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International students teach Kiwis about the world
Invercargill’s James Hargest College currently hosts 25 to 30 long-term international students, in addition to several visiting groups throughout the year. College staff have seen the positive difference having international students can make.
Jenny Elder, Deputy Principal and Director of International Students, says the College runs an International Friendship Club, which benefits the wider school community as well as the internationals.
“Properly integrating visiting students into the school community alongside their Kiwi peers is key, and well worth the effort,” Elder said.
“We find it’s the best way to break down barriers. International students open the eyes of our local students to the world, which is important given a number of our students have not travelled or experienced living in other communities.”
The International Friendship Club organises social activities and events for international students including ice-skating, skiing, pot luck dinners, quiz nights, picnics, barbeques and movie nights. It also assigns international students with Kiwi “buddies” who help them with schoolwork, show them around and even make welcome gifts and celebrate their birthdays.
"International students have experienced different cultures, giving them perspective our students can learn from."
English teacher Anna McDowall says the international students are also bringing new experiences to the classroom, and has witnessed first-hand how invaluable their perspectives are in a learning environment.
“International students have already experienced different countries and cultures, giving them insights and perspective our students can learn from,” said Anna.
“For example, studying a classic like [George Orwell’s novel] 1984 with a student who has lived under a corrupt government helped Kiwi students to see how surveillance can strip our individuality, and how preserving our freedom is vital.
“We are very fortunate in New Zealand, and that means some of the big ideas in our texts are beyond our students’ comprehension – international students provide the reality of these issues worldwide and help our Kiwi kids to empathise and understand other perspectives, hopefully creating better citizens.
“After all, He aha te mea nui? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”
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Kiwis in Zhuhai
Facilitated by InternChina, the experience included an intensive two-week course in Mandarin, as well as a range of cultural activities including a Chinese tea ceremony, calligraphy and tai chi, followed by an eight-week internship at a company relating to their individual interests.
Ashleigh Yi
“We dived head-first into life in Zhuhai by being immersed in cultural activities, Chinese language classes, and living with a homestay family. This experience has been filled with delicious food and wonderful people. My favourite part was our visit to the New Zealand consulate in Guangzhou – learning more about New Zealand’s relationship with China was right up my alley of interest in international business and relations.”
Kimberly Wong
“My internship has allowed me to deepen my competencies in law as well broaden my knowledge of the business environment in China. The advice and guidance I have received has been a great insight into what is expected at top tier law firms. It has affirmed my passion to pursue a career in law and has opened my mind to potentially working in China in the future.”
"My internship was an amazing opportunity to build a wide network of contacts and experience. It has been absolutely invaluable."
Amber Alott
“As a city, Zhuhai is miniscule by Chinese standards, but bigger than any city in New Zealand. I spent my first two weeks getting lost on the streets, but thanks to the kindness of strangers, I was never lost for long.
“For someone who had just finished studying, my internship was an amazing opportunity to build a wide network of contacts and experience working in a completely different framework. It has been absolutely invaluable. Whatever the future may hold for me career-wise, I know now that I’ll be able to handle it.”
Nick Goldstein“I think the most valuable thing that all the classes, activities, trips and events have taught me is the soft skills: cultural appreciation, empathy, an ability to work in another culture.
“Through my internship I have learnt about the Chinese legal system, and how Chinese and Western business practices differ. It is not all work though, with weekend long excursions performing songs from New Zealand and China. This could be the scariest thing of the entire trip!”
Nicole Streeter
“I’ve been working for a graphic design team, doing anything from photo editing, brand design, to product brainstorming and mock-ups for clients. I came to this job as a complete newbie but it’s been great to be able to further hone my skills, and learn how a product goes from a brief to a fully realised product. I can definitely see this experience being useful for my future roles.”
"The food, culture and way of life is different – but if you are open to new things you’ll go a long way."
The students doing tai chi at the beach
Kim Whitwell
“Zhuhai has been a comfortable transition for my first venture in Asia. The food is different, the culture is different, the way of life is different – but if you are open to new things and attempt communication with a smile, you’ll go a long way. My internship is with a charity that raises money for disadvantaged children. It has been interesting to see how a charity operates from the inside and I am proud to have worked with an organisation that is working towards a better future.”
Helaman White
“The most enjoyable time for me has been interacting with the locals. Interning in a multi-cultural organisation that has so many cultural pulls has shown me that a single western approach with employees doesn’t work; adapting and integrating the individual strengths and backgrounds is more effective.”
Briana McIver
“I had a soft landing into the Chinese culture before starting my internship, with 30 hours of cohesive and intense language classes. The internship itself has a lot of self-direction and has been a really great opportunity to try a variety of tasks. I worked on anything from designing posters to implementing new business processes.”
