International News
- iCreate a gentler and fun introduction to studying and living in NZ
- Marketing Natcoll in China
- Immigration representatives present to international students
- New life, new friends
iCreate a gentler and fun introduction to studying and living in NZ
It’s definitely worth considering iCreate as the first step on the Natcoll pathway. iCreate is designed for students who are interested in a career in creative digital design, but who don’t have much digital experience or need to learn how to express their creativity, or who aren’t sure about the area they wish to specialise in. It offers the opportunity to explore all the options available and provides a strong foundation of skills and knowledge before moving on to further study. For international students it has the added benefit of being a gentler and fun introduction to living and studying in New Zealand. We’ve found many students benefit from taking this initial step before doing a diploma.
Marketing Natcoll in China
Education fairs, seminars and meetings with agents and prospective students kept Christchurch’s international student liaison officer Brighty Zhang busy during her marketing trip to China in June. And, as well as these more formal events, Brighty found that word-of-mouth also works as an effective marketing tool, especially in small towns and communities.
Brighty meeting new agents in Seminar in Tangshan
Shanghai
‘More and more parents in China now realise that there is increased opportunity in the labour market for people who have got practical skills,’ says Brighty. She was told it is now a trend in China for university students to do some practical courses to complement their academic qualifications – and three of the students Brighty interviewed were university graduates.
Immigration representatives present to international students
A informative international evening, organised by campus principal Neil Andersen, was held at the Christchurch campus in July.
Two Immigration New Zealand representatives gave presentations about opportunities for international students once they have completed their studies, how current immigration policy relates to Natcoll students – for example, Natcoll diploma graduates can apply for a Graduate Job Search Permit (also known as the open work permit) – and how to calculate immigration points. With lots of time for questions, during both the presentations and supper, the event gave our international community lots of food for thought.
New life, new friends
Here’s just a few of the words international students use to describe their Natcoll experience: ‘fun’, ‘friendly’, ‘creative’, ‘extraordinary’.
At Natcoll we try our best to make our international students feel welcome. We understand that moving to a new country and experiencing a new way of life is exciting, but also challenging. At a recent international student meeting at the Wellington campus, John Cockburn reinforced the message that we want to help make the Natcoll and New Zealand experience a positive one. Regular get-togethers, with drinks and nibbles provided, give our students the opportunity to make new friends, have fun and share both the joy of new education and life experiences and the pain of homesickness in a supportive environment.
Wellington campus student meeting
