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• Game On English a hit in Tokyo
  The event provided an opportunity to showcase the benefits of the programme and to get feedback from the students to help with discussions on the further development of the programme.
   
  Held at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo, the event brought together the students, Japanese Ministry of Education officials, Japan Rugby Union representatives, media and other stakeholders. Adding real star power to the event was Black Ferns Captain Huriana Manuel – along with a black moonboot – following up on her attendance at the launch of Game On English in Auckland back in July. 
   
  Students from both of the pilots presented on their experience in New Zealand– many in English. The students were full of confidence and enthusiasm about what they had learnt and experienced in New Zealand.
   
  Vice Minister for Education Shinichi Yamanaka spent time with the students as they talked about their time in New Zealand. Chairman of the Japanese Rugby Football Union, Tatsuzo Yabe also attended the event and spoke positively about this NZ Inc. initiative. Both commented on the holistic nature of the programme, equally developing students’ English language and rugby skills which are necessary to play at the top level. 
   
  Japan is now looking towards hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics which will feature Sevens Rugby, sparking an increased interest in rugby in Japan. We are now exploring how the Game On English programme might be developed in 2015 and beyond. 
   
  Two teams participated in the pilot programmes. The first, a top girls’ sevens team from Iwami Chisuikan High School spent four weeks in Auckland working on their English with the Auckland Institute of Studies and their rugby skills with the Auckland Rugby Academy. Their visit coincided with Japanese Prime Minister Abe’s visit to New Zealand, and he and Prime Minister Key launched Game On English in style in Auckland.
   
  Player Ran Aoki said: “The best part of the programme was the training. Auckland Rugby made it fun and give invaluable comments and feedback.
   
  “Kiwis value the quality of training in a given timeframe over accumulated hours which allowed us to get the most out of our short stay in New Zealand.”
   
  The second team in the Game On English pilot was a group of 11 boys from the 11 schools making up the Kanto Super League who were in Dunedin from mid-July through early August. The boys divided their time between the gym and training ground with the Otago Rugby Football Union and the classroom at the University of Otago Language Centre.
   
  “Partnerships between English language schools and rugby unions were key to the success of the pilot programmes. For the month they were in New Zealand, the students were fully immersed in an English speaking environment which started with their homestay families and went on the through the classroom and into their rugby,” said Francesca Hilbron, ENZ’s International Market Manager.
   
  “And they’ve had a New Zealand rugby experience that could see them on the way to being stars of the future.”
  

• NZ universities feature on Chinese TV

  Through Education New Zealand’s (ENZ) strong relationship with the International Channel Shanghai (ICS) the documentary All About Going Abroad was filmed at the University of Auckland, AUT, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington.

  The first season of the programme focused on the United States and we were excited to be chosen as the destination country for the second season.

  Five episodes were produced on New Zealand university study options and include our own Regional Director Alexandra Grace and Guangzhou-based Education Manager Felix Ye.

  ICS is available in nine million cable TV households in Shanghai, and reaches an even wider audience through its website www.ICShanghai.com, which makes programmes available online and on apps for mobile devices.

  The show premiered on 20 September and will be broadcast every Saturday at 6pm until 18 October. You can watch online at www.icshanghai.com or www.iqiyi.com after it is aired on TV.

• Record numbers at Viet Nam fairs

  More than 300 students visited the fair in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City attendance was up 86 per cent to more than 700 students, resulting in queues to speak to New Zealand institutions. 

  The fairs showcased 34 New Zealand education institutions from secondary schools, private English language colleges to technical colleges and tertiary institutions, all promoting their courses and campus life to Vietnamese students.

  Students and their parents also had the opportunity to learn about the various scholarships that are available from Viet Nam International Education Development and New Zealand Aid.

  Ziena Jalil, ENZ Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia said: “Viet Nam is an important market for New Zealand education institutions. With nearly 2,000 Vietnamese students already studying in New Zealand, it is the second largest source market within ASEAN for international students.

  “This year’s fairs in Viet Nam helped showcase the true spirit of New Zealand’s innovative education system and the pastoral care commitment that New Zealand institutions have for all students.”

