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International student employment: overcoming barriers
The panel, chaired by ENZ’s Director Student Experience, Hayley Shields, featured a diverse and informed range of views from
- Brett Berquist, Director International at the University of Auckland
- Dr Cate Gribble, Senior Research Analyst at the University of Auckland
- James Koo, former international student and founder and CEO of Niesh, a free student discounts app
- Paul Hickey, Managing Director at SpeakData
- Charan Mohan, former international student and now Business Intelligence Analyst at SpeakData.
Dr Cate Gribble talked about the need to raise awareness of the benefits to businesses of employing international students to counter employer concerns around the challenges of international student employees, including perceptions they won’t fit culturally, their English will be limited or that their visa situation will make paperwork too challenging. Students also find their international work experience in their home country is not always valued here, and employers often require New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
Brett Berquist added that we need to counter the perception that international students will not stick around.
“The reality is that all students, both domestic and international, are equally mobile. Employers need to stop thinking Kiwis make employees for life, and that international students are a flight risk.”
James Koo said the lack of transparency around these concerns is a challenge for international students. As a result, many international students end up sending a generic CV and cover letter to any and all available jobs, too discouraged to spend time tailoring their CVs to each role.
James also noted that student expectations can sometimes be unrealistic, and some students expect to work in large, prestigious companies whereas most New Zealand companies are SMEs – which he noted can actually offer more opportunities and experiences for students and recent graduates.
SpeakData’s Paul Hickey then talked about his experience hiring international students, such as fellow panellist Charan Mohan. While Charan clearly had the hard skills required for his company, Paul needed to be convinced of his soft skills, which he calls being ‘Kiwi-ready.’
“Often, international students come into interviews and talk solely about their studies and qualifications when actually, we’re just as interested in hearing about their interests outside of work.
“That social aspect plays a big part – sharing a story about kayaking in Taupo at the weekend or going to an All Blacks game is an easy way to connect with Kiwi employers.”
Paul also talked about the need to work with institutions to create a pipeline of talent.
“Employers often take a short-term view and hire people ‘just in time’ rather than looking ahead, whereas if you expect to have 10 new positions available in two years’ time, why not try to establish a pipeline for talent through local institutions who can connect you with new graduates with relevant skills?”
Panellists also agreed that having internships and work experience in education programmes will also help international students get into the job market when they graduate.
Brett concluded that while all these approaches can reduce barriers, ultimately, a strategy is required – supported by data that is already available in reports such as the Ministry of Education’s ‘Moving Places’, ENZ’s Beyond the Economic and Immigration New Zealand data.
It is an ongoing discussion that will continue to be in the spotlight in New Zealand as the industry works to meet international student expectations of global employability.
Alumni embrace tikanga Māori in Vermont
The North American Whānau Council – East Coast is one of three Whānau Councils worldwide (the other two being Europe and the USA’s West Coast) and is made up of AUT alumni who attended the Noho Marae weekend at AUT’s Ngā Wai o Horotiu marae.
There, students learned what it means to be whānau and experienced a range of Māori cultural activities including sleeping on the marae and learning waiata and the haka.
Jason King (centre) Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Maori & Indigenous Development, AUT with brother Charles and wife Andrea.

Originally a student-driven initiative in Europe, the Whānau Councils are now supported formally by AUT and Jason King, AUT’s Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development. Jason and his wife Andrea make an annual trip to each of the Whānau Councils’ AGMs.
Lewis Gibson, ENZ Field Director, North America, attended this year’s events with students from Champlain College (currently hosting its first Māori student on campus) and the University of Vermont (UVM) where AUT has exchange programmes.
“The Whānau Councils act as local communities for alumni to maintain their connections to each other, New Zealand and Māori culture.
“They’ve also been instrumental in helping US universities connect with their own tangata whenua; the Chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki tribe, Don Stevens, attended Whānau Council events this month to show support. For these students, it was the first time many had had any interaction with the Abenaki.”
Lewis said the experience these students had at AUT’s Noho Marae has profoundly impacted them, turning them into lifelong advocates for New Zealand, its education system and Māori culture.
“By embracing an indigenous culture on the other side of the world these students have found a home away from home and a whānau they belong to.”
This sense of belonging has remained long after those students left New Zealand. Today, a large number of alumni from both UVM and Champlain College have become teachers, sharing Māori culture in their own classrooms with their students.
“By incorporating lessons and culture from New Zealand, these alumni are exposing US students to the benefits of a New Zealand education, as well as actively sharing their positive New Zealand education experiences with their peers in the wider community.
“This encourages more US students to participate in study abroad opportunities in New Zealand, and further entrenches the kiwi connections in Vermont,” Lewis said.
Improving orientation programmes
At NZIEC 2018, a number of breakout sessions talked about the need to reconsider current approaches to orientation and student support in order to improve the student experience and increase their intercultural competence.
Izzie Guo

