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• International students cap off education experience with Mural

  Three students have rounded off their international education experience in Aotearoa New Zealand by teaming up with respected artists and local iwi to create a large street-side mural which celebrates the culture and diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau, their host city.

  In the first collaboration of its kind, international students Nikita Sharma from Unitec, and Celia Lee, and Jenny Zhong from Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts, were chosen to design and paint one panel of a three-panelled mural after Study Auckland invited art students from tertiary institutions across the city to join the project.

  

  Nikita, who came from India to study in New Zealand, enjoyed working on the project along with Chinese-born New Zealander Jenny and Taiwanese international student Celia. “Our panel depicts diversity, inclusion and culture,” she says. “The project has given us the chance to give something back to the city and to the people who have welcomed us. We hope people feel a sense of connection to the artwork.”

  International students were given the opportunity to connect with local iwi

  The aim of the Study Auckland panel was to give international students the opportunity to connect with local iwi and work with respected local artists, including Hana Maihi of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to explore what it means to make public art in New Zealand.

  To help with the design process, the students joined Hana in a three-day wānanga at Ōrākei Marae to immerse themselves in Māori history, and learn about the significance of the mural’s location in Te Tōangaroa, on Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei owned land.

  Study Auckland business development manager Beth Leyland, who led the project, is thrilled with the outcome and says the students are too.

  “Auckland Unlimited’s Head of International Education Henry Matthews says the project truly reflects the principle of hospitality amongst the diverse cultures that make up our collective world right here in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

  The students’ panel was funded through a $20,000 grant from the Ministry of Education’s International Student Wellbeing Fund. The other two panels were designed and painted by Hana and Te Whetū Collective member Poi Ngawati to bring awareness to the rich Māori heritage and taiao (environment) on which the city was founded.

  Collectively, the three panels depict the importance of welcoming different cultures and diversity in Tāmaki Makaurau.

  The vibrant 12-metre-high mural, incorporates elements of biodiversity which were once part of the landscape of the area. The students’ panel includes the poutama, a well-known step-like pattern seen in tukutuku panels adorning the walls of wharenui.

  In 2019, 115,713 students from 180 countries enrolled to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, and became part of our communities. This injected $4.9b into our economy and supported more than 48,000 jobs. Just over 63,000 of those students were based in Tāmaki Maukaurau. The city currently hosts just under 13,000 international students.

• International students provide Asia perspective for Canterbury businesses

  The students had signed up to take part in the Business School’s first Global Virtual Micro-Internship Programme, providing them with real-world research and industry experience, while enabling local businesses to tap into the expertise and insights international students can offer of their home countries. 

  A total of 35 mostly Commerce students participated in the three-week programme, working in nine teams across six local businesses which were keen to be involved. They were divided into the three Chinese teams, three Malaysian teams, and one each from Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.  

  The programme had a competitive element, with the teams competing for a prize pool of $1500. They were judged on a range of criteria, with the most important factor the extent to which the research was designed, undertaken, and presented in a way that met their client’s needs. 

  Programme meets needs of students and businesses 

  Programme lead Will Shannon, also UC Business School’s Internationalisation Director, was excited to be able to develop the programme with the local business community, saying it met an unfilled need for international students wanting practical business experience, and highlighted the skills they had to offer.  

  The catalyst for the programme was the release of a report by Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in mid-October which found that South Island businesses were keen to expand trade and investment links with Asia, but often lacked the right skills and connections to make it happen.  

  Fifty-seven percent of businesses surveyed identified language skills as a barrier to business, and 51 percent said they lacked knowledge of target markets and relevant organisations in Asia. 

  “We consistently get requests from international students wanting practical experience where they can apply their knowledge to real world problems,” Dr Shannon says. “So, when the Asia New Zealand Foundation report came out, we had the perfect combination of companies needing what international students can provide.” 

  Opportunity for international students to be involved 

  New Zealand’s border restrictions mean that close to half of the Business School’s international students are studying remotely, while others were unable to travel home for summer. This added impetus to the programme.  