  

• $10 million fund to support teaching of Asian languages

  The first call for registration of interest is open from 13 October to 20 November 2014. All state and state-integrated schools can apply for funding under ALLiS.

  The Government wants to increase second language learning for all students. As well as learning our national and official languages (English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language), and Pasifika languages, New Zealand needs to increase the number of students learning Asian languages to support our growing trade and international relationships with key Asian countries.

  ALLiS will support schools by setting up new, or strengthening existing, Asian language programmes. ALLiS funding is available for up to 90 schools or clusters of schools, with particular emphasis on those that establish language learning pathways from primary through to secondary schools. The fund will encourage greater collaboration amongst schools in partnership with external Asian Language and Cultural organisations. Once the funding ends, programmes are expected to be self-sustaining.

  China, Japan and Korea are amongst our top five trading partners but the number of students learning these languages in our schools is relatively low compared to other international languages. In 2013, only two secondary schools offered Korean, fewer than 40 schools offered Mandarin Chinese, while Japanese was offered by 160 secondary schools.

  For more information on the ALLiS programme and the funding process visit the Ministry of Education website.

• Rosehill College and Te Hihi primary school partnership thrives

  Just ten minutes down the road, Te Hihi School is a full primary school in rural Karaka with around 200 students and 17 staff. Rosehill College has a well-established international student programme and Te Hihi is just starting out.

  “In the past we have had the odd Korean student come to our school, but with Anne’s help we have developed an international student business plan, I’ve been to an ENZ fair in Guangzhou and we’ve hosted a study group from Taiwan,” says Kevin Bush, principal at Te Hihi School.

  Anne Henwood is the Director of International Students at Rosehill College and she takes Te Hihi’s marketing material with her whenever she goes overseas.

  “Our relationship with Te Hihi school is a real pleasure – and it makes good sense,” says Anne.

  “As well as offering families a pathway for their child from primary to secondary education, our relationship shows we have strong connection with the local community and a serious commitment to our children.”

  With a pathway through to Rosehill College, a Te Hihi School student can stay within the area and possibly with the same homestay family for the full course of their schooling in New Zealand.

  Kevin has also noticed the benefit of having international students in the school on his Kiwi students.

  “In August we had a year 8 short term study group come from Taiwan for five weeks – our children had their eyes opened as they got to know children from another culture. Asia is an area that they don’t get a lot of exposure to but going forward as a country, Asia is going to be important to them as adults,” says Kevin.

  “The children that come to New Zealand on their own show remarkable resilience. The friendships that they make while they are here, especially if they stay on for secondary school, are likely to last a lifetime – providing valuable global connections for our children.”

  In June, Anne hosted a visit by an agent from Guangzhou who spent the morning at Rosehill and the afternoon at Te Hihi.

  “The agent really enjoyed her visit and it was great to show her both schools in one day, to demonstrate the strength of our working relationship and what we have to offer as a package,” says Anne.

  “Back in her office in China she will have a much better understanding of our education system and everything we have to offer when she is talking to parents about sending their child to New Zealand.”

  Marketing as a team is a long term proposition that will only bear fruit over time. As principal of a small rural school, Kevin is realistic about their capacity for international students.

  “I’m planning for around six international students to come to Te Hihi over the next couple of years which seems like a low target but I am excited by the diversity even a small number of students will bring to our school,” says Kevin.

  Anne agrees saying: “International students bring culture and diversity, as well as a willingness to learn, to be part of the whole English environment.”

  “Some Rosehill students may never get the opportunity to travel so the experience they get at school with other cultures becomes very important.”

• Alumni invaluable at fairs

  A first-time participant at an international education fair, Alexandra was keen to present Wanganui High School from both a student and staff perspective. She was very pleased with the results.

  “Sujin has an insider’s knowledge of our school and the New Zealand education system. Students and parents felt as if they were getting a genuine opinion from Sujin, not just from a marketer selling a product,” said Alexandra.

  For her part, Sujin was delighted to give something back. She studied over years 9 to 13 at Wanganui High School, finishing in 2008, and was keen to share her experience with others considering doing similar.

