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New Zealand tops English-speaking countries in Educating for the Future ranking

Index cover2 There were just 1.6 points between top-ranked Finland (80.9), second place-getter Switzerland (80.3) and New Zealand on 79.3 points.

The overall ranking was a small drop for New Zealand, which ranked first out of 35 economies in the first EIU report which came out in September 2017. However, the 2018 ranking involves 50 economies and additional indicators on which countries were evaluated.

"This is a very good result for New Zealand," said ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson.

"New Zealand retains its position as the number one English-speaking country in the ranking as well as its top ranking in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Along with Finland, New Zealand is the only country that has been in the top 3 two years in a row."

The index evaluates the way that countries approach future-focused education to encompass problem-based learning, innovative teaching methods and broader themes of global citizenship.

It has a focus on young people aged 15 to 24 in 50 economies, and measures three pillars of education systems – policy approaches, teaching conditions and broader gauges of societal freedom and openness – as a means of preparing young people to meet the challenges of work and society in future.

You can read the full report here.

The top 10 country rankings were:

Rank	Economy	Score
1	Finland	80.9
2	Switzerland	80.3
3	New Zealand	79.3
4	Sweden	78.1
5	Canada	77.9
6	Netherlands	76
7 =	Germany	74.8
7 =	Singapore	74.8
9	France	74.2
10	UK	74.1

Statement from Grant McPherson, ENZ Chief Executive
New Zealand authorities and emergency services are working together to respond to the terrorist incident in Christchurch yesterday.
Education New Zealand is working with providers and students to ensure they have the support and information they need.
ENZ endorses this statement from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on the event:
Our thoughts and our prayers are with those who have been impacted today. Christchurch was their home. For many, this may not have been the place they were born, in fact for many, New Zealand was their choice.
The place they actively came to, and committed to. The place they were raising their families. Where they were parts of communities that they loved and who loved them in return. It was a place that many came to for its safety. A place where they were free to practice their culture and their religion.
For those of you who are watching at home tonight, and questioning how this could have happened here.
We, New Zealand, we were not a target because we are a safe harbour for those who hate.
We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism, because we are an enclave for extremism.
We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of those things.
Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion. A home for those who share our values. Refuge for those who needs it. And those values will not and cannot be shaken by this attack.
We are a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities, 160 languages. And amongst that diversity we share common values. And the one that we place the currency on right now is our compassion and support for the community of those directly affected by this tragedy.

You can access updates from the New Zealand Government at www.beehive.govt.nz
Police information about the event is available at https://www.police.govt.nz/major-events/christchurch-mosque-shooting
The Restoring Family Links Website is a tool where people can register so family and friends know they are safe. It is at https://familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/en/Pages/Home.aspx
Christchurch education providers are focused on supporting their students. The University of Canterbury website is a comprehensive example of services that are available: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/support/emergency/alerts/details/index.php?id=4

Grant McPherson
Chief Executive, Education New Zealand
A message to our students and their families
Our focus at this time is on supporting the families and communities affected by the attack and making sure people feel safe and secure – public safety is the top priority for the New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Government.
People everywhere in New Zealand are coming together to ensure that New Zealand remains an inclusive, caring country.
The attack is an assault on the values of New Zealanders – values of international friendship, tolerance and kindness. International education has a powerful role to play in this, and we value the diversity and perspectives all our international friends bring to New Zealand.
The following services are available, and we encourage you to access them if required:
- If you are in New Zealand, and you or someone you know is feeling distressed in the wake of these events you can call or text 1737 to speak to someone.
- If you are currently studying in New Zealand you can also get support from your education provider.
- Ministry of Health is offering health advice for coping after a traumatic event.
- ACC has support available to victims of the Christchurch terror attack.
- Immigration New Zealand offers general information and guidance for those living and working in New Zealand.
New Zealand is committed to making sure all international students feel safe and well, and that the country remains a welcoming and open society:
- The New Zealand Government’s pastoral care requirements are world leading and set high expectations for the support of international students. The requirements ensure education providers are providing support, information and counselling services. Also, that students are safe and properly cared for.
- New Zealand’s International Student Wellbeing Strategy includes a focus on health and wellbeing, and inclusion, and funds initiatives that support these aims.
- The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 is focussed on delivering excellent education and student experience, and ensuring international students are welcome and safe.
Noho ora mai (stay well, look after yourself).
International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.

Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
Tauranga welcomes over 770 international students
Anne Young, Regional Manager of Education Tauranga, said it has run a welcome ceremony for new international students for many years but due to space restrictions of venues, this has previously only included a select group of 200 participants.
“This year we wanted to include all students to show the whole Bay of Plenty community how large our international student cohort is. We secured a large convention space (850 seats) and invited all of our new students to the welcome!”
The new students, who range from five years old to tertiary students in their twenties, and represent 25 countries, were treated to dance and musical performances from Indian, Chinese and Korean cultural groups, as well as a rousing kapa haka performance from Tauranga Intermediate’s Te Whanau o Te Maro.
A number of speakers were also on hand to welcome them, including a representative from Immigration New Zealand and Mayor of Tauranga city, Greg Brownless. Mayor Brownless shared his own personal connection with the international community through his Taiwanese wife and children, and said it was great to see so many students from different countries in the region.
“You help bring the world to our doorstep, you teach our Kiwi students about your life, your country and your culture. This is so important as we grow the values of global citizenship amongst our community,” he said.
Anne said it was a very important event for the region.
“We not only want to ensure our international students feel welcome as they embark on their study journey but also showcase the many people across many organisations within our region who are here to support them and ensure that they have a positive experience here.”
It can be particularly daunting for primary school families to send young students overseas for school, so Education Tauranga runs a special welcome tour for them.
Held over two days, children and their parents were treated to a powhiri, complete with a chance to mingle over morning tea. They then had a taste of Kiwi cultural activities such as visits to local sites, eating fish ‘n chips and lessons in harakeke (flax weaving).
“It was clear that the international families were impressed – they were smiling and snapping photos to share with family back home,” said Anne.
Introducing Tohu, the Study in New Zealand chatbot
Jamie Crump, ENZ’s Director Business Planning, says Tohu was designed to help prospective students on SiNZ, answering their questions in a trusted, fast and friendly way.
“The goal for Tohu is to be a virtual assistant for the New Zealand international education sector by helping answer enquiries from students considering New Zealand 24/7.”
Jamie says currently Tohu can answer more than 300 questions about studying in New Zealand, but this grows with each interaction. While Tohu can only speak English, it is learning other languages, such as Mandarin, in order to service students more comfortable in their native tongue.
“Themore people that chat with it, the more it learns, making its artificial intelligence smarter every day.
“Already we’re seeing trends in commonly asked questions, including how to get a scholarship, how to get a student visa, and how to apply to study, and about New Zealand culture and the cost of study.”
The name Tohu means ‘to advise or provide guidance’ and ‘to be a sign or landmark’ while its appearance is a nod to the word Aotearoa – ‘land of the long white cloud’.
While Tohu currently lives on the SiNZ website, it will soon answer Messenger questions on the SiNZ Facebook page too.
ENZ’s next steps are to connect Tohu with ENZ’s database marketing programme and enable it to answer questions on NauMai NZ.
Around the world in five
CHINA
Gaokao offers colleges “new opportunities” for global recruitment
China's national university entrance exam – the Gaokao – is increasingly being accepted by universities in the US and elsewhere in the world.
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UK
UK global university ranking Brexit warning
UK’s strong performance in global university rankings could be adversely affected by Brexit if access is disrupted to European funding and research partnerships.
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KOREA
South Korea to tighten foreign students' visa requirements
The government is tightening visa rules for international students in Korean language programmes at universities after finding a three-fold increase in the number of students in these programmes staying on illegally in the country.
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GLOBAL
What makes international students happy?
An international student's country of origin plays a huge role in what makes them happy, along with factors such as employability skills, future job prospects and education experience.
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GERMANY
Foreign students are one solution for Germany's shrinking universities
A research report recommends regional universities in Germany continue to make themselves more attractive to international students amid the decline in domestic students.
Read more
Letter from the Acting CE: After Christchurch
As Grant McPherson said last week, the tragedy in Christchurch was an assault on the values that New Zealanders hold dear – values of international friendship, tolerance, care and a global outlook. These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.

While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the compassion we’ve seen across New Zealand – Campus Watch initiatives, vigils, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food, much of it led by students.

We are heartened that the outpouring of support and concern from New Zealanders over the last 12 days has been so visible internationally.

At ENZ, we are continuing our close contact with education providers, international teams and government partners, as well as monitoring and evaluating the latest intelligence and media coverage. We will continue to respond to industry and market needs for information, reassurance and practical support including messages to current and prospective students and families.

Over the next few weeks, we will be incorporating messages of care and support into all our activities and approaches.

ENZ is committed to promoting New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination, where manaakitanga is shown to all students who join us here.

