Thai students explore New Zealand study options

Ben Burrowes, ENZ Regional Communications Manager, South East Asia, said the large turnout was encouraging to institutions looking for talented Thai students.

“Providers were impressed by the high quality of the potential students looking for higher education, high schools and English language studies. Some institutions even signed up applicants on the spot.”

At the fair, ENZ gave tables to partners OCSC (Office of Civil Service Commission), TIECA (Thai International Educational Consultants Association), Immigration New Zealand and the New Zealand Alumni Association, who were busy answering queries of parents and students throughout the day.

In the afternoon, a seminar function was held where Thai alumni and parents discussed the key motivations for studying in New Zealand and the way it has changed them as people. They talked about the discipline and multitasking needed to succeed in study abroad, advising prospective students on the difference between New Zealand and Thailand’s education systems and what prospective students need to be prepared for.

Ben said these discussions on the practical experience of study abroad were very helpful to prospective students – as were the virtual reality headsets.

“The virtual reality headsets proved hugely popular for visitors at the fair, offering them a glimpse into life with a host family, New Zealand’s innovative classrooms, our outdoor lifestyle and unique culture.”

A day before the fair, 21 New Zealand institutions and 73 agents attended an agent seminar. This included presentations on NCEA qualifications, GPA conversion and the new code of practice for pastoral care, followed by an afternoon of business meetings for institutions and agents to discuss working together.