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Girls in Tech plugs women into a career with computers
This year’s lucky recipients – the top 18 out of 436 total applicants – will have the opportunity to participate in fully funded courses with Hacktiv8, an Indonesian coding bootcamp and training provider.
“We are so glad to be able to offer further learning opportunities to women in Indonesia who are either already in tech or thinking about entering this fast-growing industry,” ENZ Programme Manager, Naluri Bella Wati, said.
It’s the sister initiative to ENZ and Girls in Tech Indonesia’s Arisan Digital 2020, a series of workshops delivered to members of Girls in Tech Indonesia and members of the public throughout last year.
The workshops featured top New Zealand academics and covered a range of topics, including cyber security, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, big data, and more. A total of 1,141 women across 20 cities in Indonesia participated in the hybrid and then virtual sessions.
“This industry-specific partnership with Girls in Tech allowed us to accomplish two key things: position New Zealand as a world leader in the area of tech education, and second, to showcase New Zealand’s unique teaching style in an innovative, offshore format,” Desiree said.
Both Arisan 2020 and the Girls in Tech Scholarship are part of the government’s Recovery Plan for International Education, under the internationalisation section of the ‘strengthening the system’ stream.
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Viet Nam kickstarts 2021 with series of offline student events
This January, ENZ’s team in Viet Nam sought out a number of opportunities for New Zealand providers to appear at in-person or hybrid events.
ENZ has also participated in a series of multi-destination education fairs organised by SiPM and ATS at three top high schools in Ha Noi, university admission day in the northern Vĩnh Phúc province, and a New Zealand University Fair co-hosted by ENZ at Nguyen Sieu school (a long-standing partner for several New Zealand institutions).
As travel restrictions are still in place around the world, these fairs are not necessarily aimed towards immediate student attraction. ENZ is attending these events as part of the marketing and brand protection work that comes under the third workstream of the Recovery Plan for International Education.
Many attendees expressed a wish to study in New Zealand, especially after learning about our successful COVID-19 response.
“Students and parents are still concerned about safety and political stability, so New Zealand is currently being viewed as an ideal destination for study when border restrictions are lifted,” ENZ Market Manager – Viet Nam, Van Banh, says.
Viet Nam’s economy was heavily impacted by COVID, but data still shows that Vietnam recorded net positive GDP growth in 2020, which is considered an impressive achievement in the present global context. As a result, other study destinations have also kept their promotional activities warm in this market.
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NZ-China education relationship strengthened
Chief Executive Grant McPherson says the Joint Working Group is a valuable mechanism for maintaining the long-standing education relationship between the countries, which dates back nearly 20 years.
“Joint initiatives including the innovative Tripartite Partnership, bring together our governments, as well as our researchers, educators and students and leverages New Zealand’s research strengths.”
The Secretary for Education, Iona Holsted, co-chaired the Joint Working Group meeting and led the New Zealand Delegation, with ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson and NZQA Chief Executive Dr Grant Klinkum. The Chinese delegation was led by the Vice-Minister of Education, Tian Xuejun.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Arrangement by the New Zealand Qualification Authority’s (NZQA) Chief Executive, Dr Grant Klinkum, and Director General of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), Mr Jiacai Cheng.
Dr Klinkum commented that: “This refreshed agreement reflects the value both organisations place on mutual cooperation regarding the exchange of information and qualification recognition arrangements.”
“As part of our future work together, the two agencies have agreed to establish a working group to better understand the opportunities and challenges related to recognising online qualifications.”Universities New Zealand representative Rebecca Needham said the Joint Working Group meeting was a timely reminder of the breadth of initiatives that continue to strengthen New Zealand's education links with China during a time of limited international mobility.
“The meeting was a valuable opportunity to undertake some deeper thinking about areas of longer-term cooperation, while continuing to celebrate the Chinese Scholarship Council students who are able to continue their study in New Zealand following the recent PhD border exceptions,” Needham said.
Chair of the International Working Group for Te Pūkenga, Tony Gray, said he was pleased to see the “genuine enthusiasm” at the Joint Working Group meeting to further develop tertiary education partnerships.
“There are many potential opportunities to collaborate with China as it implements its 2019 National Implementation Plan for Vocational Education Reform. There is real interest [from China] in understanding New Zealand's key vocational education and applied higher education practices and pedagogy,” Gray said.
“The Joint Working Group between China and New Zealand highlights the strength of our strategic education partnership and provides further impetus for key projects that are mutually beneficial,” ENZ Director – Greater China, Miranda Herbert, says. “It is pleasing to see that we’re both heading in the same direction with our internationalisation goals.”
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Around the world in five
IRELAND
Irish gov’t creates group to enhance student wellbeing
Ireland’s government has announced the creation of a new group, chaired by the Union of Students in Ireland, to examine how student wellbeing and engagement can be enhanced at the country’s higher education institutions.
GLOBAL
Why ethical internationalisation is no longer a choice
By catering mostly to rich kids from rich families in the developing world, we surely have to admit that international education in developed countries serves to reinforce the economic inequality and social stratification in students’ home societies.
