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UK NARIC workshop in Christchurch
The National Agency for Recognition and Comparison of International qualifications (NARIC) United Kingdom (UK) is a leading provider of training on international qualifications on behalf of the UK government.
There will be four sessions over the two days:
Thursday 22 September
Friday 23 September
There is limited capacity for each session. Non-UK NARIC members can secure their spot at UK NARIC’s website.
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Tauranga-based group visits Korea
E-News caught up with one of the organisers of the visit, Education Tauranga’s Anne Young.
What led to the decision to visit Korea as a group of institutions?
Education Tauranga’s 2013-2017 strategy focuses strongly on collaboration between member institutions. We find that we can make more of an impact in a market as a group, and, with a diverse range of institutions participating in activities, we can demonstrate the pathways that exist within our region to cater for all levels of education.
Korean students are enrolled in the full range of education institutions in Tauranga – from primary right through to tertiary. This is one of the reasons Education Tauranga’s Korean student numbers have continued to rise in 2015, while declining in New Zealand overall. We also attribute our success in Korea to the fact that we have committed local agents, strong local government support, highly effective links with the Korean community in the Western Bay of Plenty and institutions that provide excellent education and care to all international students, including those from Korea.
In choosing Korea as our group visit destination, we were able to further capitalise on our already strong position in that market.
What are the advantages of a group visit such as this?
The main advantage of a group visit is that it’s easier to get noticed and to secure meetings than when you’re an individual institution travelling on your own. Promotional costs can be shared, too. In our case, 21 institutions were pitching in, meaning our advertising dollar went a lot further, resulting greater numbers of prospective students at our fairs and good attendance of officials at other events.
Having trip organisers taking care of all the planning, organising and bookings meant it was a much more efficient process for everybody. It also alleviated stress for some first time travellers to Korea who didn’t have to face many of the challenging ‘unknown factors’ that can pop up when organising your own recruitment trip.
What are the downsides?
I don’t think there are any particular disadvantages to marketing as a group offshore. However, there are challenges in the logistics of dealing with such a large group, such as transport arrangements and getting everyone to where they need to be on time, as well as ensuring that planned activities are of benefit to all institutions from a range of sectors.
What were the highlights?
We attracted over 400 prospective students through our fairs which was a great success for one small region of New Zealand. The students who came along were already pretty well informed about Education Tauranga’s education offerings, demonstrating that the effort that we put into advertising prior to the events hit the mark!
Several alumni families also attended the events, and it was wonderful to see them engaging with prospective students and their families and giving their perspective on what studying in our region is like.
The support of big New Zealand brands such as Zespri was also fantastic; their product promotion at our fair went down really well.
Being hosted at the New Zealand Residence by the Deputy Head of Mission to Korea and Education New Zealand was also a highlight as we were able to recognise the contribution they had made to ensuring our activities were a success.
Are there any outcomes on the horizon or promising connections made?
We’re hoping our visit will result in an increase in student numbers from Korea in 2016. The signs are promising so far, with many new students expressing an interest in coming here. Time will tell however!
We have also strengthened relationships with Tauranga’s ‘friendship city’ of Ansan, with a larger study tour group coming in 2016 than came in 2015.
What would you do differently next time?
The visit to Korea was our second regional group visit (we visited China together as a group in March this year) so we already had experience in what did and didn’t work and were able to iron out any issues prior to this trip.
Any hints and tips for together groups thinking of undertaking this sort of group visit?
I think undertaking a visit of this kind is very effective for regions or groups of institutions. My top tips for making your visit a success are as follows:
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Do your research and have a plan. Know exactly what activities you want to do and why
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Involve all participating institutions in the planning process
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Make sure you have support from local councils and your Economic Development Agency
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Enter the market with a strong brand that all participants believe in
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Make sure you have translated materials and have translators who know your product/region
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The work you do prior to arrival is just as important (if not more than) as the work you will do while in country
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Work with ENZ and local Embassy staff
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Leverage your alumni
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Follow up with the people you met with during the visit!