In the Inspiring global citizens panel discussion: How can we make a difference? Izzie Guo, ChristchurchNZ’s Student Experience Coordinator talked about their Student Ambassador programme, and how positive student experiences are often shaped by the social and extracurricular space, not the academic.
“Student Ambassadors are involved in events and activities around the city, some volunteer, some organise and MC big events like our Student Welcome. It’s a way to improve their interpersonal skills and make new friends. It helps them settle in and build connections,” said Izzie.
Student Ambassadors are also the first connection that new international students make – they run the airport welcome and support orientations at institutions, welcoming and greeting new students in their own language, asking them about their home and breaking the ice.
Education Tauranga has taken a similar approach. In Redefining orientation programmes, Anne Young talked about how Education Tauranga has redefined its orientation programme by holding events throughout the year to mitigate ‘culture shock’ and help students achieve a smooth transition to life and study in Tauranga.
Education Tauranga's international student orientation in February 2018

“For most people, orientation means the first two weeks a student arrives, but that’s really an induction to their education provider and region. Orientation should go well beyond that, because the transition to a new setting takes more than two weeks.
“The key is continual engagement. Throughout the year, you need to build relationships with international students and their families and show you have a continued offer.”
AFS research supports this approach. In her presentation, Global competence development in international education: Tools to make it happen, Marcela Lapertosa, AFS Director of Education and Intercultural Learning, said skilled facilitation and regular reflection is the answer.
Marcela Lapertosa

“It is not enough to make one phone call to a student each month asking yes or no questions, “do you like your homestay,” “do you like your school” – there needs to be an attempt to unpack differences, challenges and perceptions.”
AFS has undertaken research in this area to develop the AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum, which includes a variety of one-on-one and group activities to help students reflect and understand their new surroundings and how best to navigate it.
“For example, you could ask the student and their host family to draw a picture of the floorplan of their home and use questions to learn more about each other: Where does your family spend the most time? What does a closed door mean? Does it mean someone is mad at you, or that they want privacy?” This kind of exercise shows how different cultural values are reflected in a building and can help students and their host family understand one another,” said Marcela.
“It can also make it easier for students to open up who are not natural reflectors, especially when done in a group with their homestay family or school peers.”
The X-factor: What makes an experience exceptional
Led by Hayley Shields, ENZ’s Director Student Experience, and Jason Cate from TNS New Zealand, a breakout session at NZIEC 2018 did a deep dive into the key findings of the student experience in New Zealand, including economic wellbeing, education experience, social inclusion and health and wellbeing.
Hayley and Jason revealed the highest impact driver of student experience in New Zealand is education quality, followed by lifestyle, environment, and work and career.
“New Zealand’s key strength of education quality specifically relates to the sub-driver of teacher quality – the level of individual respect and recognition students receive from their teachers, and the contribution this makes to personal growth,” said Hayley.
The research also shows that there are multiple drivers and sub-drivers impacting the student experience, including where the student is from, where they are studying, and at what stage of their study journey they are.
“This suggests that New Zealand should continue to support the cultural integration of students and graduates in New Zealand and focus on social inclusion initiatives.
“The longer students are in New Zealand, the more important relationships with locals are.
“Improving experiences that may lead to full time work and career development was also a strong theme and the key experiential weakness in the study. Students expect to be able to access meaningful work experiences as part of their study experience in New Zealand,” Hayley said.
The presentation concluded with some key messages for industry to consider:
- Market what is unique and special about the New Zealand education experience as it is a differentiator.
- Consider the key student experience drivers when designing student experience strategies.
- Take a student-centred approach to design and delivery of the student experience.
- How can the international education sector partner with communities to deliver a quality international student experience?
Hayley said it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the student experience directly impacts the New Zealand international education brand.
“The research confirms that student experience is central to international students’ motivations – both in coming to New Zealand and having a long-term positive affiliation with our country.
“A successful student experience generates advocacy for New Zealand and will ensure the sustainability of the sector,” she said.
The ‘Understanding the International Student Experience in New Zealand’ report can be found on Intellilab here.
Student speakers at NZIEC 2018
WelTec student Angelique Viola came from the Philippines to study accounting here, leaving behind a secure job and taking a leap of faith. After graduation, her goal is to find employment as an accountant in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. My tutors were supportive and made me feel comfortable to ask them questions. It helped me cope up with my studies and boosted my confidence. Other support, like the free shuttle bus provided by my school, was also a big help.
2. It is the first time that I encountered a study break during the school semester. That one-week break helped me to cool off before the final exams.
3. The Work-Ready Wellington programme helped me learn about New Zealand’s working environment.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Finding a part-time job related to the field I am studying.
2. The cost of transportation is quite expensive.
3. It’s challenging to find an institution that offers free seminars/training to enhance specific skills I am lacking.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I am taking a Graduate Diploma in accounting and it would be beneficial to have on-the-job style training and to learn software such as Xero or MYOB in the curriculum. This would definitely help me in my job hunt since most New Zealand employers are looking for experienced individuals.