NEW ZEALAND
Returning student happy with coffee and company
Hannah Mello (29) was the first Otago PhD student to return to complete their studies in New Zealand, under a Government scheme to allow up to 250 overseas PhD students to return the country.
AUSTRALASIA
Spotlight on Australia and New Zealand
ICEF Monitor featured a country spotlight on New Zealand (including the 1,000 cohort announcement and the global pathways initiative) to their e-subscriber base. Recent surveys among agents and students gave high marks – and top safety ratings – to Australia and New Zealand in the wake of the success that both countries have achieved in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
UNITED STATES
US: first Biden policies will “restore” international student confidence
US education organisations have welcomed Joseph Biden as the 46th president of the US, whose administration shows “encouraging signs” towards a more favourable climate for international education, science, and engagement with the world.
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Government announcement allows longer stays for visitor visa holders in NZ
What does this announcement mean for international students currently in New Zealand?
- This announcement is unlikely to have any impact on international students currently in New Zealand, as most students are likely holding student visas.
- Visitor visa holders who have not yet studied, may wish to consider undertaking a short course at an approved education provider.
- Visitor visa holders can study short course/s (or a term at school) of up to three months per 12 month period. The extension of visitor visas does not extend how long visitor visa holders may study for.
- Family members of students currently studying in New Zealand may benefit from the visitor visa extension if they remain in New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions, or otherwise choose to stay longer. Under the announcement they will also be able to apply for further visitor visas as the limit of time spent in New Zealand as a visitor has been temporarily suspended.
Immigration New Zealand will email affected visa holders to confirm the visa extension by 5 March 2021.
Where to go for more information:
- If you would like to know more, visit Immigration New Zealand for Information on visa extensions, new visa expiry dates, and changes to visa conditions
- Or see Minister Faafoi’s full press release
- This announcement is unlikely to have any impact on international students currently in New Zealand, as most students are likely holding student visas.
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MIQ costs changing for temporary visa holders
Our managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities are an essential part of our COVID-19 defence system. The fees charged to people who stay in MIQ are designed to strike a balance between the benefits to both the New Zealand public of having such a robust system, and those who leave and enter the country.
Currently, temporary entry visa class holders are liable to pay $3,100 for 14 days in managed isolation.
From 12:01am on 25 March 2021, anyone entering New Zealand on a temporary visa is now liable to pay the MIQ fee of:
- $5,520 (including GST) for the first or only person in the room;
- $2,990 for an additional adult in the same room;
- $1,610 for an additional child (aged 3-17 years) in the same room.
Charges for some stays in managed isolation were introduced in August 2020, as it was not financially sustainable for the Government to continue to fund all the costs of MIQ. The fees were set at two levels: one for returning New Zealanders and one for some temporary visa holders.
These new charges will help ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of MIQ, which is now expected to remain in place for at least the rest of 2021. However, as time has passed, Cabinet has decided that more people entering the country should contribute to the costs of their MIQ stay.
The fee level temporary visa holders pay is closer to the actual cost of MIQ, although the Government is still subsidising some of the cost.
The new fees are the same as those charged to critical workers entering the country under a border exception. Critical healthcare workers entering under a border exception will continue to be charged the current standard fee of $3,100 to ensure the healthcare workforce can be quickly scaled up in case of a resurgence of COVID-19.
MBIE can grant a full or partial waiver of managed isolation fees in cases of financial hardship or other special circumstances, or arrange a deferment of payment, for temporary entry visa class holders.
See the MIQ website for more details: https://www.miq.govt.nz/being-in-managed-isolation/charges-for-managed-isolation/
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Around the world in five
Around the World in Five
NEW ZEALAND
How New Zealand inspires and cares for international students
The government has recently announced that 1,000 students will be allowed to return to New Zealand in stages from April 2021 onwards. This initiative is just the tip of the iceberg in a series of efforts set to eventually unfold –– all part of a rigorous recovery plan for its international education sector. “It underscores the government’s commitment to the international education sector, which is important in the country’s long-term economic recovery from COVID-19,” says education minister Chris Hipkins.
UNITED STATES
Looking ahead into the unknown: US study abroad sector predicts cautious recovery
Pent up demand to travel and a resilient sector is giving US outbound program specialists hope – following the collapse of business as a result of the global health pandemic. But some warn that recovery will be gradual and the market will not return to its usual vitality until after 2024.
AUSTRALIA
‘Very concerning’: Indian students abandon Australian universities
The number of new Indian students choosing to study at Australian universities collapsed by more than 80 per cent in the second half of 2020, in a further blow to the country’s more than $30 billion international education system.
GLOBAL
New edtech startups aim to reinvent the online classroom
The chaos of 2020 forced educators to quickly adopt video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Google Meet to teach their students remotely. While none of those services had been specifically built for education, it hasn’t taken long for a new generation of edtech providers to enter the marketplace.
