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Meet the team: Miranda Herbert
Hi Miranda. Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
Quite a few people who work in education say that they ‘fell into’ education. I’m the same.
When I was younger I was always interested in languages. I did Japanese right through high school, I decided to continue with it at university. I asked my Dad what other language I should study, and he said I had to learn Chinese because it’s going to be an important language in the future.
I then spent four and a half years living and working in China, and became quite involved in education. I ended up working for a PTE in New Zealand, and then I moved to the University of Auckland. There I worked my way up to the deputy director of international.
What has it been like in Beijing during the outbreak of COVID-19?
I was actually in China when SARS broke out, 20 years ago, too [while at a previous role]. This time seems quite different to then. The level that China has mobilised this year has been quite amazing to experience firsthand.
It’s been really surreal, particularly during the January and February months. Despite Beijing having a population of over 20 million people, for weeks we saw no-one on the street - you could cross the road with your eyes closed, which never happens here. At other times, it could get quite depressing having to stay in all the time.
Now, things are starting to get back to normal. It really varies across China, but here in Beijing, businesses are opening again, people are starting to go into the office for work, people are going to restaurants and dining out – while still following physical distancing etiquette.
We feel really lucky that we were able to stay here, because safety comes first and foremost in China. There’s still a lot of temperature checks, for example, if you order food on the receipt it will tell you the temperature of the chef and the person who delivered it to you.
Most of Team China is working at home, and will come into the office when they need to. We’re working our butts off at the moment to keep things rolling. We’re involved in digital events almost every day. And although we’re not going out to meet people, we’re working closely alongside our agent contacts and partnership network.
What would you advise to people trying to conduct business in China?
You have to be patient and not expect results straight away. You have to nurture relationships. It’s about understanding that cultural difference, because the way China does business is quite different to back home.
A profile of Miranda wouldn’t be complete without you introducing us to your cats. Could you tell us about them?
I have two cats, one boy and one girl. They are my babies. I don’t have real babies, I have cats.
The boy is called Nonga; he’s a real big personality, everyone around here knows him and he’s becoming famous on WeChat! Even though he has stage four renal failure, he still makes us laugh. My girl is called Missy Moo – she’s more shy and is quite happy to stay at home on your lap.
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NZIEC 2018 showcases global citizenship
Two Ministers attended: Minister of Immigration, Hon Iain Lees-Galloway, spoke about the Government’s changes to post-study work rights for international students, and Education Minister, Hon Chris Hipkins announced the International Education Strategy 2018-2030. Both Ministers spoke of the Government’s confidence in the bright future of New Zealand’s international education future.
Master of ceremonies, award-winning journalist Miriama Kamo, kept conference moving with humour and poise. She interviewed three international students on their experiences living and studying in New Zealand.
Yuki Sugito from Japan came to New Zealand after being interested in the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. Ada Wang from Nanchang, China, who is studying a Master’s degree at Victoria University, told us about the case she took to the Tenancy Tribunal and won. Angelique Viola talked about leaving behind a business and career in her native Philippines to study accounting at WelTec. All three are enjoying their lives and studies in New Zealand – and Kiwi food featured strongly, most especially their love for fish’n’chips.
We learned from Shanton Chang about the digital journeys of international students. And we became one of New Zealand’s top trending topics on Twitter.
Delegates enjoyed a taste of Brazil at the NZIEC Carnival on Thursday night.
NZIEC Country of Honour host, Brazilian Ambassador HE Paulo Camargo, spoke movingly of the connections between Brazil and New Zealand.
Surprise poet Karlo Mila delighted guests by pulling together two days of intense discussions in a poem specially commissioned for NZIEC 2018.
The largest number of industry presenters inspired, debated and informed delegates across six breakout streams providing new insights for improving the student experience, making a mark online, collaborating to win – and more.
And delegates took up the plentiful networking opportunities with gusto – many a korero was observed in the conference environs!
ENZ gratefully acknowledges all our conference partners and exhibitors, including Lead Partner BPO Intelligence, Premium Partners Vodafone New Zealand and OKNZ and Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Partners IDP IELTS Australia, QS and Western Union, Media Partner The PIE News, Programme Partner AFS New Zealand, Espresso Partner StuMagz and Country of Honour host, the Embassy of Brazil in New Zealand. Thank you one and all.
If you missed the opportunity to connect with our partners or exhibitors at conference, you can do so through the NZIEC website.
Conference delegates can provide feedback on conference through the conference app. If you have any suggestions for next year, please don’t hesitate to email nziec@verve.co.nz.
NZIEC 2019 will be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre on 7-8 August 2019. The theme will be ‘Navigating Our Changing World’.
We look forward to seeing you in Auckland for NZIEC 2019!
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Meet the Dream NEW scholarship winners
The initiative was launched in December 2015 by Prime Minister John Key as part of the FTA campaigning in Europe. The scholarship offers EU students one study abroad semester in New Zealand (valued at $12,500 NZD) - sending one student to each of New Zealand’s eight universities.