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Making global citizenship education a national priority
The webinar – a collaboration between Education New Zealand and AFS Intercultural Programs – canvassed the concrete steps that policymakers and educators can take to put global citizenship front and centre in curricula, teacher education and daily practice.
Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs, said the essence of global citizenship is being able to understand how we are connected, listen to other perspectives and take collective action.
“Global citizenship is not about stamps in passports, it’s about understanding our interdependence and our shared responsibility for our local communities and the world,” said Mr Obst.
It is mission-critical that governments invest in global citizenship education and expand access to global competence if we are to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, he said.
Around 130 experts tuned in for the ‘Making global citizenship education a national priority’ webinar – timed to follow the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit hosted by New Zealand in mid-November.
Carla Rey Vasquez, ENZ’s Global Citizens Manager, said the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018 - 2030 is an example of best practice in signalling clear government support for global citizenship and giving government agencies a roadmap to work with.
“Fostering global citizenship is the glue that connects; is pivotal for raising the educational outcomes for both international and domestic students and helping us grow global connections,” said Ms Rey Vasquez.
Other nations could follow the New Zealand example and broaden the focus of the international student experience from academic education alone to cultural and social values, she said.
Romina Kasman, Head of Education Sector at UNESCO’s Multicountry Office, said global citizenship must be part of a holistic ecosystem.
“Global citizenship education must not be left to chance if we want to ensure equitable and inclusive access to it worldwide,” she said.
Lit Wei Chin, APEC youth representative and Auckland Unlimited’s Climate Change and Sustainability Executive, said the voices of young people were important to global citizenship.
Young people cannot be just a tick-box – they must be heard on the issues of the global economy, quality education, climate action, equity and empowerment of marginalized communities, he said.
Watch the full webinar – Making global citizenship education a national priority.
ENZ’s webinar partner – AFS Intercultural Programs – is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
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Government announces International Education Going for Growth Plan
The Plan outlines an objective to double the international education sector’s economic contribution by 2034. This target has been set at $7.2 billion.
In the short term, the Plan will have Education New Zealand (ENZ) focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth while continuing to maintain New Zealand’s strong presence and reputation for high-quality education in other markets.
ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu says New Zealand reaps a broad range of economic, social and cultural benefits from having international students in our classrooms and communities.
“A New Zealand education experience transforms lives, creating lifelong connections between students and Aotearoa. International education fuels innovation, boosts our economy, creates business opportunities, and delivers essential cross-cultural skills for a more connected world. The International Education Going for Growth Plan brings to life a vision to grow New Zealand as the destination of choice for international students,” Ms Malu said.
The plan to grow the international student sector has three objectives:
1. raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination from 40% in 2024, to 42% in 2027 and 44% by 2034.
2. grow student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
3. increase the proportion of prospective students rating NZ among their top three choices of study destination from 18% in 2024 to 20% in 2027 and 22% in 2034.
In November 2025, in-study work rights will increase from 20 to 25 hours per week for eligible student visa holders and in-study work rights will be extended to all tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including programmes one-semester long.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will progress work on medium-term immigration actions under the Plan - design of a new short duration visa for some sub-degree qualifications not eligible for post-study work rights and ways to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas. MBIE will seek input and views from key stakeholders to inform the development of this work.
You can view the International Education Going for Growth Plan document here.
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Helen Clark highlights Kiwi strengths
Talking with NAFSA CEO, Dr Esther Brimmer, Ms Clark shared her experiences as recent Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and memories of her time as New Zealand Prime Minister.
Kaylee Butters, ENZ’s Director, Student Engagement, said the event was a commanding display of New Zealand’s progressive and positive approach to social change, development and education.
“Diversity and inclusion were passionately discussed throughout the entire conference, and were brought to the fore again by Helen Clark at the luncheon.
“By highlighting New Zealand’s stability, democracy, multicultural heritage and our open, welcoming people, we can position New Zealand as a great place for international students, especially in the current climate of populist politics and global unease.”
