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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.”

• A Brazil market update

  This trend is mirrored here in New Zealand which has experienced growth from Brazil in all sectors over the last three years.

  In the following market update, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager, Ana Azevedo, and International Market Manager, Julian Ashby, talk about recent initiatives that shine a positive light on the Brazilian market.

  Internationalising postgraduate departments

  

  The opening of the Academic Cooperation Seminar. Seated from left: Professor Jose Alexander Araujo, CAPES, Professor Hernan Chaimovich, FAPESP, ENZ’s Ana Azevedo and Caroline Bilkey, New Zealand Ambassador. At the lecturn is emcee Mr Pedro Marchi, former director of LAE in Brazil.

  Following the recent hugely successful Latin American roadshow, ENZ hosted an Academic Cooperation Seminar – New Zealand & Brazil last month in Sao Paulo to promote collaboration between New Zealand and Brazilian universities.

  Five of the eight New Zealand universities attended, sending nine senior academics to the event. From the Brazilian side, 17 universities were represented by 38 academics and international staff.  

  Ana said the aim of the forum was to capitalise on the recent announcement by the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (their acronym is CAPES – which it should be noted is not the same as New Zealand’s CAPEs), which has established a programme to help internationalise Brazilian universities. The Program for Internationalisation of Brazilian Postgraduate Programs (BPP) is a successor to the earlier undergraduate programme known as ‘Science without Borders’.

  

  Professor Caroline Daley of University of Auckland

  CAPES is investing USD$350 million over the next four years to internationalise the universities’ postgraduate departments. Up to 40 Brazilian universities will be selected by CAPES to participate and proposals involving international partners are due in May. 

  For the next four years, this initiative will be the focus of the Brazilian universities.

  

  From left: Professor Roberta Campos, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ - COPPEAD) and Professor Suzane Strehlau, School of Advertising and Marketing, ESPM.

  The New Zealand Ambassador to Brazil, Caroline Bilkey, attended the forum as did representatives of FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation.

  “Successful proposals could greatly enhance New Zealand’s engagement with the region,” said Ana.

  Ana acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in contributing funding and logistical support to ensure the New Zealand academics could travel to Brazilian universities after the event to solidify partnerships.

  Future Proof campaign shows high digital demand

  Interest from Brazilian students in New Zealand can be further seen through the results of the Future Proof campaign that is running on multiple ENZ channels.

  Brazil currently has the second most active users globally from the campaign with more than 10,000 views to the Study in New Zealand website and 1,000 referrals to New Zealand institutions’ websites.

  “This demonstrates that whilst the Brazilian audience is generally very happy to view content, they are also engaging with the message to a higher extent than normal,” said Julian.

  “The more we learn about Brazilian students from campaigns like this the more we can actively target those most receptive to our messages,” he said.

  Activating media in Brazil
  

  At the start of April, ENZ hosted two senior (rival) journalists from two of Brazil’s most influential media outlets, Exame and Folha de Sao Paulo, on a one-week trip through New Zealand.

  The journalists sought to answer two key questions:

  1. How had New Zealand become the #1 ranked country in the world for preparing students for the future?

  2. How had New Zealand made international education such an important industry?

  Julian noted the trip therefore provided an opportunity to highlight key messages to the Brazilian market.

  “The journalists visited and interviewed teachers, principals, students (both New Zealand and Brazilian), officials and lecturers across the state education system and the results have been very pleasing,” he said

  Some of the key observations about New Zealand’s education system from Fabio Takahashi of Folha de Sao Paulo were:

  Ask three before me
  Children are encouraged to ask their peers for help before approaching the teacher, the net effect of which frees teachers up for dedicated one-on-one time with students and demonstrates to students that teachers aren’t the only holders of knowledge.

  Learning & teaching same word in Maori (Ako)
  A common refrain from schools is that students aren’t there to be taught but to learn, and that teachers foster this from day one. Fabio latched onto the Maori word that symbolises this – Ako.

  Schools as staging grounds for tertiary study
  High schools provide a high level of autonomy to students in picking their own career path and mirrors tertiary study (choose courses, get credit). This is unheard of in Brazil.

  Freedom vs pets
  One of the most powerful interviews conducted was with a year 13 Brazilian student, who started off stating that NZ teachers were authoritarian and cold compared to the more ‘huggy’ first-name-basis Brazilian teachers. However, as the student talked, he began to reflect on how much independence and responsibility he had in New Zealand bringing him to the realisation that his life in Brazil was like that of a pet…his parents fed him, housed him, ran him around, made all his choices for him, while in New Zealand he was free to go where he liked if he could figure out how to get there and how to pay for it. You could see the pride he took in this epiphany that he was actually free and capable of making life choices.

