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Around the world in five
JAPAN
International students fall behind in job hunt
Despite efforts to encourage Japanese companies to globalise, language issues and mismatches between students and employers mean few job offers are made to international students.
TAIWAN
Government to boost post-study work rights
The Taiwan government is looking to lower restrictions for international students to remain after graduation and access work rights in a move to bolster the country’s professional workforce.
GLOBAL
For international students, shifting choices of where to study
What do falling or stagnating international student enrolments in the US and UK mean for international student mobility around the world?
AMERICAS
Crossing borders: How 10 universities are forging new ties in the Americas
Institutional collaborations are enabling 10 universities across the Americas to work together on common issues such as lack of technological innovation, climate change and public health issues.
GERMANY
Germany seeks solutions for lack of teachers in schools
An "education emergency" looms in Germany as schools struggle with a shortage of nearly 40,000 teachers due to a population increase and hurdles to get into teacher training programmes.
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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
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India webinars for providers and agents
The industry webinar for New Zealand education providers will offer market updates and insights while exploring innovative ways of engaging with the Indian market. ENZ’s India team, along with local industry experts, will also familiarise New Zealand institutions with why collaborations and partnerships are crucial for success in India.
The agent webinar will aim to improve the profile, and agent understanding, of the benefits of a New Zealand education. It will provide updates on areas of interest and key initiatives such as New Zealand school products, employment and career pathways and undergraduate university degrees.
ENZ’s India country manager, Jugnu Roy, said: “We see the agent webinar as a useful way for us to engage with student agent representatives and to empower them with the right knowledge and information to promote New Zealand.”
Please register below:
Industry webinar on Tuesday 19 March:
Agent webinar on Tuesday 26 March:
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Funding round open for student wellbeing projects
The international student wellbeing strategy funding round 2018/19 is now open, with $750,000 of funding targeted at projects to improve the support and experience of international students in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Education is seeking Expressions of Interest on one-year projects that contribute to the outcomes of the International Student Wellbeing Strategy with a priority this year on safety and mental health support of international students
Each project can apply for up to a maximum of $150,000 funding.
Hayley Shields, ENZ’s Director Student Experience, encourages providers to apply for the second funding round.
“Wellbeing initiatives not only benefit international students, but also protect and enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming study destination.
“While all students need wellbeing support services, international students – in a foreign country and culture, away from their support networks at home – can encounter additional challenges.
Applications close 24 August, with successful projects announced in November.
For more information, including how to apply, click here.
A list of previous projects from the 2017/18 round can be found here.
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Around the world in five
GLOBAL
As competition intensifies, the MBA market moves East
A recent Chartered Association of Business Schools report from the UK points to the rise of Asian business education, with an increasing number of Asian business schools being named in global MBA rankings.
THAILAND
Cabinet approval for a new Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation
The Thai government has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation to support its strategic goals to drive innovation in key industries and human resource development.
IRELAND
International education quality bill moves forward
The Irish government has approved publication of an international education quality bill, that will introduce an International Education Mark for approved providers amid a new regulatory framework.
CHINA
Online education market will exceed US$103 billion by 2025
A UBS Securities report predicts that K12 online education will become an important force in the market for extracurricular tutoring, exceeding US$103.4 billion by 2025.
MIDDLE EAST
Jordan aims to further build its international enrolment
Jordan is emerging as an increasingly important study destination in the Middle East with international student numbers roughly doubling since 2011 and the government setting a target to attract 70,000 international students by 2020.
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New Export Education Levy rates released
The levy rate for PTEs will increase from 0.45% to 0.89% of international student tuition fees, and from 0.45% to 0.50% for universities, ITPs and private schools (the levy paid by state- and state-integrated schools remains unchanged for 2019).
The new rates take effect from 1 January 2019. Payments for trimester one 2019 will be at the new rates while payments made in January or February 2019 for trimester three 2018 will be at the old rate.
The levy is collected from providers to fund a broad range of activities including marketing and promotion. It also funds reimbursements for international students caught out by Private Training Establishment (PTE) programme and provider closures.
The levy fund almost ran out this year due to pay-outs resulting from closures at PTEs.
Consultation on proposed changes to raise the EEL rate took place from 18 September to 15 October 2018.
“We have listened to feedback from the sector and have decided on a balanced approach to address some of the key concerns raised during consultation, including the financial impacts on the sector, while continuing to address the immediate financial pressures on the EELs,” said Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
“This is the first increase to the EEL in its 15 years. The Ministry of Education is doing its bit by reducing annual expenditure commitments against the levy by $300,000.”
Further work is being done to investigate ways to address other sector concerns, including recognising quality in the PTE sector. Any changes would be the subject of consultation with the sector.
For further information, see Mr Hipkins’ announcement on the Beehive website.
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Prime Minister meets Kiwi students in Singapore
Last week the Prime Minister announced the 249 young New Zealanders who have been awarded prestigious Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) as part of the August 2018/19 round.
She congratulated the new round of awardees in Singapore, where she met a group of 11 current PMSA recipients and reflected on the value of young Kiwis having international education experiences.
The Singapore-based awardees at the event included Louis Martin (25) who is carrying out a four-month internship with Asia Internship Program (AIP), Nicolas Steyn (20) who is on a one semester exchange at the National University of Singapore, and Lucy Kenner (22) who is undertaking a 12-week legal internship at Providence Law Asia.
“Ongoing academic relationships and new business opportunities are two things we are seeing result from the scholarship programme,” Jacinda Arden said in the announcement release.
“Our awardees are welcomed and supported by diplomatic communities in New Zealand and offshore, which we also value.”