Yuki Sugito left Japan to study at Wainuiomata High School – party driven by the appeal of the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. He has become involved in kapa haka, competing in the national championships with his school group. He plans to study tourism management at the University of Otago, and also wants to teach Japanese to Kiwis.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. I like learning about New Zealand culture. At school, I participate in Kapa Haka and get to learn the significance of Māori traditions.
2. New Zealand school is less strict than Japan and I can relate to the teachers and build good relationships.
3. I can practice my English every day.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Learning English is hard. In Japanese we don’t pronounce “r’s” and “l’s”. Also, the slang New Zealanders use is hard to get used to.
2. In New Zealand you have to self-manage your time. In Japan you “must” do things, in New Zealand you “should” do things, but no one makes you do it. You have to be motivated to achieve.
3. The NCEA system is different and hard. The system in New Zealand means if you don’t get your credits you can’t go to university. In Japan, the universities don’t operate like this.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
The classes for each subject in school are longer than in Japan. I wish New Zealand had at least a 10-minute break between classes. In Japan, classes are 50 minutes long with a small break in between which makes you feel recharged to learn the next subject.

Jingxin 'Ada' Wang is originally from China, and studied a master’s degree in accounting at Victoria University of Wellington. She enjoys travelling and has embraced hiking since being in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Excellent international student insurance – I don’t need worry about any accidents.
2. Help from the international students centre, they give you the best advice no matter what issues you struggle with. There are also lots of discounts for international students such as gyms, barbershops and restaurants.
3. I went to a Work-Ready course organised by Wellington Council, which made it easier for me to find employment after graduating.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. The Kiwi accent was very hard to understand at the beginning, and it was difficult for people to understand my own accent.
2. It’s hard to find delicious and authentic Chinese food in New Zealand.
3. Winter is my nightmare, and the weather here is always so rainy, windy and cold!
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I wish I had more support from my university about New Zealand etiquette and taboo. International students need to mingle into New Zealand culture and society and know the appropriate way to speak and to behave.
Māori and Pasifika experiences: diversifying our outbound programmes
At NZIEC, Jason Cushen, University of Otago’s Director, International and Claire Porima, Senior Project Manager, Office of Māori Development, talked about the need to diversify New Zealand’s outbound cohort and reduce barriers for Māori and Pasifika students.
“Our international exchange programme is 21 years old. In that time, the demographics of Otago’s student body have diversified, with currently 12% of our students Māori and 8% Pasifika – yet outbound numbers for Māori and Pasifika students remain low.
“In fact, the profile of the average student on that programme hasn’t changed. A typical Otago exchange student would be a 19 or 20-year-old Pākehā female from Epsom. Our Māori students are underrepresented amongst those engaged with international education opportunities.”
To overcome cultural and social barriers, the university launched Tūrangawaewae Pōkai Whenua in July 2018, an indigenous exchange programme connecting Māori with indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and the US.
Jason Cushen at NZIEC 2018