  Toddlers with tools
  As you’ll see from the photo in the published article above, the other thing that impressed Fabio was the 4-year-olds armed with real saws and hammers!

  The answer then for how we do it was revealed through every level of the education system. Children are encouraged to be active learners and this is achieved through a national curriculum that allows flexibility for each community to adapt aspects of education to their own surroundings.

  Fabio produced a full-page article in the largest national newspaper in Brazil that fully articulates why New Zealand is the #1 country in the world for preparing students for the future. 

  Articles published to date include: “A paradise for learning”, “How teens build successful New Zealand businesses”, “These two MBAs in NZ have 100% employability”, “Brazilian lecturer and PhD student create start-ups in NZ”.

  The reach of Exame’s online readership is in the 20 million range whilst the print edition of Folha De Sao Paulo enjoys 300,000 subscribers.

  For comments or questions on this report, please contact Ana ana.azevedo@enz.govt.nz (Brasila-based) or Julian julian.ashby@enz.govt.nz (Wellington-based).

• The regional network – bright partners

  The full-day workshop was a great way to share regional international education developments and aspirations with the network. The programme included speakers from central government agencies such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), alongside SIEBA, ICEF as well as presentations from regional representatives.

  Simon Anderson, ChristchurchNZ’s Job Ready Project Manager said the day was highly valuable.

  “I was impressed at the positive and collaborative atmosphere from all participants, leading to meaningful conversation and debate throughout.”

  ENZ Regional Project Manager Sarah Gauthier said the workshop was an effective way to better understand how integral our regions are to supporting better profiling of international education across New Zealand.

  The RPP is a strong promoter and enabler of New Zealand’s variety of regional study locations, “while being the platform from where we engage with real New Zealanders about why and how international education is important to all of our futures,” Sarah said.

  “Our Regional Network works hard to develop and promote their points of difference and service provision to international students – so that students can better understand and choose the location that best suits their identity and ambitions.

   “Our regional partners work closely with their local media and stakeholders to tell compelling student stories and other announcements that help their community to really connect with international education and the benefits it could have for them,” Sarah said.

  Regional initiatives like the ‘work ready’ programmes for international students are key points of difference that can attract the students that can become a region’s future talent force.

  If you haven’t connected with the Regional Network – now’s your chance!

  Head here for more information and details.

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• Malaysia roadshow 003

• International student speakers lay the wero at NZIEC KI TUA

  Sean Teow, Aria Ngārimu, Ibuki Nishida, and Albert Lu, each shared stories and insights with NZIEC KI TUA attendees that offered a reminder to those working in international education about why they do what they do.  

  The students’ speeches laid a worthy wero for the international education sector to continue the good work and keep international students at the centre of our work long after they arrive in New Zealand.  

  In this context, a wero is a traditional Māori challenge, performed by Māori warriors at a pōwhiri to test the intentions of visitors – by wielding weapons and laying down the challenge, with a token, such as a small branch for visitors to pick up and show they come in peace. Wero can also be used to convey a 'challenge' in other settings besides the traditional usage. 

  President of the New Zealand International Students' Association (NZISA), Sean Teow (Malaysia), spoke candidly about the full range of his student experience – offering insights on how he came to choose New Zealand to what the international education sector could focus on to better the student experience further.  

  

  Sean Teow speaks at NZIEC KI TUA.

  Sean spoke about the need to focus on the “level of heart” that New Zealand exudes when interacting with prospective students alongside “bread and butter” attributes such as the high quality of education, lifestyle and beautiful natural environment. 

  “Be proud of the quality of New Zealand education, but also you as people, there is a level of heart that exudes itself when talking to students. That intention can be felt by a prospective student who may be afraid and anxious to embark on that path, a simple feeling that these people know how to take care of me, and they mean well.  

  “Don’t forget that the next time you recruit or interact with students for that could make the very difference with students remembering New Zealand and enjoying their time here. Embrace and embody manaakitanga,” Sean urged delegates.  

  Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipient Aria Ngārimu (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Rongomaiwāhine, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), a domestic student at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington visited India as part of her scholarship experience.  

  

  Aria Ngārimu at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India during her scholarship experience. Photo credit: Aria Ngārimu.

  In her address, Aria aptly used an Indian folk tale of five blind men attempting to describe an elephant that they had encountered for the first time to highlight how individual perspectives can be wildly different yet equally accurate. Her speech was a powerful reminder of the need to be open to points of view different from our own. 