We received nearly 400 applications from across 21 EU countries, with the majority of students applying from Germany. Candidates were selected based on a combination of their fantastic academic results as well as creative motivational essays or videos.
The winners begin their New Zealand adventure in February 2017, and as official ‘Kiwi Ambassadors’ will keep us updated throughout their time in New Zealand.
Here the eight winners share with us the moment they heard the news, as well as what they are most looking forward to.
Patrick Rebacz (from Germany, going to Massey University)“I have never been to New Zealand, so I am very curious about the culture, the landscape, the education system and the food. I am looking forward to meeting new people, getting lots of new ideas, being part of a great educational infrastructure and exploring the amazing landscapes. It will be an inspiring and rewarding experience.”
Veronika Rudolf (from Germany, going to University of Waikato)"When I received the call about the Dream NEW Scholarship I couldn't believe it! Even after telling my family and friends, and starting the preparations, it still feels like a dream. I'm looking forward to my papers about Māori culture at the University of Waikato - I can't wait to start my journey and experience a whole new part of the world."
Lisa Kullander (from Sweden, going to Lincoln University)“I was so excited when I found out that I won that I wanted to jump and scream with joy. It has given me the opportunity to fulfil my dream to study in New Zealand. There are so many things that I am looking forward to, like exploring the amazing nature. But as a landscape architecture student, what makes me most excited is all the knowledge and inspiration this opportunity will provide me with.”
Marvin Stüde (from Germany, going to University of Auckland)“I am most excited to explore the beautiful country and to attend interesting courses about topics which are not taught at my home university. I have no doubt that I will have a great time during my study abroad!”
Read his essay submission here.
Laura Schnelle (from Germany, going to University of Canterbury)"I am looking forward to living in Christchurch, exploring the great outdoors and learning new things about health education and motivational psychology!"
Read her essay entry here.
Simone Grilli (from Italy, going to Auckland University of Technology)“I am definitely ready for this new adventure and know it will be one of the most important of my life. My mind is focused on the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, the unique culture and the All Blacks - the best rugby team in the World!”
Anna Czerwinska (from Poland, going to Victoria University of Wellington)“I only shared the news with my best friend, my boyfriend and my sister – telling them that it could not be true, it was a dream. During the first week I didn’t tell anyone else about it - I still can't believe that it really happened!”
Watch her video entry here.
Svenja Niederkrome (from Germany going to University of Otago)“I can’t put into words how happy I was when I found out that I’m one of the lucky recipients! For me, New Zealand is a little paradise at the other side of the world and I can’t wait to spend a whole term studying in such a unique place!”
Watch her video entry here.
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New portal shows students around New Zealand
The Study in New Zealand website will soon have a regions portal to show international students what it would be like to study, live and work in different parts of New Zealand.
Students will be able to access information, search options, maps and interactive tools about New Zealand, which is divided into 15 regions for the purposes of this project.
The portal aims to increase referrals from Study in New Zealand to institutions and regional cluster websites around the country.
The Study in New Zealand website already has a New Zealand regions section showcasing tourism attractions, but it isn’t targeted to meet the needs and interests of students. The new portal, to be launched in July, will focus on letting students know about specific advantages of studying, living and working in each regions.
Education New Zealand (ENZ) worked in partnership with our regional network of representatives to identify value propositions for each region. We also set up a Regional Reference Group, consulting the group at every stage of the project.
The project is part of the Regional Partnership Programme, launched in 2013 to support the development and growth of international education in selected regions.
It contributes to one of ENZ’s key Statement of Intent targets which sets out to ‘increase the proportion of international students enrolled to study in regions outside of Auckland’.
Our new regions portal taps into a trend highlighted in a recent ICEF Monitor article, which highlights that location is an important factor in the decision to study abroad.
ICEF Monitor reported that international students considering an education institution look closely at the city or town’s key offerings including weather, cultural and recreation opportunities before committing to study there. The article used New Zealand as an example, referring to our ‘notable destination marketing-based campaign’.
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Audience welcomed by kapa haka-NAFSA
This year the conference took place in Denver, Colorado and through Education New Zealand’s (ENZ) stepped-up investment in the conference, an increased profile of New Zealand education opportunities was evident throughout the week.
ENZ’s platinum sponsorship of this year’s conference provided New Zealand with a speaking slot for the New Zealand Ambassador to the US, Tim Groser, at the beginning of the opening plenary session, a 10-minute performance by Te Tini a Maui, a kapa haka group from Vancouver during the opening plenary, and the screening of a video about New Zealand education at all plenary sessions throughout the conference.
Other sponsorship benefits included the inclusion of flyers in the conference satchels and digital tote bags of the approximately 10,000 registrants, banner advertising in the online conference programme, and the opportunity to showcase New Zealand culture and education opportunities on the expo hall soundstage.
