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- Agent Networking Dinner Jakarta
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Around the world in five - May 2022
International
NZ: fully open on July 31 and post-study work reforms announced
New Zealand to continue below Year 9 recruitment as government backs down
NZ consults on new strategy and plans promotional tour of Americas
New Zealand aims for 'high value' and diversity in refreshed strategy
New Zealand international education renews outward focus
Chinese student flows tipped to peak within five years
New Zealand
Chris Hipkins wants to diversify countries international students come from
International students group respond to 'backdoor to residency' comment
Long distance life: Three students navigating the pandemic far from whānau
International student market unlikely to recover quickly, agents warn
Chile
Learn about the benefits of traveling to New Zealand with the visa to study and work
China
China: Could lockdown fatigue influence outbound student mobility?
India
India simplifies procedures for foreign institution partnerships
Thailand
United States
Chris Hipkins wants to diversify the countries where international students come from
NZ consults on new strategy as gov’t plans promotional tour of Americas
Viet Nam
New Zealand ready to welcome Vietnamese students back two months earlier
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Indonesian events see strong interest from agents, students, NZ alumni, and scholarship applicants
In late January, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and all eight New Zealand universities joined forces to promote New Zealand's education offerings in Surabaya and Jakarta, Indonesia. The collaboration between ENZ and the universities aimed to strengthen ties with Indonesian education agencies, school counsellors, and alumni, fostering future partnerships and enhancing the visibility of New Zealand as a preferred destination for international education.
ENZ and the New Zealand universities organised a series of promotional activities in Surabaya on 24 January that saw participation from 11 agencies and school counsellors representing six schools. The promotional activities continued in Jakarta the next day, where representatives from 22 education agencies and 18 schools further demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in a New Zealand education. ENZ’s Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes and Market Manager (Indonesia and Malaysia), Naluri Bella, also had engagements with key agencies, such as Fortrust Education and SUN Education, across the two days.
Ben Burrowes said that the two events served to reconnect the universities with Indonesian agents and schools and proved an excellent opportunity for the institutions to showcase the diverse range of academic programmes available in New Zealand.
“The two events provided a platform for open discussion, idea exchanges and the exploration of potential partnerships that were focused not just on recruitment but also on building sustainable collaborations that would benefit both New Zealand institutions and Indonesian students seeking quality education abroad,” said Ben.
“A great example of such potential partnerships is how one school has already followed up saying they’d like to invite the universities back for a ‘New Zealand day’ event,
“These discussions come at an opportune time as ENZ continues to firm up its Indonesia strategy for the next financial year,” added Ben.
Following the university events, on 27 January, ENZ co-hosted a New Zealand Alumni Day with New Zealand Inc agencies. The event included information sessions on New Zealand scholarships, ranging from the New Zealand Manaaki scholarships and the Indonesian government scholarships such as LPDP (Indonesia’s Institute of Education Fund Management) and Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (ISMA), attracting around 100 potential leads. This initiative aimed to guide and inspire prospective students in their pursuit of educational opportunities in New Zealand.
ENZ and NZ Inc also witnessed the launch of the New Zealand - Indonesia Alumni Association during the Alumni Day. The Association serves as a networking platform for connecting New Zealand alumni in Indonesia, fostering a supportive community and providing ongoing resources for professional and personal development. The event concluded with a networking dinner, providing a relaxed and informal setting for alumni to connect with each other and with representatives from New Zealand universities.
ENZ’s Naluri Bella moderating the alumni sharing session featuring alumni from different scholarship schemes at the New Zealand Alumni Day on 27 January 2024. From left to right: Nur Khaririyatun – Lincoln University, Master of Management of Agribusiness (Ministry of Agriculture scholarship), Alifia Sabila Putri – University of Canterbury (IISMA Scholarship), Moses Gregory Ginting – University of Auckland, Master of Energy (LPDP Scholarship).
Agents in Jakarta engaged in interactive games to deepen their understanding of the beautiful and diverse landscapes and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.
ENZ’s Ben Burrowes speaking at the New Zealand Alumni Day, highlighting the benefits of Study in New Zealand in front of the potential students.
- Singapore
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International student employment: overcoming barriers
The panel, chaired by ENZ’s Director Student Experience, Hayley Shields, featured a diverse and informed range of views from
- Brett Berquist, Director International at the University of Auckland
- Dr Cate Gribble, Senior Research Analyst at the University of Auckland
- James Koo, former international student and founder and CEO of Niesh, a free student discounts app
- Paul Hickey, Managing Director at SpeakData
- Charan Mohan, former international student and now Business Intelligence Analyst at SpeakData.
Dr Cate Gribble talked about the need to raise awareness of the benefits to businesses of employing international students to counter employer concerns around the challenges of international student employees, including perceptions they won’t fit culturally, their English will be limited or that their visa situation will make paperwork too challenging. Students also find their international work experience in their home country is not always valued here, and employers often require New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
Brett Berquist added that we need to counter the perception that international students will not stick around.
“The reality is that all students, both domestic and international, are equally mobile. Employers need to stop thinking Kiwis make employees for life, and that international students are a flight risk.”
James Koo said the lack of transparency around these concerns is a challenge for international students. As a result, many international students end up sending a generic CV and cover letter to any and all available jobs, too discouraged to spend time tailoring their CVs to each role.
James also noted that student expectations can sometimes be unrealistic, and some students expect to work in large, prestigious companies whereas most New Zealand companies are SMEs – which he noted can actually offer more opportunities and experiences for students and recent graduates.
SpeakData’s Paul Hickey then talked about his experience hiring international students, such as fellow panellist Charan Mohan. While Charan clearly had the hard skills required for his company, Paul needed to be convinced of his soft skills, which he calls being ‘Kiwi-ready.’
“Often, international students come into interviews and talk solely about their studies and qualifications when actually, we’re just as interested in hearing about their interests outside of work.“That social aspect plays a big part – sharing a story about kayaking in Taupo at the weekend or going to an All Blacks game is an easy way to connect with Kiwi employers.”
Paul also talked about the need to work with institutions to create a pipeline of talent.
“Employers often take a short-term view and hire people ‘just in time’ rather than looking ahead, whereas if you expect to have 10 new positions available in two years’ time, why not try to establish a pipeline for talent through local institutions who can connect you with new graduates with relevant skills?”
Panellists also agreed that having internships and work experience in education programmes will also help international students get into the job market when they graduate.
Brett concluded that while all these approaches can reduce barriers, ultimately, a strategy is required – supported by data that is already available in reports such as the Ministry of Education’s ‘Moving Places’, ENZ’s Beyond the Economic and Immigration New Zealand data.
It is an ongoing discussion that will continue to be in the spotlight in New Zealand as the industry works to meet international student expectations of global employability.
- CE IMAGE
- Japan story 10
- Dunedin workshop
- Correspondence and communications with the Tertiary Education Union associated with the vocational education reforms