Aimee Jones
“I really enjoyed the New Zealand Consulate visit, it was interesting to find out how New Zealand and China connect on a business level; it also revealed potential career paths I hadn’t previously considered. Tai Chi on the beach was another personal favourite, even if we did make a bit of a spectacle of ourselves!
“At my internship I do the social media marketing for a small Mandarin school. The biggest perk is the free Mandarin lessons; my goal by the end to be able to order my own meal and actually know what I’m eating!”
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Hosting international students runs in the family
Front left: Dew, 17 from Thailand is on the left, and Kaho, 17 from Japan in the middle with Vicki on the right, and her children in the background.
Over the last three years, Vicki and her husband have welcomed three international students into their family while they studied at Nelson’s Garin College.
These international “big sisters” – Thai, Japanese and German nationals – have played an important role in introducing Vicki's two children to new cultures.
“We haven’t travelled much internationally, so it’s a great way for the kids to be exposed to different cultures and new languages,” said Vicki.
“The students have each had a real impact on the kids, they miss them when they go back home. Though they do keep in contact through Skype, email and Snapchat.”
"It’s a nice example to set for the kids – to care for other people, to share your home.”
During their time in New Zealand the students have joined the Maxwell family for birthdays, holidays and trips out of town.
Vicki has had international students join her family all her life. Both her parents and grandparents hosted students while she was growing up, and are still in touch with a number of them today. Vicki’s parents were even invited to one student’s wedding in China as ‘guests of honour’ – a title that acknowledged the important role they had played in the student’s life. Vicki and her sisters are now happy to carry on the family tradition.
“Hosting students brings a different element to our family, which we all value,” said Vicki.
“I also think it has made me a more giving person. It’s a nice example to set for the kids – to care for other people, to look after someone else and to share your home with them.”
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International student boarders in Wanganui
Rosie Austin, WCS Associate Director of International Students, says this arrangement means international students don’t just form friendships, they form families.
“If you talk to ex-Collegiate students, the question isn’t ‘who are your friends?’ but ‘which house were you in?’” says Rosie.
“At Collegiate, your boarding house is your family, and the relationships that are formed here last a lifetime.”
Rosie says spending time with international students helps local students develop cultural literacy, something she believes will prove extremely valuable for them.
“Living with people from different backgrounds teaches Kiwi students to help other people adapt, and to respect cultural differences.
“These skills are only going to become more important – for university, in their working lives, travel, and in their future communities” says Rosie.
To help students form bonds and integrate into the school community, Collegiate runs an inter-house competition throughout the year, with all students competing in a range of events including swimming sports, athletics day, music competitions, debating, tug-of-war and tikanga. The International Committee also organise an annual beach day, a trip to Wellington and other day trips.
One of the highlights each year, as part of the school special character, is the international chapel service organised by the students and features every language represented in the school community.
"Living with people from different backgrounds teaches Kiwi students to help other people adapt, and to respect cultural differences."
Extra-curricular activities are popular with international students. A Japanese student is currently the current Head of Tennis, and Collegiate’s swimming captain is a Hong Kong national. Rosie says they also contribute enormously to Collegiate’s music department. A current student from Taiwan is a School Blueshirt (prefect) and Head of Music.
“As members of the school choir, youth orchestra and jazz band, international students are often out and about performing for the local community. Some are playing in the Wanganui Orchestra.”
Rosie says when international students complete their education, it is always an emotional time.
“It is hard for international students to say goodbye to their Collegiate family. Seeing how close they have become to New Zealand students is one of the highlights of the job.”
International students on the Tongariro Crossing
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Fun and games at Christchurch student welcome
The event was held at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and offered free food, games – including jenga, table tennis, and a Rugby 101 workshop led by the BNZ Crusaders – as well as a number of live music and cultural performances such as kapa haka, Indian Bangara dancing and a traditional Chinese lion dance.
Canterbury’s community groups and tourism operators were also on hand to greet new students, alongside Christchurch Deputy mayor Andrew Turner, who gave a welcome speech.
ChristchurchNZ International Education Programme Manager Bree Loverich was pleased to see such a strong turnout.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together new students, international education staff, homestay families and volunteers to celebrate our different cultures and showcase all there is to see and do in Christchurch and Canterbury,” said Bree.
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SIEBA connects schools and agents
The SIEBA forum sought to meet the growing demand to place international students around New Zealand by enabling introductions between Auckland-based education agents and New Zealand schools outside of Auckland.
Richard Kyle, ENZ Business Development Manager, said the event was a huge success with the buzz of new relationships being formed throughout the morning.
“Representatives from schools, regional bodies and agencies had the chance to meet and learn about each other’s work and objectives.
“We congratulate SIEBA on its continued focus to add value and growth to the school sector.”