  “It’s been really special. I never thought I could do this and help people by explaining my thoughts and experiences,” said Sujin.

  Sujin says she finds New Zealanders “incredibly friendly, welcoming and open”. The best part of school for her was the opportunity to choose from a wide range of subjects such as drama, photography and psychology.

  On returning to Korea Sujin completed a BA in English literature and business at Dankook University. Now seeking the right professional path for her, she currently teaches English to high school students part-time.

  “I felt very sad that they were memorising the vocabulary but couldn’t actually use the words in a sentence. I do lots of speaking and listening with them – once they get used to it, they find it really fun.”

  Regional Director Lisa Futschek said: “It was great to see Alexandra and Sujin working so well together. In addition to the essential Korean language skills Sujin brought to the discussions, it was clear the families valued the opportunity to speak directly with a Korean student who had studied recently in New Zealand.” 

  Alexandra was in no doubt about the benefits of having a member of the Wanganui High alumni on her stand: “If Sujin hadn’t been there with me, we wouldn’t have achieved what we did. The conversations were fruitful and authentic. For me it was like having family with me on our booth.”

  And it truly is a family affair at the high school - Sujin’s brother is currently finishing his year 13 studies at Wanganui High School.  

• From Vermont to Victoria University

  Emma McDonough Faucher, a college student from Castleton in the state of Vermont, was one of 1089 applicants from 615 US universities to apply for the scholarship. She impressed the selection panel with her knowledge of New Zealand and desire to understand and experience the Kiwi lifestyle and culture, including Māoritanga.

  “I have wanted to study abroad my entire life and New Zealand has been my goal,” said Emma. 

  “Māori culture is one of the things I am especially looking forward to learning about – I find it interesting that Maori people describe themselves by their tribe (iwi), sub-tribe (hapū), mountain (maunga), and river (awa).”

  ENZ’s Regional Director for the Americas, Lisa Futschek said, “The creativity and passion of Emma’s submission distinguished it from the large number of other very impressive applications. The fact that she plays rugby also makes this a good match!”

  US students choose New Zealand as an education destination because of the unique study experience we offer – a high-quality education in an English-speaking country with a distinct culture and lifestyle. Students who come here are often adventure seekers who enjoy the great outdoors and like to get off the beaten track, but also want to enjoy the vibrant city life.

  ENZ partnered with leading study abroad advisory service, Go Overseas to run a six week campaign across the US from 1 September to 15 October. During this time over 26,000 people visited the campaign page, and 2,600 study abroad advisers and over 1500 universities were contacted and notified of the scholarship.

  Leads from scholarship applicants and others who registered interest have been referred to participating New Zealand education providers.

  “As well as giving a lucky student the chance to study in New Zealand, campaigns such as this are an important part of ENZ’s work to raise awareness around the world of New Zealand’s high-quality education offering,” said Lisa.

  

  Left to right: Sam Hoben, Education New Zealand Market Development Manager USA, Emma McDonough Faucher, scholarship winner, and Ana Maria Alfaro-Alexander, Ph. D, Study Abroad Advisor

   

• New Zealand shines at China Education Expo

  As the photos show, New Zealand’s presence at the fair had a big impact, with the Kiwiana finger puppets proving a popular and distinctive crowd pleaser as students assessed a sea of study options. 

  Initial feedback from industry participants also noted an increase in interest from agents; they report New Zealand is more and more in demand by their customers. The Beijing agent seminar had 120 participants, the majority of which were agents, who had come along to meet New Zealand institutions. 

  Alex Grace, Regional Director – Greater China, says collective hard work by government and industry to build awareness and raise perceptions of quality is clearly having an impact.

  “ENZ, as the government’s lead agency for international education, has paid particular attention to raising the bar in terms of how we package and present the New Zealand education experience. That was noticed and commented on with envy by other countries.”

  “It is gratifying to work in partnership with such a committed and professional group as that which signed up for CEE and our agent seminars. It is only by working together that we’ll increase the impact of our activities and a make a difference.”