“Programmes like this go beyond just an institutional relationship, the relationship with indigenous community is equally important. It adds richness to the experience we can offer Māori students, and can help Māori parents who feel uneasy about their whanau going abroad to feel more comfortable. We are hopeful that this will increase in the future of the programme – already we have 13 MOUs with iwi about developing opportunities for their rangatahi at Otago.”
ENZ is facing similar challenges with the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA) programmes. Christine Roberts, ENZ’s Student Scholarships Manager is working on a strategy to encourage wider diversity.
“Māori and Pasifika are significantly underrepresented in those applying for these scholarship programmes. We know there are quality candidates out there but many lack the confidence to apply or face other barriers.
“Sometimes family are not keen on them travelling during their studies, they may see it as a distraction and worry about taking time out of their course and extending the time it takes to complete their degree. Many students also face significant family commitments and responsibilities that make it difficult to get away. And many simply just don’t hear about the programme.
“There’s also a perception that scholarships are exclusively for wealthy students with the highest academic grades, but actually we place more importance on the ambassadorial role, alumna support role, community service, youth leadership qualities and broader cultural experience that many bring.
“We are working on an engagement strategy to change this. Our goal is to have an outbound programme that is reflective of – and values the contributions of all New Zealanders.”
Viet Nam: a school sector approach
Viet Nam is a growing international education market for New Zealand, with particular opportunities in the school sector.
Following an ENZ-commissioned report that proposed recommendations and opportunities for consideration in the market, ENZ has worked with SIEBA to prioritise these and develop an implementation plan with goals and actions.
For further information, ENZ is running a webinar on Thursday 25 October from 2.00 – 3.00pm.
This webinar will provide you with key findings from the report, details of the implementation plan and how your institution can get involved.
Click here to register
Please note: This webinar is only open to representatives from New Zealand education institutions, government and regional partners.
Copies of the report and implementation plan will be soon be available on IntelliLab.
Japanese agriculture students visit Southland
The students, known as Chikujyo (“ari-girls” in Japanese)came from agricultural high schools across Japan to spend 12 days in Southland at Southland Girls' High School, which offered ESOL classes and technical training in farming. Alongside this, the students visited Fonterra Edendale, Blue River Dairy, Southern Dairy Hub research farm and other dairy farms with women in leadership roles. The Southern Institute of Technology also assisted with some activities.
Misa Kitaoka, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan said the programme generated significant media coverage in Japan and is a great example of industry and institutions collaborating to deliver a programme that highlights New Zealand’s unique education offerings and expertise.
“Students were impressed by the efficiency and productivity of agriculture practices in New Zealand, and the support for women in farming. They left feeling that farming in New Zealand allows a good work life balance,” said Misa.
“I am so inspired by the girls who are using what they learned in New Zealand to promote a new image of working in agriculture that’s more accessible for new entrants, especially females.”
The programme was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ New Entrant’s and Women’s Division, in consultation with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Primary Industries and ENZ. It was administered by the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council and was funded by the Japan Racing Association.
NZLC wins fifth Study Travel Star Award
For the fifth year running, New Zealand Language Centres (NZLC) Ltd has won the Study Travel (ST) Star Award for Star English Language School, Southern Hemisphere.
The ST Star Awards recognise excellence in the international education industry. The ceremony was held in London earlier this month in front of some 1200 industry representatives from around the world.
The fifth win marked the induction of NZLC into the ST Super Star Hall of Fame, an unprecedented achievement by a New Zealand based international education provider.
Miles Stewart, NZLC Co-Director said the win shows that NZLC has the ability to compete and succeed on a global scale and sets benchmark standards for others to follow.
“Being recognised by our peers as a Super Star organisation demonstrates that NZLC represents a new way of providing industry-leading education and opportunities for our students and our partner businesses. This is something we continue to be extremely proud of.”
NZLC beat out the four other nominees in its category: Greenwich English College Australia, Impact English College Australia, Langports English Language College Australia and Languages International New Zealand.
NZLC is one of the largest English language schools in New Zealand, an NZQA Category 1 school and a member of English New Zealand.
Brazil’s untapped potential
Brazil is New Zealand’s largest source of international students in Latin America. Last year, almost 3,600 Brazilians studied in New Zealand and Ana Azevedo, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager for Brazil, says there is more room for growth.

“For institutions seeking quality students and diversity, Brazil may be the answer. According to the Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association, more than 300,000 Brazilians studied abroad in 2017, so there is huge untapped potential in this market to be explored,” said Ana.

As country of honour, Brazil featured in two NZIEC breakout sessions.

In From Zero to Hero: How to lead a successful education strategy in Latin America Professor Kerry Taylor from Massey University shared his experience in developing links with Brazilian universities, jumping from zero to 10 agreements in only three years. Taylor emphasised that “nothing substantial will come from one single visit” and highlighted the importance of a proposition that meets your partner institution’s needs, saying “the best relations are mutually beneficial.”

The second session, Spotlight on Brazil: Finding your place in the sun, featured a panel of representatives from New Zealand secondary and tertiary institutions about their own success in the Brazilian market. Key recommendations included maintaining a consistent presence with the market, building and maintaining a personal relationship with local education agents and institutions and investing in digital marketing so Brazilian students can find you – Brazilians spend an average of three hours a day on social media platforms, mainly YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp.

Delegates also  enjoyed delicious Brazilian appetizers, drinks and live Brazilian music at an energetic conference dinner. The Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand, HE Mr Paulo Cesar de Camargo, also attended and spoke about bilateral relations between our countries in the education space.

"Education is a very important aspect of the relationship between Brazil and New Zealand. As some 3,600 Brazilians choose New Zealand to study, we have also seen a growing interest in Kiwi students travelling to Brazil. This exchange builds foundations and pushes Brazil-New Zealand partnerships closer, and in future will create ties in various other fields.”

If you want to know more about the Brazilian market, check out the BELTA SEAL Market Survey 2018 here.