GLOBAL
Why universities will need to digitalise to survive
Universities, and the role they play in society, are under threat from the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
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No NZIEC in 2021
Although it may be disappointing, this decision provides clarity for our conference partners, exhibitors and delegates and enables us to focus our resources on supporting the industry’s recovery.
While NZIEC will not go ahead this year, we are planning a range of engagements across the sector. This includes our regular meetings with peak bodies and regional partners as well as specific hui to progress the International Education Recovery Plan.
We’re also exploring other ways in which we can bring the sector together to discuss shared priorities and challenges without the costs involved with NZIEC. We are in the initial stages of planning and will be able to advise further details later in the year. Stay tuned to E-News for the latest information – you can sign up for it here.
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What is ‘transforming to a more sustainable future state’?
ENZ has been tasked with a programme of work that focuses on the diversification of education products and services. It forms part of the Government’s International Education Recovery Plan, under the “Transforming to a More Sustainable Future State” workstream.
Its overarching objective is to build sector resilience and diversify our offerings to broaden and enhance the value that international education brings to New Zealand over the longer term. This programme of work complements the Recovery Plan’s other focus areas, including early return of students and strengthening the system.
Although the pandemic has accelerated it, the need for diversification through a greater range of innovative products and services was first recognised in the 2018 New Zealand International Education Strategy (NZIES) under Goal 2, ‘Achieving Sustainable Growth’.
We now find ourselves in an environment that has already changed – we must respond to it, both in the short-term while borders are closed, and longer-term to build resilience against further big shocks.
We have a big opportunity now to identify areas where New Zealand can develop new high-value, high quality offerings that are grounded in the unique strengths of New Zealand and our education providers, and to wrap our education system and offerings around those areas.
Areas of focus
It’s important to note that this programme of work is not just about exploring other modes of delivery or a big digital project headed by the Government. Under the Recovery Plan there are three areas of focus in the Diversifying Products & Services programme:
- Exploration, testing and development of new products and services, as per Goal 2 of the NZIES and the 2020 sector Future Focus Programme funding
- Exploration of online platforms or partnerships, both to deliver online products but also to connect with audiences with a specific interest in online learning and/or online pathways to study in New Zealand
- Offshore pathways that will enable learners to begin their New Zealand journey from their home country and then transfer directly into qualifications offered in New Zealand.
We've already made a good start around our exploration of offshore pathway models with the Global New Zealand Education Pathways partnership with NCUK and New Zealand’s eight universities, launched December 2020.
Our overall goal is to support our established model of in-bound mobility with new and different ways of learning and in the long-term grow the overall value of our industry. Additionally, we want to ensure we maximise international education’s contribution to New Zealand’s wider international connectedness.
As Minister Mahuta said in a recent speech, “I believe that diplomacy is intergenerational in intent, where we put people, planet, peace and prosperity for all at the centre.”
Our international education offerings across in-bound and out-bound mobility, including blended, online and offshore delivery, can all be key enablers of this wider vision for our people and planet.
How are we going to do it?
The project team is currently exploring ideas around both innovative means of connecting with audiences (i.e. technology and channels), but also ideas for the evolution of education products, services and experiences that we might offer to international learners.
As a first step, ENZ ran an envisioning workshop in December with a range of innovation leaders from across different industries. From this, we’ve gained a draft vision of direction for future product and service offerings, and identified a set of emerging strategic themes.
The next step was taking these themes, ideas and concepts from December’s workshop and exploring further with govt agencies, and in a subsequent envisioning workshop with the same group of innovation leaders.
These workshops, and future sessions with members of the sector, learners and other stakeholders will co-design around agreed themes, from which ENZ will develop prototypes to test in association with the sector and potential audiences.
The project team and I are very much looking forward to updating and involving you as we progress in this co-design and prototype process over the next few months. We will make sure to keep you updated and aware of opportunities for engagement through E-News, your Business Development Manager, and your peak body.
Ngā mihi,
Paul Irwin
ENZ General Manager – Partnerships & Marketing
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Kōrerorero is back for 2021
Aimed at audiences in the Americas and Europe, the session will be moderated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Waikato, Dr Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai.
Learn more and register here.
Kōrerorero in 2020
Kōrerorero is a virtual series of webinars, or conversations that matter, between education leaders in New Zealand and Latin America.
The series aims to promote New Zealand’s academic excellence in Latin America, and draw connections between us on key issues like Indigenous education, tourism, the creative industries and agritech.
A total of 1121 people registered for the five 2020 sessions, hailing from over 20 different countries.
ENZ would like to thank all our panelists so far:
- Representatives from AUT, University of Otago, Lincoln University, Massey University, and the University of Waikato.
- Government representatives from Tourism New Zealand, Innpulsa (Colombia), the Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil and the NZ Special Agriculture Trade Envoy (SATE).
- AD Instruments, Pik Pok Gaming, EduSystems, Livestock Improvement Corp., Miramar Creative.
Missed an episode of Kōrerorero?
