MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 3 April 2003
Attention: Education Reporters
International Student Forum 2003
The Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association (ATSA) confirmed today that the first ever national conference to focus on
the needs of international students studying in New Zealand will be held at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of
Technology on 9 - 10 May 2003.
"We are arranging this forum in partnership with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and 'SANITI', the local
students' association," ATSA President Julie Pettett stated today. "Comments from government agencies and other sector
groups we have discussed this conference with have been universally positive and supportive."
The two day forum offers participants a choice of nine workshops based around three themes: (1) Learners & Students, (2) Education Providers and (3) the National International Education Strategy. Participants can choose
between three workshop streams within each theme: (1) Social, (2) Academic and (3) Economic.
The forum is an opportunity for participants to learn about the needs of students, network and have a positive role in
the sustainable development of the sector.
"This is an important and exciting conference", Pettett stated. "We are expecting it to attract strong support from
throughout the tertiary sector. It is an opportunity to network, problem solve and collaborate with others involved in
the any facet of educational services provided to international tertiary students."
For further information about the International Student Forum 2003, contact: info@atsa.org.nz or tel: 04 939 1417.
ENDS
For further comment, contact:
Julie Pettett
ATSA National President
Cell phone 029 939 1417 (04) 9391417
The Aotearoa Tertiary Students’ Association
Representing University, Polytechnic and Wananga students