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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.

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ENZ partners with ISANA to support sector capability
Under the initiative, ISANA NZ will develop a suite of resources including guidelines, templates and frameworks to help support international education practitioners across the school and tertiary sectors.
The resources will cover areas such as student support, student experience, critical incident management, intercultural competence, and professional leadership. They will be developed in concert with practitioners.
ENZ Director Industry Laura Simpson says the initiative has been developed with recovery of the sector in mind.
“This initiative focuses on the longer-term development of the international education sector’s capability. The resources are being developed to provide additional support for practitioners who support students and will help support the sector’s recovery. The initiative has been designed to support Goal 1 of the New Zealand International Education Strategy, 2018-2030, to ensure an excellent education and student experience.”
ISANA NZ Executive Director Chris Beard says the work will identify and make available online a range of versatile resources that reflect good practice across the sector.
“The materials will provide practical guidance, frameworks and models to help practitioners facilitate positive student experiences in areas such as intercultural engagement, social integration, mental health and student wellbeing. We are looking forward to developing the resources in partnership with experienced practitioners and subject-specific experts to ensure they are accessible, relevant and useful.”
The resources will be developed over the next year in partnership with practitioners and stakeholders from across the sector. They will progressively be made available to the sector on ISANA’s website and ENZ’s Skills Lab.
Go to www.isana.nz for further information on this initiative.
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Around the world in five
GLOBAL
New study anticipates shifts in enrolment and market share into 2021
A new study finds that the number of students saying they will cancel their study abroad plans in light of the pandemic has declined in recent months.
UNITED STATES
US vs China rivalry in edtech, and how Covid-19 is having an impact
China and the US dominate the global edtech landscape, each with eight unicorns out of 18 private companies with a valuation of over $1 billion.
GLOBAL
Agents increasingly valued by educators during the Covid-19 lockdown
In a flash survey of education providers conducted by StudyTravel Magazine in June, 42 per cent of respondents revealed that agents had become more important to their business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
SINGAPORE
Lessons from lockdown
Despite their countries experiencing very different COVID trajectories, teachers in Singapore and New Zealand faced similar challenges during their respective lockdowns. We spoke to teachers from both countries to find out how they kept calm and carried on.
GLOBAL
COVID-19 has accelerated the digital transformation of higher education
Very few people would have predicted that universities would face such a paradigm shift – with predominant virtual teaching and remote working bursting onto the scene – as a consequence to a global pandemic.
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International students awarded for ICT excellence
Ruslan Levenets, who originally studied law in Russia, came to study in New Zealand in preparation of a career change.
“I had some practical skills and interest in IT, but my main motivation for study was to have a strong theoretical background,” said Levenets.
Ruslan was awarded most outstanding student for the Graduate Diploma in Information Assurance and Security. The award was sponsored by ISACA, an international professional association for IT governance.
Mike Binkhorst, president of the Wellington chapter of ISACA, believes supporting top students is an important part of building the future of their industry.
“We're keen to encourage people into the profession to make a difference in the field. ISACA promotes frameworks and standards in IT to improve governance and security. Education and supporting the next generation is a big part of that,” said Binkhorst.

Alexander Sokolov with Alisdair McKenzie
Also achieving excellence in IT was Alexander Sokolov who was awarded most outstanding student for the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. He received his award from Alisdair McKenzie, a member of WelTec’s IT Industry Partnership Committee.
“WelTec’s Industry Partnership Committee offers guest lectures, takes interns and reviews WelTec's IT programmes – all so that they deliver what the industry is needing,” said McKenzie.
“We work to ensure that the tertiary education sector is harmonised with business and industry requirements.”
Ian Hunter from WelTec’s School of Business & IT said the involvement of industry associations makes a significant difference to the way WelTec students are taught.
“Our students are working on real scenarios and real problems as part of their academic programme,” said Hunter.
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ENZ moves to Study with New Zealand website
The official government site for advice on how to study with New Zealand has been completely rebuilt and rebranded, in line with ENZ’s new global brand campaign to attract more international students to a New Zealand education.
The Study with New Zealand website showcases the full range of choices available to international students, from studying in New Zealand to new, flexible options for online and offshore courses, and pathways from these courses to further onshore study or blended learning programmes. It replaces the Study in New Zealand site.
Students can search for a course, a school, an education agent or a scholarship in a more intuitive and comprehensive way. ENZ will add new functions to the site in early 2022, including more enhancements to the Finder tool.
The new website is a key part of ENZ’s strategy for the evolution of the New Zealand education brand, in line with the Strategic Recovery Plan for International Education, which aims to diversify our education offerings and rebuild a more resilient sector.
Inviting students to study with New Zealand is more than just a subtle shift in language.
The website asks students to take a new look at a New Zealand education. It features ENZ’s new brand messages, photographs and videos showing students learning online. All brand and campaign materials are available for use by international education providers and agents on the ENZ Brand Lab.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on the new site. Get in touch with Study with New Zealand digital project manager Brooke Dyer at feedback@studywithnewzealand.govt.nz
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Our name
The Kākā (a parrot native to New Zealand) as it carried the Manapou (fruit kernal) on its journey to New Zealand. This images features in the welcome area of ENZ's Wellington headquarters.
Education New Zealand’s Māori name is metaphorical and tells a story which is embedded in our brand and Ngā Manapou (our values) and how we work as an organisation.
