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International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.
Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
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Celebrating excellence: ENZ hosts inaugural New Zealand Universities Awards in Viet Nam
The event highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Vietnamese students and reaffirmed the strong education partnership between the two countries during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The NZUA programme was officially announced by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon during a visit to Viet Nam earlier this year. It is the first New Zealand Government-backed undergraduate scholarship exclusively for Vietnamese students.
Following a competitive selection process, eight outstanding high school students were awarded the inaugural NZUA scholarships. Each recipient distinguished themselves not only through academic excellence but also through their personal aspirations, resilience, and commitment to engaging with the world.
At the ceremony, the students were formally presented with their scholarship certificates by Trade Commissioner Scott James and ENZ Regional Director – Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes. The celebration was witnessed by families, representatives from New Zealand universities and education agencies.
In his address, Scott highlighted the significance of this milestone.
“The inaugural NZUA cohort are not only exceptional students, but also cultural and intellectual bridges between our two nations. They stand as a vivid testament to the strong and enduring educational partnership between Viet Nam and New Zealand,” he said.
Ben also emphasised the value of the programme.
“The NZUA scholarship reflects the spirit of valuing both knowledge and people – a core principle of New Zealand’s education system.
“We are proud to welcome the first generation of NZUA Vietnamese students to New Zealand’s leading universities, where they will grow, integrate, and contribute to the shared progress of our world,” he said.
A particularly symbolic moment of the ceremony was the connection ritual between university representatives and the scholarship recipients. Students received congratulatory gifts and placed stars on a map of New Zealand to mark the cities and universities where they will soon study – a visual representation of the “first steps” of the NZUA generation.
Among the recipients, Do Tran Phuong Uyen said that she feels the scholarship is much more than financial support.
“It represents belief – belief in our potential, our dreams, and our ability to contribute to our communities and to the ongoing relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand,” she said.
“It shows that young Vietnamese students can become leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens,” Do added.
Parents also expressed their trust and confidence in New Zealand’s education system.
Ho Tuyen Truyen, father of recipient Ho Nhu Quynh Chi, said he places his full trust in New Zealand’s safe, high-quality education system.
“I believe that in this environment, my child will be nurtured with knowledge, resilience, and compassion,” he said.
As the first NZUA cohort prepares to begin their journeys, the scholarship stands as a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s commitment to Viet Nam’s young talent.
These students are poised to become influential ambassadors, helping to strengthen educational collaboration and foster deeper people-to-people connections between New Zealand and Viet Nam.
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Thai delegation signs MOUs with two NZ universities
Education New Zealand’s Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Programme Manager, Jaruwan Pongjaruwat, led the Thai delegation from Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) and Silpakorn University (SU). The delegation visited several universities and Te Pūkenga business divisions across both the North and South islands in the last week of May.
Jaruwan said that the main aim of the visit was to facilitate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between RMUT and the University of Otago and between SU and the University of Canterbury. It also proved a good opportunity to further develop the relationship that these offshore partners have with Te Pūkenga.
“It was an absolute pleasure to accompany this group of senior officials from RMUT and SU around New Zealand. The visit gave the RMUT delegation members an opportunity to revisit institutions which they have previously partnered with for student and teacher mobility projects, including Wintec, Weltec and Otago Polytechnic.
RMUT and SU delegates see how Wintec manages engineering material and resources across different disciplines.
“It also provided an opportunity for our delegation to visit new education providers such as the University of Waikato and the University of Canterbury to learn more about the areas in which these institutions excel. They particularly enjoyed learning more about what each institution has to offer and seeing how New Zealand education providers link research to commercial products and services. On top of that, delegates also had the opportunity to visit Weta Workshops and have dinner at Bellamy's restaurant in The Beehive whilst in Wellington," said Jaruwan.
Thai delegates visiting the University of Canterbury’s Faculty of Engineering
It is hoped that this visit will lead to future projects in the areas of teacher development, articulation programmes, student mobility and a joint foundation programme. The joint foundation programme will now be extended to cover students studying science and health science, allowing students a pathway to all eight New Zealand universities.
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Making global citizenship education a national priority
The webinar – a collaboration between Education New Zealand and AFS Intercultural Programs – canvassed the concrete steps that policymakers and educators can take to put global citizenship front and centre in curricula, teacher education and daily practice.
Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, said the essence of global citizenship is being able to understand how we are connected, listen to other perspectives and take collective action.
“Global citizenship is not about stamps in passports, it’s about understanding our interdependence and our shared responsibility for our local communities and the world,” said Mr Obst.
It is mission-critical that governments invest in global citizenship education and expand access to global competence if we are to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, he said.
Around 130 experts tuned in for the ‘Making global citizenship education a national priority’ webinar – timed to follow the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by New Zealand in mid-November.
Carla Rey Vasquez, ENZ’s Global Citizens Manager, said the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018 - 2030 is an example of best practice in signalling clear government support for global citizenship and giving government agencies a roadmap to work with.
“Fostering global citizenship is the glue that connects; is pivotal for raising the educational outcomes for both international and domestic students and helping us grow global connections,” said Ms Rey Vasquez.
Other nations could follow the New Zealand example and broaden the focus of the international student experience from academic education alone to cultural and social values, she said.
Romina Kasman, Head of Education Sector at UNESCO’s Multicountry Office, said global citizenship must be part of a holistic ecosystem.
“Global citizenship education must not be left to chance if we want to ensure equitable and inclusive access to it worldwide,” she said.
Lit Wei Chin, APEC youth representative and Auckland Unlimited’s Climate Change and Sustainability Executive, said the voices of young people were important to global citizenship.
Young people cannot be just a tick-box – they must be heard on the issues of the global economy, quality education, climate action, equity and empowerment of marginalized communities, he said.
Watch the full webinar – Making global citizenship education a national priority.
ENZ’s webinar partner – AFS Intercultural Programs – is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