  International representative of the University of Otago Students' Association, Ibuki Nishida (Japan), offered a challenge to the sector to remember that every international student has a story and the importance of staying connected to their experience and story while they were in the country.  

  

  Ibuki Nishida laid a wero for the sector to remember that every student has a story.

  “Don’t forget about those of us that are already here. I challenge you to not set a “finish line”, but instead learn from, and be a part of, each student’s ongoing story while we are here, that we can take to our loved ones to inspire them back home. 

  “Do not underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. When looking at growth, it might be one of the most important. And the way you tap into that, is to make sure students have a great experience while they’re here too. And remember that each international student is a story waiting to be told. So help us make it one for the books,” Ibuki said. 

  

  Albert Lu spoke about the differences in school life in his native Taiwan and New Zealand and what he likes about studying in Wellington.

  Albert Lu (Taiwan), a Year 11 student at Wellington High School, noted the differences in life in Taiwan and New Zealand as he spoke about his experience in New Zealand.  

  Albert spoke about the NCEA curriculum providing an opportunity to students to enjoy a good balanced lifestyle, how confidence was the key to settling into life in New Zealand and importantly, ‘another way to improve language faster is to hang out with friends whose first language is not my first language’. Albert does this through joining student groups, attending church and generally being proactive about life here in New Zealand.  

  “Everyone is friendly, I love it,” Albert said. 

  *Wero: In this context, a wero is a traditional Māori challenge, performed by Māori warriors at a pōwhiri to test the intentions of visitors – by wielding weapons and laying down the challenge, with a token, such as a small branch for visitors to pick up and show they come in peace. Wero can also be used to convey a 'challenge' in other settings besides the traditional usage. 

• Ambassador Morton

• Registrations open: NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum

  The NZ Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF) is a multi-sector opportunity for discussing ‘what works’ in vocational education. In 2020, the forum will be delivered fully online, including international keynotes, and a curated programme of breakout sessions, along with interest based ‘hangouts’ and expert sessions.

  The new partnership with Skills International extends the reach of the forum to an international network, to learn from and contribute to global developments in VET to support the COVID-19 recovery efforts.

  CEO of The Skills Organisation, Garry Fissenden, says vocational education and training will be a critical component of the response to the employment, economic, and social shocks caused by COVID-19 around the world. He says:

  “With New Zealand’s vocational education sector embarking on a major reform, now more than ever is a time to come together to share evidence and capability of how vocational education and training can support skills and productivity, and wider wellbeing.”

  For more details, head to the NZVETRF website.

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• Brazil’s untapped potential

  Brazil is New Zealand’s largest source of international students in Latin America. Last year, almost 3,600 Brazilians studied in New Zealand and Ana Azevedo, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager for Brazil, says there is more room for growth. 

  “For institutions seeking quality students and diversity, Brazil may be the answer. According to the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association, more than 300,000 Brazilians studied abroad in 2017, so there is huge untapped potential in this market to be explored,” said Ana. 

  As country of honour, Brazil featured in two NZIEC breakout sessions. 

  In From Zero to Hero: How to lead a successful education strategy in Latin America Professor Kerry Taylor from Massey University shared his experience in developing links with Brazilian universities, jumping from zero to 10 agreements in only three years. Taylor emphasised that “nothing substantial will come from one single visit” and highlighted the importance of a proposition that meets your partner institution’s needs, saying “the best relations are mutually beneficial.”   

  The second session, Spotlight on Brazil: Finding your place in the sun, featured a panel of representatives from New Zealand secondary and tertiary institutions about their own success in the Brazilian market. Key recommendations included maintaining a consistent presence with the market, building and maintaining a personal relationship with local education agents and institutions and investing in digital marketing so Brazilian students can find you – Brazilians spend an average of three hours a day on social media platforms, mainly YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp. 

  Delegates also  enjoyed delicious Brazilian appetizers, drinks and live Brazilian music at an energetic conference dinner. The Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand, HE Mr Paulo Cesar de Camargo, also attended and spoke about bilateral relations between our countries in the education space.

  "Education is a very important aspect of the relationship between Brazil and New Zealand. As some 3,600 Brazilians choose New Zealand to study, we have also seen a growing interest in Kiwi students travelling to Brazil. This exchange builds foundations and pushes Brazil-New Zealand partnerships closer, and in future will create ties in various other fields.” 

  If you want to know more about the Brazilian market, check out the BELTA SEAL Market Survey 2018 here.