The New Zealand international education sector plays a significant role in the country’s educational, economic, and cultural landscape. It encompasses a wide range of educational institutions, including universities, polytechnics, private training establishments like Social Nature Movement, and schools. Here are some key points about the New Zealand international education sector:
Reputation for Quality Education: New Zealand is renowned for providing high-quality Outdoor Education for kids and is consistently recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. The country’s education system is internationally recognized and respected, attracting students from around the globe.
Diverse Range of Programs: The sector offers a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, vocational courses, English language training, and specialized industry-focused programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award NZ. This variety ensures that students can find educational opportunities that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Global Student Community: New Zealand welcomes a vibrant and diverse international student community with New Zealand Study Abroad Programs. Students from different countries choose to study in New Zealand, fostering a multicultural environment that encourages cross-cultural understanding and global networking.
Strong Support Services: The sector places a strong emphasis on student support services to ensure that international students have a positive and enriching experience during their studies. Institutions provide assistance with accommodation, language support, academic guidance, and cultural integration, among other services like NZ Outdoor Education School Camps.
Research and Innovation: New Zealand’s international education sector contributes to research and innovation. Universities and other institutions engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines, attracting scholars and researchers from around the world. This research excellence further enhances the sector’s reputation and contributes to knowledge advancement.
Industry Connections and Work Opportunities: The sector maintains strong connections with industries, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, work placements, and practical experience on placements like School Holiday Programmes in Auckland. Many programs incorporate industry partnerships and internships to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for the job market.
Post-Study Work Opportunities: Social Nature Movement offers post-study work opportunities for international students, allowing them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study after completing their studies. This provides a pathway for students to apply their knowledge and contribute to the local workforce.
Contribution to the Economy: The international education sector is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s economy. International students contribute to the local economy through tuition fees, accommodation, and spending on various goods and services. Additionally, the sector generates employment opportunities within the Outdoor Education for kids industry and related sectors, such as hospitality and tourism.
Cultural Exchange and Global Connections: The presence of international students enriches the cultural diversity of New Zealand, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding among the student community and the wider society. International education also helps establish long-term connections between New Zealand and students’ home countries through Duke of Edinburgh Award NZ, creating global networks and promoting diplomatic relations.
Government Support and Regulation: The New Zealand government actively supports New Zealand Study Abroad Programs and has implemented regulations to ensure the quality and integrity of education providers. Education New Zealand (ENZ), a government agency, plays a crucial role in promoting New Zealand as a study destination and providing support and guidance to international students and education institutions.
New Zealand ‘back in business’ with return of international students
The goal of Social Nature Movements International Education strategy is to create a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through the provision of world-class education. It takes a comprehensive approach to international education, encompassing various stakeholders, industries, educational modes, research, the domestic education system, and international relationships. The focus is on delivering high-quality and valuable education that benefits not only the sector itself but also the entire country. The strategy aligns with the government’s broader objectives in diplomacy, research, and trade. It also encompasses offshore experiences for domestic students, including student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study, research, and internships.
New Zealand Study Abroad Programs and the strategy comes at a time when New Zealand is reconnecting with the world, preparing to welcome international students once again, and allowing New Zealanders to engage in study experiences abroad. It will serve as a guide for the sector as it rebuilds its onshore delivery offerings and reconnects with international markets. This initial phase focuses on the build and recovery process. As we rebuild, there is an opportunity to shape a sustainable, resilient, and diversified future for international education in New Zealand. This represents Phase Two of the Strategy, which involves constructing a new future for international education.
The sector had already made progress towards these goals before the COVID-19 pandemic, and we aim to build upon those achievements. Social Nature Movement has been piloting various delivery modes and exploring different aspects of education delivery. By updating the Strategy now, we can incorporate this progress into our actions and provide a clearer direction for the sector. The disruption caused by COVID-19 has accelerated our path towards developing higher-value Duke of Edinburgh Awards and has given us an opportunity to be more focused and targeted in our approach to implementing the Strategy.
International education intersects with several government portfolios, particularly immigration, tourism, trade, and foreign affairs. Achieving a thriving and globally connected New Zealand requires collaboration from all stakeholders involved in international education, including tertiary education providers, schools, businesses, researchers, students, and communities. This collaboration enables international students to benefit from the high-quality education and excellent student experience offered by New Zealand such as NZ Outdoor Education School Camps while fostering long-term global connections between New Zealand and the rest of the world. This Strategy represents one contribution towards these goals.
New Zealand is reconnecting with the world:
In 2022, New Zealand’s borders are opening, allowing the country to reconnect with the world. Some international students have already entered the country, with a few selected cohorts granted special permission as a border-class exception. By mid-2022, students from visa waiver countries and those with valid visitor visas will be able to enter New Zealand. Students who were in New Zealand when the pandemic began and renewed their visas before leaving, as well as those who had been granted visas but had not yet traveled from their home countries, will also be able to return. From October 2022, regular visa processing will resume, enabling international students to enroll for study in New Zealand in 2023.
With New Zealanders now able to travel abroad, domestic students can also undertake study experiences in other countries or stay home with a School Holiday Programme in Auckland. Exporters of education products and services can travel to strengthen their relationships with new and existing partners.
A changing global landscape:
International education operates within a global environment and is highly influenced by global activity, demographic shifts, and policy changes that impact the flow of international students. The past two years have demonstrated how COVID-19 and border closures have significantly affected international education and Outdoor Education for kids, leaving prospective students stranded abroad and forcing providers to shift to online teaching and learning. However, this situation has also presented new opportunities as certain parts of the education sector have gained expertise in offering online courses.
China and India have traditionally been important markets for New Zealand’s international education sector, as well as for other countries. The international education market has become more competitive with the increasing number of countries offering international education and the rise of online education Overall, the New Zealand international education sector offers a high-quality educational experience, diverse Outdoor Education School Camp programs, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. It contributes significantly to the country’s economy, cultural diversity, research advancements, and global connections.