The ENZ-sponsored opening plenary was a very proud moment for all New Zealand representatives, and NAFSA organisers said it would be a hard opening act to follow. A great kapa haka display prefaced by a heart-felt speech by the group leader about the importance of education and people, welcomed over 6,500 delegates into the conference theatre. Ambassador Groser’s speech had the audience in turns cheering (a thinly-veiled reference to Trump) and gasping (domestic fees for international PhD students in New Zealand).
The increased New Zealand profile throughout the Expo was notable to New Zealand representatives and delegates alike. “NAFSA 2016 may well go down as the Kiwi NAFSA,” said Jason Cushen, Deputy Director International at the University of Otago. “Our booth was widely admired, the New Zealand function on the Tuesday evening was the talk of the conference, the kapa haka performances were show-stoppers and Ambassador Groser's address was well received. As an institution, the University of Otago, couldn't have been happier with how the week went.”
ENZ will be a platinum sponsor of NAFSA 2017. If you are interested in discussing opportunities to attend next year’s conference, which will take place in Los Angeles at the end of May next year, please contact Amy Rutherford, Director of Education, North America.
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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.”
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Advice for international education staff navigating counselling for their students
Due to issues that have been raised with ENZ, we thought it would be a good idea to clarify that any student who needs support should reach out to the services available. INZ advises that accessing counselling is unlikely to be an immigration issue.
The past year of the pandemic has put a huge amount of stress and strain onto everyone, including international students.
It is more important than ever that international students access support services such as counselling if they need to.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) supports ENZ in this important message – students should seek out counselling when they need it.
When applying for a new visa, students do have to declare details of ongoing healthcare they require – including what the treatment is, what it is for, the degree of treatment and how their condition is being managed.
A student does not need to declare that they have had counselling as part of their visa application unless they have significant mental health issues that require hospital care.
“In recent weeks, we’ve heard from members of the sector that some international students are shying away from seeking support because they’re afraid it’ll affect their current or future visas,” ENZ Director – Student Experience & Global Citizens, Sahinde Pala, said.
“The past 12 months has been an incredibly challenging period for everyone. Students out there feeling stressed or missing their loved ones at home should know that they are not alone.”
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Learn New Every Day – new global brand campaign launched to attract international students to New Zealand
The new campaign called Learn New Every Day, delivers a student’s point of view of the first-time experiences international students could encounter in a single day when they study with New Zealand.
ENZ’s General Manager of Marketing and Communication, Geoff Bilbrough, said that 'Learn New Every Day’ is designed to cut through in a very competitive market.
“We wanted to capture the essence of what it is really like to study with New Zealand, taking the perspective of a learner as they encounter new experiences, and convey the excitement and emotion as they go through their day.
“What makes the campaign more memorable is its high energy, positive, contemporary feel. And the first-person point of view approach is unique to the category,” Geoff said.
Geoff went on to say, “The scenes and scenarios in the campaign reflect our core values of a high-quality education and employability/future opportunities. These messages are woven through the campaign through imagery and action involving learners in a range of environments across all parts of New Zealand’s education sector, alongside the well-known adventure and social experiences. The featured imagery reflects what we know international students are looking for in a New Zealand education.”
Learn New Every Day was pre-tested and performed well in in-depth one-on-one interviews with students and parents from China, South Korea, India, and Viet Nam. Feedback was also sought from across New Zealand’s international education sector, who also responded positively to the concepts, their relevance to the young learner, and the clarity of the idea.
ENZ’s Global Brand Manager, Nick Sinclair, said that the campaign involved a mix of current international and domestic students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
“We had a wonderful time interacting with the international students while capturing these ‘first-experience’ scenes. They were really excited about the opportunity to take part in the decision-making process for other students and their parents as they choose their overseas study destination.
“The campaign communicates what we strongly believe is New Zealand’s competitive edge in the international education market. A New Zealand education experience is as much about the adventure, social experiences, and our unique culture and landscapes, as it is about the high-quality study opportunities that we offer”.
The campaign will run for at least 18 months. It is running initially in China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Japan targeting students aged 16 to 24 and their parents across all sectors including high school, university, Te Pūkenga, English language schools and private training establishments. Campaign assets include videos of various lengths, digital banners, and assets for the creation of off-line collateral such as banners, and other materials, in English and the local languages of our target countries.
As well as featuring across paid digital media in these countries, the campaign features on all 10 Study with New Zealand websites, in all communications with prospects that sign up to Study with New Zealand, and across all other ENZ channels.
All images and other campaign collateral can be found on ENZ’s Brand Lab here - Home | Education NZ Brand Lab | The ENZ Brand Lab
For media enquiries contact:
Stephanie Morison,
Senior Communications Advisor
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
+64 223020104, Stephanie.morison@enz.govt.nz
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