SIEBA has received positive feedback from agents, who were pleased to grow their understanding of different schools and different regions, and how they might better match students to both.
SIEBA member schools in attendance were equally pleased and welcomed the opportunity to meet more New Zealand-based agents.
“As a new Director, I found this event invaluable for making contact with fellow Directors and a wide variety of local agents,” said James Elder, Thames High School.
“Once again, the SIEBA team are leading from the front and it was a wonderful initiative to be able to connect with agents and other school representatives,” said Megan McKenzie, Southland Girls’ High School.
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Around the world in five
CHINA
Luring back talent is top priority to fuel innovation
Attracting Chinese students back from abroad has become policy at the highest level of the Chinese government in a bid to fuel innovation as the country moves away from reliance on manufacturing.
MALAYSIA
You can now get a visa to study in Malaysia within a week
Under new regulations, international students can obtain their student visa in just seven days – part of the government’s aim to double Malaysia’s international student population to 200,000 by 2020.
FRANCE
Emmanuel Macron ‘to double the number of Indian students coming to France’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. The French President interacted with students in New Delhi, where he invited students to pursue education in France.
EUROPE
Germany ranked as most attractive study destination in Europe
An annual ranking of European study destinations places Germany as the most attractive option for international students, thanks to a growing number of courses offered in English and with the lowest unemployment rate for university graduates in Europe.
UK and AUSTRALIA
UK and Australia seek to 'turbocharge' higher education links
Universities UK and Universities Australia will work together to boost joint research, student and academic exchanges, and mutual recognition of each other’s qualifications.
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Victoria offers world's first restorative justice MOOC
Restorative Justice and Practice: Emergence of a Social Movement is the latest Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) delivered through VictoriaX, the VUW edX platform.
The course will teach restorative practices while tracing how restorative justice has grown from small beginnings into a wider social movement for change across New Zealand, including in schools, families, workplaces and community agencies.
Course instructor Professor Chris Marshall, Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice in Victoria’s School of Government, hopes the platform’s global reach will amplify the course content.
“Restorative justice is a new lens for looking at the problem of human justice, conflict and wrongdoing. New Zealand has played a key role in this social movement by incorporating restorative practices into our justice, welfare and education systems,” said Professor Marshall.
“This is a great opportunity for New Zealand to promote its pioneering role in incorporating restorative practices in our schools, which play an important role in student disciplinary regimes, as well as in improving student and staff wellbeing generally.”
The course is the third from VUW, which launched Antarctica: From Geology to Human History and New Zealand Landscape as Culture: Islands (Ngā Motu) last year.
Restorative Justice and Practice: Emergence of a Social Movement starts 1 May 2018.
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NZTC brings ECE teaching to Malaysia
NZTC’s three-year Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) degree has been approved for delivery in Malaysia through Kolej Dika – a respected specialist early childhood teacher education provider.
NZTC Chief Executive Selena Fox said this makes NZTC the first New Zealand tertiary education provider to have a degree accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education.
“This achievement is of international importance for New Zealand and Malaysia, celebrating innovation, shared commitment to excellence and creating opportunity for a specialised degree in Malaysia for teachers of young children,” said Ms Fox.
NZTC is New Zealand’s largest provider of early childhood teacher education.
Malaysian diploma students can now upgrade to NZTC’s internationally recognised and accredited degree to teach, educate and care for children and families.
“NZTC has been working on establishing educational relationships in Malaysia for a number of years and it will be exciting to see these relationships grow to a new level in the years ahead,” said Fox.
The Bachelor of Education (ECE) is also the first New Zealand qualification to be approved for National Higher Education Fund loans for Malaysian students.
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Around the world in five
GLOBAL
University applicants turn away from US and UK
Canada has overtaken the UK as a preferred study destination for international university applicants, according to the 2018 QS Applicant Survey. The survey provides further evidence that international students are increasingly rejecting the UK in favour of other English-speaking destinations.
SOUTH EAST ASIA
South East and East Asia’s growing popularity with international students
South East Asia’s lower study and living costs, coupled with its offering of an ‘exciting study abroad experience not too far from home’, is attracting international students from the wider Asia-Pacific region.
UK
Take students out of migration stats, say policymakers and stakeholders
A forum about the UK’s future immigration policy included lengthy discussion about the inclusion of international students in the net migration target, with many arguing it creates the perception that the UK is unwelcoming to students.
BRAZIL
Brazil to get 'Singapore-style' education thanks to teacher training deal
More than 50,000 students in Brazil will soon be provided with a more Singaporean-style education, thanks to a memorandum of understanding with Singapore’s National Institute of Education to improve the education system in Brazil.
MALTA
Increasing international English language enrolments
More than 87,000 international students attended English language schools in Malta in 2017, seeking “a high quality of English teaching accompanied with the sun and the safety of the island.”
