 

  To address concerns that Thailand’s “outdated” education system can no longer offer "future-proof" degrees for students, there are calls to develop a lifelong learning approach comprised of online learning, in-line learning, beeline learning and frontline learning.

  Read more

   

  US

  US Department of State endorses education agencies

  In a historic move, the US Department of State has officially endorsed the usage of education agents, with a State Department representative expressing a desire to “work together to promote the United States as the destination choice for international students.”

  Read more

   

  INDIA

  India needs better strategies to promote 'Study in India'

  Earlier this year, the Indian Government launched a ‘Study in India’ website to help foreign students find Indian universities, but more needs to be done. There were only 46,144 foreign students in India in 2017, but higher numbers could significantly boost India’s soft power and university rankings.

  Read more

   

  FRANCE

  French university fees for non-EU students set to rocket

  University fees for students outside of the EU, which will include Brits after Brexit, are set to shoot up by as much as 16 times the current cost, the French prime minister has announced.

  Read more

• Chilean students and teachers tour New Zealand

  The programme aims to broaden access to intercultural learning opportunities for Chilean students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is fully funded by the Chilean Government and administered by AFS Chile and AFS New Zealand.  

  The students – from Cerro Navia, Lo Prado, and Pudahuel, three of the lowest income territories in Chile – had never travelled before. In New Zealand, they participated in English language lessons as well as cultural activities in Auckland and Whitianga. This included visiting a Marae and living with local host families to experience family life in New Zealand.

  AFS National Director, Doris Cuthell, said it was a privilege to welcome the students to New Zealand.

  “The Chilean Government is committed to increasing access to cultural and educational experiences for young people, to help equip them for a more interconnected world,” said Ms Cuthell.

  “Our Global Choice programme was a perfect fit for these students, and the experience life-changing.”

  The students and their teachers finished their trip at a reception in Wellington on 12 December with Wellington Mayor Justin Lester, the Chilean Ambassador to New Zealand Rodrigo Espinosa and AFS New Zealand. Mr Lester spoke to the students about his own life-changing AFS experience during an exchange to Germany.

  “Immersion allows students to experience other cultures and learn English in a way you can’t at home in the classroom,” said Ms Cuthell.

  “From Barrancas to New Zealand is a fantastic initiative – we’re very proud to be involved in a programme that is increasing our capacity to broaden access to intercultural learning for more diverse communities.”

  The Chilean Government is committed to working with AFS New Zealand through the Global Choice programme and will provide From Barrancas to New Zealand scholarships for the next three years.

• Languages International turns 40

  Around 90 people, including the school’s founders Chris and Frances Woolcott, attended the evening event at its Merchant House buildings in Auckland.

  Darren Conway, CEO Languages International, said the school has come a long way since it opened four decades ago.

  “Over the years, Languages International has brought tens of thousands of young people into the country, from all over the world, for a language and travel experience. We’ve also helped more than 1,500 English teachers into jobs across New Zealand and abroad,” said Mr Conway.

  “Initially, our students came for a study, travel and cultural experience, and this ‘edu-tourism’ segment is still the core market. However, more students are now wanting to take work experience home or develop their English in order to pursue higher education or training in New Zealand.”

  A key project for Languages International in 2019 will be preparing to host the annual IALC (International Association of Language Centres) workshop in March 2020. IALC is an association of 140 leading independent schools teaching languages – IALC members and over 100 education agents will travel to Auckland in March 2020 to take part.

  

  L-R: Chris and Frances Woolcott, the founders, with Larissa Merz, Russia Marketing Manager and her husband, Dmitri.

• Two years in Colombia
  

  Stuart at Machu Picchu

  After a short trip to Argentina four-and-a-half years ago, I knew that I had found a special place in the world. I love New Zealand and it will always be home, but I had to get back to South America. This love affair had originated from an attraction to the culture, the people and the unique energy of life there. It was a certain vibrance; an addictive rawness and excitement that had changed the way I looked at the world.

  Many years later, whilst completing my final year of a mechatronics engineering degree at the University of Canterbury, I started to look for a way I could return and continue studying, working or volunteering. I was eventually recommended the PMSLA which, paired with a Master of International Business programme in Colombia, seemed like the perfect fit.

  I have been living in Medellín which is Colombia’s second largest city. It has been titled ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ due to its consistent, warm weather all year round and I can quite happily confirm the reputation. Other lesser known facts about the city are that it was voted The World’s Most Innovative City in 2013 and is often said to have the best sounding Spanish dialect in the world. The city has a plenty to offer with regular cultural events, a plethora of places to dance (salsa, reggaeton, bullerengue and kizomba are all very common here), language exchanges, history tours and a bustling nightlife. Quite possibly my favourite aspect about the place though is that you are always close to the mountains. If you feel like taking a break from city life there’s a bunch of trails and waterfalls to explore that rival a Kiwi bushwalk any day of the week.

  My university has also exceeded my expectations. Universidad EAFIT has a comfortable sized campus with extremely modern facilities that are new, clean and equipped with everything you’d expect. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the lecturers have all done a fantastic job teaching me about international business. I spend most of my time there as it is very close to home, located on the edge of the popular El Poblado district which acts as the city centre of restaurants, bars and hotels.

  

  Students at the Colombian school where Stuart taught English.

  I’ve also had a lot of opportunities to see Colombia’s hotspots. I have spent time in the capital of Bogotá, explored the coffee region of Salento, travelled all over the north coast to Santa Marta and Cartagena, dove into some full language immersion by volunteering at a hotel in Cali for three weeks and taught English for three weeks in a small mountain village. There is still much to see and learn in this country and I’m looking forward to seeing what awaits in the year to come.

  “The way I'll approach the rest of my life has been shaped by my experiences here. I have travelled all over South America, learned about international business, become almost fluent in Spanish and made some good friends.”

  I’m now one year down and, with one more year to go, I couldn’t be happier to head back over to Colombia to tackle 2019. I’ve learnt an incredible amount during my time in South America and the way I will approach the rest of my life has been shaped by my experiences here. I have travelled all over South America, learned an incredible amount about international business, become almost fluent in Spanish and made some extremely good friends.

  I am exceedingly grateful to the PMSLA for this opportunity and I would advise anyone out there who might be considering something like this to start investigating what’s out there. With the upcoming FTA agreement between New Zealand and the Pacific Alliance (Perú, Bolivia, Chile and Colombia) there are going to be many more opportunities to bridge the Pacific and connect our little country with the behemoth of South America. It’s an exhilarating period of time and I invite you all to come and take part in the next stage of the journey.

  

  Stuart running some private English lessons.