At the end of the luncheon, the New Zealand delegation gathered to thank Ms Clark with a mihi and waiata, powerfully led by AUT alumni, Toiroa Williams and Atereano Mateariki.
Toiroa is interning at the Sundance Institute in Los Angeles as part of an AUT internship programme, and was thrilled to be a part of the New Zealand delegation.
“The entire conference was an amazing opportunity to be around people who are creating opportunities for students to study abroad and experience a new culture," said Toiroa.
“It makes me reflect on my own experience of being a young Māori from a rural community, and accessing Aotearoa’s education opportunities to end up in Los Angeles working in indigenous film.
“So the opportunity to share my experience with 'Aunty Helen' and the other attendees at NAFSA was amazing.”
Click here to watch a video of the delegation performing a waiata.
L-R: Atereano Mateariki, Helen Clark and Toiroa Williams
Prior to the luncheon, Helen Clark (centre right) stopped by the New Zealand pavilion in the Expo hall for a quick photo with representatives from ENZ, Immigration New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Wintec and the University of Canterbury.
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International students are work-ready for the summer
The seminar was hosted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), and targeted international students who have completed, or are studying towards, a Level 7 qualification and above.
Most of the attendees were Massey University PhD and Masters students from a range of fields, as well as UCOL students of graphic design, cookery, operations and project management, ICT, furniture design and science.
Judy Bennett-Smith, CEDA International Education Development Manager said the free seminar was the first in a series to be held locally, with the next one aiming to connect potential employers with skilled international tertiary students.
The seminar covered study-to-work visa pathway information and advice, tips on how to navigate the job market, how to present oneself to employers, information about New Zealand employment rights and even invited a former international student to share their experience.
Philip Hastings, Relationship Manager at MBIE said the seminar was a great opportunity for students to talk directly with INZ representative about their work options.
“With the increase in international tertiary students in New Zealand, it is important they have an understanding of the pathways to meeting post-study work visa and residency requirements,” Mr Hastings said.
“Together with CEDA we aim to facilitate a series of study-to-work seminars in the Central North Island that are aligned with regional work shortages.”
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ENZ-Enroller partnership looks to maintain capability of schools to host international students
ENZ is subsidising the cost of Enroller’s digital platform for schools for the remainder of 2021 and 2022. The funding will start with secondary schools.
“ENZ is aware that international student departments at schools are busier than ever, managing the increased pastoral care needs of students still in New Zealand,” ENZ General Manager – Partnerships & Marketing, Paul Irwin, says.
A report released by Edified in March showed that international recruitment and marketing in schools is in a state of flux. Due to a lack of travel, schools are relying more than ever on digital marketing – however, support and guidance is needed to support international departments to make the transition to digital.
“Our aim is to support more schools to continue digital marketing, managing enquiries and applications quickly and easily. This partnership will also help ensure that the schools sector is prepared for when international students return to New Zealand,” Irwin says.
ENZ and New Zealand company Enroller have worked together before on a research project that was completed in 2019.
That research indicated Enroller was incredibly useful to both schools and agents. 90 per cent of schools who participated said it was a more efficient way of processing student enrolments, saving them between two and three hours’ of work per student enrolment. Of the education agencies surveyed nearly 70 per cent said that Enroller made it easier to submit and manage applications to NZ schools.
The next step of that research project will continue with the 2021 partnership.
“We’re excited to be able to offer additional support to schools and continue the work that ENZ and Enroller began in 2018.” CEO and co-founder of Enroller, Michael Barry, says.
“The NZ school sector is hurting – It has been a long and uncertain 12 months for many. The extension of this research project will enable multi-tasking international departments, and their education agency partners, the additional digital capability and resource that they need to manage the rebuild of their international student roll, cost-effectively.”
Representatives from ENZ and Enroller are looking forward to sharing more on the partnership at Enroller’s upcoming virtual roadshow for current Enroller clients. The webinars will take place at 2:00pm on 25 May and 11:30am on 26 May.
Other interested schools can request a pack of information – please contact ENZ Business Development Manager Mary Camp (mary.camp@enz.govt.nz) for more information.
