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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.”

• Viet Nam: a school sector approach

  Viet Nam is a growing international education market for New Zealand, with particular opportunities in the school sector.

  Following an ENZ-commissioned report that proposed recommendations and opportunities for consideration in the market, ENZ has worked with SIEBA to prioritise these and develop an implementation plan with goals and actions.

  For further information, ENZ is running a webinar on Thursday 25 October from 2.00 – 3.00pm.

  This webinar will provide you with key findings from the report, details of the implementation plan and how your institution can get involved. 

  Click here to register   

  Please note: This webinar is only open to representatives from New Zealand education institutions, government and regional partners.

  Copies of the report and implementation plan will be soon be available on IntelliLab. 

• 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.

• NZLC wins fifth Study Travel Star Award

  For the fifth year running, New Zealand Language Centres (NZLC) Ltd has won the Study Travel (ST) Star Award for Star English Language School, Southern Hemisphere.

  The ST Star Awards recognise excellence in the international education industry. The ceremony was held in London earlier this month in front of some 1200 industry representatives from around the world.

  The fifth win marked the induction of NZLC into the ST Super Star Hall of Fame, an unprecedented achievement by a New Zealand based international education provider.

  Miles Stewart, NZLC Co-Director said the win shows that NZLC has the ability to compete and succeed on a global scale and sets benchmark standards for others to follow.  

  “Being recognised by our peers as a Super Star organisation demonstrates that NZLC represents a new way of providing industry-leading education and opportunities for our students and our partner businesses. This is something we continue to be extremely proud of.”

  NZLC beat out the four other nominees in its category: Greenwich English College Australia, Impact English College Australia, Langports English Language College Australia and Languages International New Zealand.

  NZLC is one of the largest English language schools in New Zealand, an NZQA Category 1 school and a member of English New Zealand.

• Brazil’s untapped potential

  Brazil is New Zealand’s largest source of international students in Latin America. Last year, almost 3,600 Brazilians studied in New Zealand and Ana Azevedo, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager for Brazil, says there is more room for growth. 

  “For institutions seeking quality students and diversity, Brazil may be the answer. According to the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association, more than 300,000 Brazilians studied abroad in 2017, so there is huge untapped potential in this market to be explored,” said Ana. 

  As country of honour, Brazil featured in two NZIEC breakout sessions. 

  In From Zero to Hero: How to lead a successful education strategy in Latin America Professor Kerry Taylor from Massey University shared his experience in developing links with Brazilian universities, jumping from zero to 10 agreements in only three years. Taylor emphasised that “nothing substantial will come from one single visit” and highlighted the importance of a proposition that meets your partner institution’s needs, saying “the best relations are mutually beneficial.”   

  The second session, Spotlight on Brazil: Finding your place in the sun, featured a panel of representatives from New Zealand secondary and tertiary institutions about their own success in the Brazilian market. Key recommendations included maintaining a consistent presence with the market, building and maintaining a personal relationship with local education agents and institutions and investing in digital marketing so Brazilian students can find you – Brazilians spend an average of three hours a day on social media platforms, mainly YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp. 

  Delegates also  enjoyed delicious Brazilian appetizers, drinks and live Brazilian music at an energetic conference dinner. The Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand, HE Mr Paulo Cesar de Camargo, also attended and spoke about bilateral relations between our countries in the education space.

  "Education is a very important aspect of the relationship between Brazil and New Zealand. As some 3,600 Brazilians choose New Zealand to study, we have also seen a growing interest in Kiwi students travelling to Brazil. This exchange builds foundations and pushes Brazil-New Zealand partnerships closer, and in future will create ties in various other fields.” 

  If you want to know more about the Brazilian market, check out the BELTA SEAL Market Survey 2018 here.  

   

  

• Around the world in five

  US

  The fast-moving world of alternative credentials and pathways

  A new Inside Higher Ed report explores the array of certificates, apprenticeships and microcredentials that institutions and companies are creating to improve the link between education and work.

  Read more

   

  MIDDLE EAST

  Middle Eastern youth pursue education in China to boost job prospects

  Spurred on by China's growing investment in the Middle East, an increasing number of the region’s youth are choosing to study in China to gain an edge in a competitive job market at home.

  Read more

   

  SWEDEN

  International students are key to plugging STEM gap

  A new report is encouraging more grants for international students in Sweden to help plug a shortfall of STEM graduates. A high proportion of international students in Sweden study STEM, so grants to retain them could be key strategy.

  Read more

   

  GLOBAL

  The lure of work rights for international students

  With the ability to work and gain employability skills being major reasons why students opt for an international education, how do work rights impact student experience?

  Read more

   

  JAPAN

  Japan relaxes employment rules for international graduates

  Japan has announced a significant relaxing of residency rules for international students for 2019, allowing graduates to work in any role as long as they earn over an annual salary threshold of 3 million yen, or about 40,000 NZD.

  Read more

   

• 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.

• NZISA talks student mental health and wellbeing

  Held at Victoria University of Wellington, the conference theme was International Student Mental Health and Wellbeing.

  Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester, welcomed delegates, followed by presentations from academics, health professionals and government agencies working with international students. A student panel discussion wrapped up the morning.

  NZISA President, Lukas Kristen, said the theme was chosen in response to a growing awareness of the need for international student support services.

  “While mental health and wellbeing is an issue in domestic student communities, it is amplified in international student communities due to the separation from family and friends, cultural differences and the lack of culturally trained practitioners.

  “The biggest achievement of the conference was that student leaders in attendance are now better informed about where to get help. The workshops really highlighted that help is out there and how impactful it can be.”

  Presentations included a plenary on student leadership by Professor Shanton Chang, University of Melbourne, as well as a session on sexuality and diversity.  Patrick Au from the Auckland District Health Board delivered an engaging session about building mental health resiliency, and Dr Cathy Stephenson, a General Practitioner at Victoria University, spoke about supporting international student mental wellbeing. 

  This inaugural conference was, in part, made possible by funding the NZISA received in the International Student Wellbeing Strategy 2017 funding round.

  

• 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.

• Changes to the Funds Transfer Scheme

  As of 1 October 2018, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited (ANZ) have implemented changes to the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) process to make it easier for students to transfer their maintenance funds to New Zealand.

  While the FTS itself does not guarantee that a student visa application will be approved, it provides international students an option to safely transfer their maintenance funds to a New Zealand bank account before they get here to help ensure access to these funds once they are in New Zealand.

  It is currently available for students from China, India, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

  Following feedback, INZ and ANZ have been working together to streamline the FTS, with the following changes being implemented on 1 October 2018:

  • Students will only need to complete one FTS application form instead of two separate forms
  • Minimum funds requirements will be the same for all FTS students (NZ $15,000)
  • FTS accounts will be set up for the first year of study only (12 months)
  • Students will be able to choose the local bank to use for the transfer of funds into their FTS account in New Zealand
  • There will be a more efficient funds confirmation process.

  Celia Coombes, INZ’s Sector Relationship Manager (Education), says the changes will not negatively impact students.

  “INZ and ANZ have worked very hard to review the FTS scheme and make it easier for students to use as an option to transfer money to cover their living costs to New Zealand. We are confident that the changes will make the FTS a more streamlined and flexible service.”

  Visit the INZ website for more information on the FTS.

  A factsheet with more information can be found here.

  It is also available in Chinese here.