  “We’d been looking for ways to engage students here over the summer break,” Dr Shannon says. “And while the offshore students have been catered for with online lectures, it can feel a bit isolating for them, so we have actively sought opportunities to involve them and get them the extra-curricular experiences that they need.” 

  He says it worked out well for all the teams, many of which were a mix of onshore and offshore students, because there were students “on the ground” in Asia who could easily talk to people locally. This added value to the insights that they were able to provide their clients. 

  The businesses represented a range of industries and included a rental car company, a business working in the motorsport industry and specialising in engine modification, a research agency looking to set up an office in Asia, a high-end safety product for the hair and beauty industry, and a truffle company gearing up to export.  

  “The enthusiasm of local businesses to be involved exceeded our expectations, as it’s the first time we’ve done this.”  

  The students had to tailor their approach to meet the varying needs of the clients, with the university providing mentors, workshops, and regular meetings to ensure it was a learning experience and to keep everyone on track.  

  For the New Zealand Truffle Company, co-founders Catherine and Matthew Dwan already knew that they offered a high-end product. They were keen for the students to help them research previously un-targeted Asian markets, likely consumer demand and, importantly, whether Halal certification would be needed in predominantly Muslim markets, as truffles are traditionally searched out by dogs.   

  Assigned to the truffle business was a Malaysian team and an Indonesian team which provided cultural and religious insights in their findings. The Malaysian team even provided a list of guidelines when engaging with businesspeople in Malaysia.  

  The programme proved to be a valuable experience for both students and clients and, based on its success, the university is already considering running it again in 2022. 

  Programme was “experience of a lifetime” 

  "The Global Virtual Micro-Internship Programme was the experience of a lifetime,” says Nuranisa Nabila Binti Zainudin, a member of the winning Malaysian team.  “It provided me with a remarkable opportunity to learn, grow, and unleash my skills both personally and professionally while working for the best New Zealand company with an incredible team.” 

  “We know that international students are crying out for practical experience and sometimes their knowledge and skills are overlooked,” Dr Shannon says. “There was a lot riding on this, but they did what we knew they were capable of, so I think it would be a shame not to build on the experience.” 

  

  As a bonus, the students have built invaluable contacts in the New Zealand business community.  

  “We know that many jobs come about through connections,” says Dr Shannon. “It is great that the students have had experience of working with local companies in a professional setting, got endorsements for their skills, and will have gained confidence to go out and build their networks.” 

  He believes the programme has highlighted the unique skillset that international students can offer the community.  

  “We have amazing people here ready to contribute.” 

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• New Zealand Global Competence Certificate programme proves a hit

  What is New Zealand’s Global Competence Certificate programme?

  The customised cultural exchange programme, which started as a pilot partnership last year between New Zealand’s international education agency, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao and AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. has proved so successful it is now being extended and taken up by schools and tertiary institutions around the country, connecting them with students in Asia and Latin America.

  The “Kiwi way” has much to offer the world, and international education has much to offer New Zealanders at a time the world needs people with cross-cultural competencies. The New Zealand Global Competence Certificate, delivered through Massey University, develops cultural self-awareness, emotional resilience, and build bridges across cultures. It also piques the interest of students offshore in coming to New Zealand in better times.

  The programme delivers animated videos, quizzes, assignments, and weekly live facilitated dialogue sessions for learners to talk with each other online in real time and learn about life from perspectives other than their own.

  What have students been saying about the NZGCC programme?

  “Not only have I learned to become a better communicator, empathiser, and global citizen, but also how a group of like-minded individuals can come together to form something bigger,” says Jack Hittle, of Northland’s Springbank School.

  “I found the programme life-changing,” says Vaagisha Kanwar, a Year 11 student at Indus International School in Bangalore, India, who connected with the Northland students. “We learned about conflict, empathy, inequality, different communication styles, how different people adapt to new situations, and about suspending judgement. I know that I’ll use the skills we’ve learned for the rest of my life, not just when I travel abroad but also in daily life.”

  "You see the way a culture greets each other or the way they dress, but then there are things like relationships, gender roles, and health,” says Whanganui Girls College student Tilda Donson.

  What have educators been saying about the NZGCC programme?

