Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 19, 2020
The New Zealand government has announced new initiatives to help foreign students decide on their future during the ensuing annual holidays in view of Covid-19 pandemic around the world.
Education New Zealand (ENZ) says on its website (www.enz.govt.nz) that International students currently in New Zealand who intend to continue to study in 2021 have four options at the end of this academic year.
The Options
The options are (a) Remain here over the break and continue their New Zealand study next year (b) Find additional summer school study programmes (c) Return home and continue their New Zealand study online next year, if their institution supports this option or (d) Return home and cease their New Zealand study.
“As the end of the academic year nears, students who would normally be returning home this summer are making decisions about whether to leave New Zealand, pick up courses over the break, or extend their study,” the website said.
It said that ENZ wants to complement and spread the word about the excellent work that the sector and regional economic development agencies are all currently undertaking.
New initiative
ENZ has also launched a new NauMai NZ pages, specifically aimed towards keeping students in New Zealand over the summer.
“We are also mindful that remaining in New Zealand will bring challenges for students and so supporting student connection and wellbeing is also a focus over this time. The NauMai NZ pages are aimed towards keeping students in New Zealand over the summer,” the website said.
The pages will provide a central repository of activities and opportunities, addressing key themes of study, recreation, skill development, and connection with other students.
They will signpost out to activity happening at a regional and national level, as well as highlighting ENZ-led online initiatives from the end of this month.
Virtual Fair in October
ENZ will also host ‘Summer in New Zealand,’ an online virtual fair for international students in New Zealand on October 31, 2020 at which the regions and contributing organisations will have a chance to showcase summer activities being developed.
Students will be able to register via NauMai NZ at the beginning of October.
Among the other objectives of the Virtual Fair are (a) Activating a variety of communications channels to direct students to NauMai NZ and the Summer in New Zealand fair to maximise awareness of summer opportunities and to gently encourage consideration of further study to those whose programmes may be finishing (b) Facilitating online events and opportunities to support student wellbeing and connection over the summer period.
“We look forward to showcasing the fantastic experiences for students here in New Zealand over summer 2020/2021, building their capability, and supporting their wellbeing and connection to Aotearoa New Zealand. Further information will be available in the coming weeks,” the website said.
Source: Education New Zealand
