Waikato Union hosts internatl students' conference

Waikato Student Union to host annual international students’ conference

The Waikato Students Union will be hosting 2005 annual New Zealand University Students Association (NZUSA) International students’ conference at the University of Waikato on the 8th and 9th of July.

“The conference facilitates discussions and debate on issues concerning international students in New Zealand. At a local level, students achieved fee grand-parenting at Waikato University and has successfully lobbied a increase in working hours for international students from 15 to 20 hours. We are glad that we have achieved the two major goals set at 2004 international students’ conference” said Shiju Pushpamangalam, WSU President.

The conference agenda includes forums on quality of education received by international students in New Zealand, mental and health issues, fee, immigration, code of pastoral care for international students, cultural shock, accommodation and gender issues. Additionally, students attending the conference will be discussing about their positive and negative experiences in the New Zealand education tertiary education system.

“Education has become one of the top export earners for New Zealand. All Universities and the Government have to be reminded that international students should not be treated as commodities to generate income. The conference will set strategies and campaigns for changes to the current policies to make New Zealand a better destination for international students in future”

The conference will be attended by more than thirty representatives from different Universities and Polytechnics around New Zealand and about twenty from Waikato University.

ENDS

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