‘Over Achievers, Overlooked, Over Here’

9/08/2004

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WEEK

‘Over Achievers, Overlooked, Over Here’

‘International students make very significant social, academic and economic contribution to New Zealand, and it’s high time their positive role in our country was appreciated’ says Robert Stevens, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand. ‘International Student Week is a time when we can focus attention on just how important these young men and women are to our country, and recognise that they are here to live with us for a while, learn while they are here, and enjoy life among us’.

International Student Week runs from August 11th to 18th, and highlights a range of activities involving international students that are taking place throughout New Zealand culminating in the International Education Conference in Auckland on August 18 – 20th.

‘We don’t hear very much about international students’ says Robert ‘and when we do the news is often negative. The average New Zealander has no real idea that there are currently over 90,000 international students studying in New Zealand, that they bring with them over two billion dollars of economic value, and that they make up a high proportion of our top students, thus raising the overall educational standard. People don’t realise that over 120 nationalities are represented in our international student ranks, and that they bring a spark of social vitality and a rich cultural dimension to communities from the far north to the ‘deep south’. And people also don’t always appreciate that these are motivated and committed students, often far from home, who just want to experience a bit of what all Kiwi’s take for granted – from space and security to academic freedom coupled with intellectual rigour’.

‘It is a strong endorsement of our domestic education system that so many students, who have so many choices available to them, choose to come here. New Zealanders should celebrate this fact, and welcome the shot in the educational arm that our international students bring with them.’

‘The purpose of International Student Week is two-fold: to highlight the positive presence of international students to New Zealanders, and to acknowledge and support those students’ says Robert. ‘All New Zealanders benefit from their comings and goings, and we should take pride and pleasure in the fact that so many discerning students choose us. International Student Week is a new concept, but we hope that from these small beginnings will grow a groundswell in support and understanding for the educational visitors in our midst’.

A list of activities during International Student Week appears overleaf. You are encouraged to contact the local representatives for further information.

International Student Week 11th – 18th August: Schedule of Activities

Student Welcome! When: Wednesday 11th Where: Whangarei, Northland What: Mayoral Welcome for International Students. International students from Northland institutions are greeted by the Mayor, and invited to a morning tea. It’s also a good chance for students from different institutions to meet one another. Contact: Tracey Morris, 09-459-8776

Languages and Activities! When: All week Where: Hutt City What: The students at Hutt International Boys School will be undertaking a variety of activities, including language lessons, foreign language movies and cultural interaction. Contact: Dean Rabbitt 04-528-6227

Brain Straining Quiz! When: Thursday 12th Where: Auckland What: International Students Quiz Event. 27 teams from a variety of institutions square up to see which one has got the knowledge edge! Auckland Girls Grammar (the Old Study Hall) is the venue, with a start at 4pm. Contact: Susan Sawbridge, 029-979-7043

Outdoor Action! When: Friday 13th Where: Nelson Region What: Outdoor Activity Action. Students from Nelson/Marlborough converge on Happy Valley farm in Cable Bay, Nelson, for an action packed afternoon with everything from Paintballing and Argo-catting through to team sports and more relaxed entertainment. Contact: Gisela Purcell, 03-546-2498 (ex 798)

Stunning Student Ball! When: Friday 13th Where: Dunedin What: The International Student Ball, in the Savoy Building in the Octagon. Starting at 7-30, around 300 international students (and some Kiwis) will be donning tasty tuxedos and glamorous gowns (or their equivalent national dress) and rocking the night away in this gala event! Contact: Suzi Brown 03-479-5704

Teambuilding Spectacular! When: Saturday 14th Where: Palmerston North What: The centre of Palmerston North will be the scene of fun and excitement as teams of international students from the Manawatu get immersed in a series of activities designed to test their wits, skills and problem solving abilities. Lots of laughs for participants and onlookers likely! Contact: Rosanna Cuoto, 06-350-1828

International Languages Week Showcase! International Languages week is a parallel set of events’ that highlights languages, rather than concentrating on international students. This programme of activity opens with a Languages Week Showcase in the South Quad of Christchurch’s Arts Centre on Saturday 15th, starting at 11am.

Saving the Planet! When: Sunday 15th Where: Auckland region What: The Motuihe Island Restoration project aims to restore the flora and fauna on this beautiful spot out in the Tamaki Strait. A group of international students from the New Zealand Institute of Education have been helping with the native tree planting, and are going back to renew their labours on the 15th – networking, education and environmentalism in the one activity! Contact: Peter Rowe 0274-766-010

Sporting Entertainment! When: Wednesday 18th onwards Where: Wellington What: The international students at St Patrick’s College are undertaking a variety of activities, including a staff vs students basketball and soccer match – the smart money is on the students! Contact: Maria Elenio, 04-939-3070

Industry Strategy Launch! When: Wednesday 18th at 7-15pm Where: Auckland What: During the year, a Pan Industry Reference Group has been meeting to work out a strategy for the international education industry in New Zealand. This Strategy is a first for the industry in New Zealand, and gives guidance not only to the industry but also to Government and key public and private stakeholders. The Pan Industry Strategy will be publicly launched on the eve of the Education New Zealand Conference in the Sheraton Hotel, Auckland. Contact: Stuart Boag, 04-917-0539 or 027-664-6092

International Education Excellence Awards! When: Thursday 19th Where: Auckland, ENZ Conference What: The inaugural International Education Excellence Awards will be presented by the Hon. Steve Maharey at the ENZ Conference Dinner, 8pm at the Auckland Sheraton Hotel.

ENDS

© Scoop Media