  Whanganui Girls College Principal Sharon Steer is delighted with the NZGCC programme, which she says will help students build their understanding of global cultures, and other critical “soft” skills which will prepare them for life as they enter the workforce.

  “An important part of our curriculum is developing strong communication skills and setting our students up for success in the workplace. The NZGCC programme will add another dimension to our lessons by teaching our students how to develop meaningful relationships with one another despite language and cultural differences.”

  

  Educators say that with the borders closed, the programme now forms an important part of the reshaped international education experience.

  “It is so important that our students don’t miss out on the enriching life skills that are gained when we interact and connect with people from around the globe,” says Whangarei Girls High School International Director Amelia Morrison, who has students working with peers in India.

  "Global competence is mission-critical for our world," says AFS Intercultural Programs President and CEO Daniel Obst. “Educating more young people to become global citizens is crucial if we want to create a more just and peaceful world.”

  The expansion of the GCC programme reflects the diversification of education in new virtual forms fit for a globally connected world, says Education New Zealand Chief Executive Grant McPherson.

  “As well as helping to develop the global citizens of tomorrow, this programme demonstrates the reciprocal benefits of international education, giving our rangatahi a chance to learn with high school students from around the world, and giving their offshore peers a chance to learn ‘with’ New Zealand and our unique way of thinking.”

• Massey student’s robotic gut capsule could be a game-changer

  Millions of people globally die every year from gut-related illnesses, and many more live a life of suffering, yet diagnostic tools remain quite rudimentary.  

  Arriving from Pakistan as an international student in 2018, armed with a BSc and MSc in Electrical Engineering, Rehan was excited to join the Microbiotics Lab at Massey University. There he accelerated early work on a micro capsule which could be swallowed and was able to collect samples of the microbiome in specific parts of the gut.  

  Unlike the poop in a jar method, the capsule’s targeted sampling provides a much more detailed analysis, allowing for earlier diagnosis of killer diseases such as cancer and diabetes and easier treatment of inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s and coeliac diseases.

  Early treatment of gut disease can save lives 

  Treating disease early reduces complications and saves lives. And with the capsule expected to be quite affordable to produce, developing countries could share in the benefits it would bring.  

  “It is a huge step forward. There are so many advantages and applications,” Rehan says. “The gut is still a bit of a mystery, but the micro-organisms that live there can tell us a lot about our health.” 

  While an endoscopy camera capsule can take images, it has limitations, and clinicians are excited by the prospect of having such a sophisticated but easy-to-use device to help with diagnosis, Rehan says.  

  Research project shows commercial promise 

  What started as a research-oriented project is showing commercial promise. And not just from doctors. Rehan has also had interest from the veterinary sector, and nutritionists keen to better understand nutritional absorption. 

  The next step is to hone the final details of the capsule design and apply for patents. Once he has ethical approval, he can begin testing in animals. He expects that to be within months. 

  Rehan is proud of what he has achieved since arriving in New Zealand with his young family three years ago. He says he could have gone to the UK or US, but chose New Zealand based on recommendations by friends already studying here, who described the research environment for international students as open and collaborative. He was also excited by the work being undertaken in microbiotics by his supervisor Ebu Avci and was keen to be involved. 

  Collaborative environment makes for impactful outcomes 

  “I’ve valued the network of like-minded people I’ve developed and know that I’ll have a supportive community to call on when I’m no longer in New Zealand,” he says. “The easy collaboration with other universities and organisations such as Callaghan Innovation and MacDiarmid Institute also makes the research and outcomes more impactful.” 

  Such is the life-saving potential of Rehan’s gut capsule, that he was selected to represent New Zealand last month at the International Falling Walls Lab competition in Berlin, Germany. The competition provides a platform for early-career innovators to present, in a three-minute pitch to a jury of experts from academia and business, how they might fix pressing global challenges. Rehan had to compete remotely and wasn’t the ultimate winner but says he it was a great opportunity to network and learn from other research developments going on around the world.   

  Rehan plans to spend next year writing his thesis before returning to Pakistan. Funded by his government to study internationally, he is conscious of the need to return home to share his skills and knowledge but has not ruled out returning to New Zealand to undertake further research in the future.