  New Zealand: Country of Honour for CEE 2015

  And there is more good news: New Zealand will be the Country of Honour for CEE 2015. Alex says: “Ambassador Carl Worker and I attended the Gala Dinner event at which New Zealand was named as next year’s CEE Country of Honour. This is a major achievement, representing not only the relationships developed by ENZ, but also the commitment over the years by our industry. Please start planning now to participate in October/November next year!”

  Fairs and agent seminars continue in Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shanghai through 3 November.

  

• Education in focus at Tourism Summit

  The summit focused on Tourism 2025, a framework aimed to achieve economic growth in the tourism industry including an aspirational goal to reach $41 billion in annual earnings by 2025.

  Grant was on a panel discussing the ‘target for value’ opportunities. International students and their families and friends are identified in the framework as one of the target markets that could deliver significant economic benefit to New Zealand.

  “I was keen to take the chance to remind the tourism industry that we are all part of the NZ Inc team. Raising awareness is important for both industries – people need to know about New Zealand to consider us as a destination as a student and a tourist,” said Grant.

  “With more than 97,000 international students, and growing, coming to New Zealand each year, that is 97,000 potential tourists who are in the main young, highly motivated and skilled communicators on social media. These students return home as advocates for New Zealand if we give them an experience of a lifetime – inspiring the next set of students and family and friends to come to this country.

  “And we know family and friends visit international students while they are studying in New Zealand, particularly around graduation or at the end of their programme so there are valuable connections to be made there.

  “The industry roadmaps tasked us with working more closely with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Tourism New Zealand, finding opportunities for joined up activities with shared market intelligence and shared services.

  “Recent edu-tourism campaigns in Brazil and Japan targeting English language students gave us the chance to test the water working with Tourism New Zealand and 22 English Language Schools. Branded 100% Pure New Zealand we pitched this country as ‘the most exciting place to learn a new language’ and offered $300 of tourism activity with each enrolment during a specific timeframe.

  “The campaign worked well in Brazil in particular, generating a lot of enquiries and we will continue to monitor the results to see how many of these turn into enrolments.

  “At a more grassroots level, I encouraged tourism operators to meet with their local education institutions to understand the opportunities available to develop joint programmes or student-orientated initiatives. Tailoring services to the needs, ambitions and budgets of students will ensure they take some of the New Zealand spirit with them when they go home.

  “And of course it is a two-way street - if tourism operators are engaging with young visitors and their families who are passionate about New Zealand, why not suggest they consider studying in New Zealand,” said Grant.

• Student ambassadors appointed in Christchurch

  “The Student Ambassador programme is one of several initiatives aimed at better supporting international students so that they make the most of their time in Christchurch and perhaps encouraging them to stay longer in the region,” said Richard Ashmore, International Student Pathway Coordinator with Christchurch Educated.

  “It is also a great personal development opportunity for the new ambassadors who will receive training and the chance to expand their own international networks.”

  The inaugural group of ambassadors is made up of 14 students from New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and the Philippines.

  “Some of the New Zealanders in the group benefitted from similar programmes during their own overseas study experience and want to help others in the same way,” said Richard.

  Izzie Guo arrived in Christchurch in 2009 totally unprepared for the shock of landing in a foreign environment with only a limited understanding of the language. She was fortunate to have amazing support from her homestay mum and senior classmates to help her adjust to a lifestyle, language and living environment vastly different to the one she had left behind in China. Now Izzie is looking forward to helping other international students faced with the challenges that come with embarking on a learning experience in a new country.

  “I have always wanted to help students new to Christchurch. I remember when I first arrived. I had many difficulties and so many people helped me in many ways. I want to give a little help and hopefully that can make a difference,” said Izzie.

  The student ambassadors are studying at mostly tertiary institutions including the University of Canterbury, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Southland Institute of Technology, along with Middleton Grange and Kaiapoi high schools. 

  The student ambassadors were received into the programme by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel in mid-October. In addition to their mentoring duties, the ambassadors will represent Christchurch Educated and the city of Christchurch at official functions and international education visits and events. They will start in their roles as fully trained ambassadors in January 2015.

  Interest in the roles was so high that a second group of ambassadors will be inducted into the programme next year.