15 August 2018 at 9:00 am
Korea looks to Christchurch and Canterbury
A Canterbury delegation was in Seoul last month to showcase the region’s education opportunities, new city, and lifestyle to Korean parents, students and agents.
On 27-29 July, ChristchurchNZ led the group promotion that included an agent seminar and a student recruitment fair.
The promotion was planned to follow the success of a Korean reality TV show that featured a week in the school life of Korean celebrities’ children at Halswell School in Christchurch, which showcased Christchurch’s education system and lifestyle.
ENZ Senior Market Development Manager – South Korea, Kay Lee, said the promotions were a wonderful opportunity for Korean agents, parents and students to learn about the Christchurch’s globally connected economy, 21st century education system and lifestyle, particularly highlighting the brand new city.
“Participating education providers did a fantastic job sharing with agents how Christchurch is the world’s newest city, alive with opportunities for young people to try new things, explore their potential and discover who they want to be,” Kay said.
On 28-29 July, the group, including University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Riccarton High School, Middleton Grange School, Kirkwood Intermediate School and Villa Maria College participated in a two-day, agent-led student recruitment fair to meet prospective Korean students and their parents.
The group was also representing Avonside High School, Casebrook Intermediate School, Cashmere High School, Christ’s College, Chisnallwood Intermediate, Cobham Intermediate School, Darfiled High School, Halswell School, Hillmorton High School, Papanui High School, Rangiora High School and St Bede’s High School in Christchurch.
ChristchurchNZ International Education Programme Manager, Bree Loverich, said the fair sent an all-round positive signal for education providers regarding this market.
“Agents, parents and students did not ask questions about the past, rather they were excited about the opportunity provided by our future-focused city. As a result, our agent partner reported that they took 22 pre-deposits on courses in Christchurch alone. After this trip, we are confident that we will see more Koreans students in our city and region,” Bree said.