Te whakapapa o Manapou ki te Ao – the genealogy of our Māori name – goes back to 2018 when ENZ’s Māori advisory team developed Rautaki Māori (our Māori Strategy). The name was endorsed in 2019 by the then Minister of Education.
· Manapou – refers to the fruit kernel that nourished and sustained the Kākā (a parrot native to New Zealand) as it carried the seed in its crop on the journey from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.
· Ki te Ao – the word ‘Ao’ means the ‘world’ and also refers to the ‘dawn’. In Māori cosmogony, the idea of ‘Ao’ signifies dawn or a new beginning every day, new experiences, opportunities and learnings.
Manapou ki te Ao describes how Aotearoa New Zealand education nourishes and empowers students and enables them to be the world’s next generation of problem solvers.
Our name and the story are embedded in ENZ’s Manapou ki te Ao colour palette:
· the deepwater blue represents the flight of the Kākā over the ocean
· the surface blue stands for approaching land over shallow water
· the Manapou orange is the Manapou stone brought by the Kākā
· the East Coast sand colour alludes to the sandy shores of Aotearoa.
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Around the world in five
Asia
Ten higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines have partnered with Chinese institutions, in a bid to boost collaboration and partnership in the fields of science, technology, agriculture and mathematics. The partnerships were signed during the Philippines-China University President Cooperation Dialogue, which took place during China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week.
North America
An escalating diplomatic row between Ottawa and New Delhi has the potential to deter thousands of Indian undergraduates from studying in Canada. More than 40% of the 800,000 international students in Canada in 2022 were from India, making it the largest source country for overseas learners. Academics warn that if the rift grows, it could have devastating consequences for student mobility.
Middle East
Hundreds of United Arab Emirates students are expected to seek higher education admission and career guidance from more than 30 international universities participating at the Study Abroad Education Fair held by Charms Education. Students will be able to network with admissions representatives, alumni, and fellow applicants as they explore options across Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and more.
Europe
Global pathway provider Navitas has expanded its presence in Europe with the announcement of a new partnership with SRH Universities Germany. Navitas said that international students looking to study in Germany will have more options available following the five-year deal, which will include the establishment of an International College at the SRH University Heidelberg campus.
Africa
As the window allowing international students to bring relatives along with them to the United Kingdom closes gradually, the hopes of many Nigerian graduates planning to do their post-graduate programmes in the United Kingdom are fading slowly ahead of the 2024 deadline. Data shows that around 100,000 Nigerians travelled abroad to study in 2020 and many observers have projected that figure to be on rise. With the recent announcement, many have had their hopes dashed.
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Vanessa builds digital skills to help drive change in PNG
She had a diploma in computer technology and a good job with a major telecommunications company, but she also had big ambitions and knew that an international education experience in New Zealand would take her where she wanted to go.
“I saw that there were many areas where digital solutions could really make a difference. It was one of the driving forces which motivated me to study in New Zealand.”
As Vanessa was searching for a university where she could study computer science, her friend returned home from Auckland University of Technology. “She told me so many wonderful stories and I was just so inspired to go and experience New Zealand and AUT for myself.”
“She gave me an idea of what to expect and I knew I would be going into a supportive community. It was only when Covid arrived that I truly experienced how supportive it really was.”
Vanessa came to New Zealand on a Manaaki Scholarship, funded through the New Zealand Aid programme. “It was the reason I could come and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
The value of a Manaaki Scholarship
“The scholarships allow students who are passionate about creating a brighter future in their home countries to gain expertise in their field of our study,” she says. “It also provides exposure to new perspectives and the chance to build life-long relationships with like-minded professionals, which is something I really value.”
Although Vanessa’s father and brother both travelled overseas for education, not many of her friends have. “So now I’m trying to be the influence on my friends, encouraging them to take up that pathway.
“I tell them that in New Zealand you get a fantastic study environment and will meet people from many different backgrounds.”
Vanessa considers that a real bonus to her study experience was the opportunity to take up a summer internship.
“It was optional for my programme, but it was provided through the Pacific Cooperation Foundation for students who were part of the Manaaki scholarship programme. I applied so that I could gain experience working in a large multi-cultural organisation.”
Securing a role at Watercare in Auckland she not only gained valuable work experience, but also professional networking opportunities which have resulted in lasting connections with many of her former colleagues. “I had an amazing manager and I reach out to him from time to time. He has really helped me a lot and he’s one of the life-long contacts I’m going to be holding on to.”
Boosting confidence and career
With her Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences completed last year, Vanessa is now back in Port Moresby working as a Digital Transformation Associate with PwC and loving her new role.
“Studying in New Zealand grew my confidence as a person and has allowed me to progress my professional career,” she says. “It broadened my horizons and gave me a different mindset.”
Deciding to become an international student takes drive and commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort, Vanessa says. “I spent months researching the options and needed to stay motivated during the year it took to secure my scholarship and place at AUT. It took a lot of planning, but it was something I had my heart set on.
“I knew a degree would give me better opportunities and New Zealand was just such an amazing place to study. It has had a very big impact on where I am now.”
If she had another opportunity, Vanessa says she would head offshore again to pursue a Master’s in Data Science, but for now she is busy convincing her peers of the value of a New Zealand education.
“I tell them this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Don’t only go to study, go to really experience New Zealand, the culture, and the people.
“They ask me, what if I don’t get the scholarship and I say you’ll never know if you don’t try, so just go for it. Expect to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.”