8 July 2026 at 10:47 am
Trans-Tasman collaboration on show in Antofagasta
A week-long programme of engagements in Antofagasta, northern Chile (8–12 June), highlighted New Zealand as a study destination through targeted university, school and community outreach.
Rector of Universidad de Antofagasta Dr. Marcos Cikutovic Salas (middle) with the speakers after the seminar
Javiera Visedo (right) pictured Yasna Vargas, Director of Counselling at Antofagasta International School, AIS, and local agents
Javiera Visedo, Director of Engagement – Latin America presenting at ‘Open Day Oceania’ in Antofagasta
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) worked alongside Austrade and Study Queensland to deliver university seminars, school visits and a student mini fair, reaching more than 300 students and parents.
The programme promoted New Zealand’s education offering, with a focus on English language studies as an entry point and clear pathways into higher education and other subsectors. Activities included engagement with leading institutions in the region including Universidad de Antofagasta (UA), Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), Antofagasta International School (AIS) and Colegio San Marcos.
ENZ contributed to seminars on the future of mining, highlighting how New Zealand's education system supports the needs of this key regional industry. School visits and a student mini fair also gave students and families the opportunity to explore study options and connect with education agents for tailored guidance.
Javiera Visedo, ENZ’s Director of Engagement – Latin America, says the programme helped build awareness of New Zealand’s education opportunities in a region with strong potential.
“A key highlight of the programme was the collaboration with Australian partners, which enabled a joint promotion of Oceania as a study destination,” says Ms Visedo.
“Australia already has strong recognition in the region, particularly through the mining sector. Working together allows us to position New Zealand alongside that strength while reinforcing a collaborative rather than competitive approach.”
Local agents played a key role throughout the programme, engaging with students and parents and helping translate interest into tangible study pathways. The activities also strengthened relationships established through previous engagements in the market.
The visit demonstrated the value of regional engagement and trans-Tasman collaboration in expanding awareness of New Zealand’s education offering and maintaining a strong presence in northern Chile.