John Laxon, Regional Director – South and South East Asia, Middle East, said that Friday’s event during which the Prime Minister chatted and mingled with the group of Kiwi students showed how international education can be life changing.
“Our scholars gave great insights into how they have created lifelong connections through their PMSA experiences, which will enrich their lives and strengthen their careers,” said John.
“The Prime Minister enjoyed the discussions, which brought back memories of her own exchange student experience at Arizona State University.”
Applications for the next round of PMSA and PMSLA opens mid-January and must be submitted online by 30 March 2019. More information on the application process can be found here. Institutions are encouraged to contact ENZ to discuss potential group applications.
The PMSA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here. The PMSLA recipients’ names from the August 2018/19 round can be found here.
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Six million students look to NZ's teachers in digital campaign
On 8 October, ENZ launched Future Proof 2.0, the second iteration of its successful “Future Proof” marketing campaign from earlier this year, which raised awareness of New Zealand’s #1 ranking in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Educating for the Future Index.
Philippa Brown, ENZ’s International Digital Content Manager, said the new campaign aims to personalise the ranking by showcasing the teachers and academics who make New Zealand’s education system world leading.
“Brand research has shown that teacher quality is an important factor in decision making – so the campaign’s central message is: Our teachers lead the world in preparing students for the future.
“By creating campaign videos, profiles and photos of our teachers and the ways they work to encourage and challenge their students, we hope to attract more international students seeking that same learning environment.”
The campaign will run over eight weeks across 14 of ENZ’s strategic markets, and has already reached over six million students and attracted close to 4,000 to sign up to our database.
“These prospective students receive a series of emails that further tell New Zealand’s education story and encourage them to register for My StudyNZ, where they can find study programmes aligned to their interests, and connect directly with New Zealand institutions and agents.
“Future Proof 2.0 offers a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand providers to increase the impact of their own marketing by aligning their activities with the campaign. For example, they can highlight their region’s or institution’s teachers while the campaign is running.”
Providers can access free Future Proof 2.0 assets in The Brand Lab, including videos, imagery and other content.
Click here for more detailed information on the campaign approach, key messages and how you can make the most of this campaign.
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Improving orientation programmes
At NZIEC 2018, a number of breakout sessions talked about the need to reconsider current approaches to orientation and student support in order to improve the student experience and increase their intercultural competence.
Izzie Guo
In the Inspiring global citizens panel discussion: How can we make a difference? Izzie Guo, ChristchurchNZ’s Student Experience Coordinator talked about their Student Ambassador programme, and how positive student experiences are often shaped by the social and extracurricular space, not the academic.
“Student Ambassadors are involved in events and activities around the city, some volunteer, some organise and MC big events like our Student Welcome. It’s a way to improve their interpersonal skills and make new friends. It helps them settle in and build connections,” said Izzie.
Student Ambassadors are also the first connection that new international students make – they run the airport welcome and support orientations at institutions, welcoming and greeting new students in their own language, asking them about their home and breaking the ice.
Education Tauranga has taken a similar approach. In Redefining orientation programmes, Anne Young talked about how Education Tauranga has redefined its orientation programme by holding events throughout the year to mitigate ‘culture shock’ and help students achieve a smooth transition to life and study in Tauranga.
Education Tauranga's international student orientation in February 2018
“For most people, orientation means the first two weeks a student arrives, but that’s really an induction to their education provider and region. Orientation should go well beyond that, because the transition to a new setting takes more than two weeks.
“The key is continual engagement. Throughout the year, you need to build relationships with international students and their families and show you have a continued offer.”
AFS research supports this approach. In her presentation, Global competence development in international education: Tools to make it happen, Marcela Lapertosa, AFS Director of Education and Intercultural Learning, said skilled facilitation and regular reflection is the answer.
Marcela Lapertosa
“It is not enough to make one phone call to a student each month asking yes or no questions, “do you like your homestay,” “do you like your school” – there needs to be an attempt to unpack differences, challenges and perceptions.”
AFS has undertaken research in this area to develop the AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum, which includes a variety of one-on-one and group activities to help students reflect and understand their new surroundings and how best to navigate it.
“For example, you could ask the student and their host family to draw a picture of the floorplan of their home and use questions to learn more about each other: Where does your family spend the most time? What does a closed door mean? Does it mean someone is mad at you, or that they want privacy?” This kind of exercise shows how different cultural values are reflected in a building and can help students and their host family understand one another,” said Marcela.
“It can also make it easier for students to open up who are not natural reflectors, especially when done in a group with their homestay family or school peers.”
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Around the world in five
IRELAND
Ireland to create new technological universities
Ten of Ireland’s 14 institutes of technology are working together to merge and set up four new technological universities focused on science and technology programmes by September 2018.
Read moreCOLOMBIA
Colombia hopes peace can attract postgraduates
The ongoing peace process has given new impetus to the country’s efforts to attract international students, with the Colombia Scholarship scheme for postgraduate students doubling its budget and inviting 110 applications.
Read moreINDONESIA
University sector to open to 100 percent foreign ownership
Indonesia’s university sector will open to 100 percent foreign investment, including allowing foreign universities to open local campuses, according to the head of the country’s investment board.
Read moreUK
Alliance needed on student mental health
A student mental health report has prompted a group of stakeholders in the education sector to call for more collaboration to improve mental health of students, including international students.
Read moreCHINA
App designed to help protect Chinese students abroad
A private company has launched an app to provide a range of security, travel and emergency support services to Chinese international students in New Zealand, US, Australia, Cambodia and Israel.
Read more