John Goulter, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
Interning in Shenzhen, China
I’ve spent most of my life living in Auckland, so travelling to China for an internship was quite the experience. I saw an advert from Career Development and Employability Services (CDES) at the University of Auckland on Facebook, applied straight away, and was stoked to make it in.
I was fortunate enough to secure an internship at a blockchain start-up in the city of Shenzhen, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley” of China, located in Mainland China right on the border with Hong Kong (which you can see across the harbour). My role saw me coding websites, giving presentations on video games to developers, designing, marketing and even being the face of the company at technology conferences. I learnt a lot about international business and Chinese culture – which is vastly different to New Zealand.
Jack (centre) being interviewed by a journalist in Chicago, US.

During my internship I was sent to the USA. The company had plans to expand into the Western world, so being a Kiwi who was comfortable with public speaking, my employers thought it would be advantageous to showcase just how international our business was by having me as the face of the company in America!
I spent two weeks travelling in Las Vegas and Chicago. While in Las Vegas, I went to two blockchain conferences – one where I was given the opportunity to speak on stage on the topic of “Why should we decentralize the gaming industry?”, which is the main goal of our company. It was an incredible experience, sharing the stage with notable influencers in the industry including Gary Vaynerchuk (American-Belarusian entrepreneur) and Steve Wozniak (American philanthropist and tech entrepreneur who co-founded Apple).
After Vegas, I flew to Chicago – one of the most impressive cities in the States. The amazing river cruise that runs through the city provides views of the great architectural history, not to mention the delicious deep-dish pizza Chicago is famous for! My company sponsored a blockchain conference, where my role was to introduce the company to potential partners as well as getting involved in the Chicago blockchain community, meeting some great people.
"Experiencing other countries gives a wider perspective of business, as well as skills to approach tasks in a different way you might not have thought of. Moving to a foreign country is something I feel more people should do."
The PMSA gave me the opportunity to express my independence and confidence by travelling overseas to work and furthering my knowledge and experience from what I’d learnt at university. Not to mention seeing some amazing sights throughout China! I was lucky enough to get out of the city every other weekend, from exploring the Li River in Guilin by bamboo raft to looking over the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou. Each place has its own unique culture and flavour. Southern China is truly beautiful, with cloudless blue skies and some amazing beach days in 30-degree weather (or hotter).
CDES were extremely helpful throughout the whole process of planning for and heading off on my overseas internship. They made sure all the interns were comfortable travelling to China before the internship, and Catherine Stephens, the CDES manager, was always on hand to answer all my questions. Even now, they continue to help me with cover letters and CVs for job applications.
My advice to students looking at internships is to look at overseas opportunities. Experiencing other countries gives a wider perspective of business, as well as skills to approach tasks in a different way you might not have thought of. Moving to a foreign country, especially one where you don’t speak the language and that has a vastly different culture to your own, is something I feel more people should do. At first it can feel daunting but when you embrace it you will absolutely love it!
I’m so grateful for this opportunity and am now filled with a thirst to continue to learn about other cultures, as well as to keep up my Mandarin. And I’d like to go back to China again to visit the friends I made while I was there.
New Zealand commended for inclusivity and humanity at APAIE
A New Zealand delegation featuring all eight universities attended APAIE 2019 as part of a planned strategy to build New Zealand’s presence ahead of the 2021 conference which will be hosted in Auckland.
The 2019 conference, themed “Diversity and inclusivity in higher education”, attracted more than 2,500 delegates between 25-29 March.
Discussions centred around the role that international education could play to enable disparate cultures and communities to embrace diversity and difference.
This theme had particular resonance in the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack, and New Zealand’s response earned high praise from University of Oxford-educated Her Majesty The Permaisuri (Queen Consort) of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris. (Johor is a state in the south of the Malay Peninsula and shares maritime borders with Singapore and Indonesia.)
In her opening address of the conference, Raja Zarith Sofiah said: “While we at this conference speak about diversity and inclusivity as part of academic discussions and presentations, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and all New Zealanders, from students to biker groups, have shown what inclusivity truly means when it is more than just words and promises, but are acts of great kindness, acceptance and humanity.

“Indeed, the way that the schools and universities there showed their respect and empathy prove – beyond mere words – that the breadth and depth of diversity and inclusivity transcends all levels, giving everyone equal opportunities at being heard and being understood,” said Her Majesty.
New Zealand’s 2021 conference theme is “Innovation for sustainable futures” and will focus on building links between APAIE and universities in the South Pacific region.
With 2,500 – 3,000 delegates and at least 300 exhibition booths, it is expected to be the largest international education event to be held in New Zealand to date. It will be held in Auckland at the New Zealand International Conference Centre (NZICC), which is currently under construction.
“Over the next couple of years, ENZ will work with the New Zealand sector to build our presence at the APAIE conference British Columbia in 2020, so that the 2021 conference delivers for our education providers and showcases the best of our international education sector to the world” said Grant McPherson, ENZ Chief Executive.