The New Zealand International Students' Association(NZISA) recently launched a multi-city roadshow aimed at networking with international students across universities in New Zealand.
The platform was a series of panel discussions to focus attention on international students’ concerns and generate solutions through discussion debate.
The roadshow kicked off from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, touched base with the University of Otago in Dunedin enroute to the University of Auckland, before culminating at the Victoria University of Wellington on October 6.
The event was supported by Education New Zealand, a government agency committed to promoting a vibrant and sustainable international education sector in NZ.
The event, which coincided with the 5th anniversary of NZISA, also welcomed international students who have recently returned from their respective home countries following the reopening of the NZ border.
The roadshow brought together a broad range of panelists who shared their experiences, insights and advice with the students, giving them an opportunity to network and connect with the guests and various international students' support teams.
The roadshow was the brainchild of NZICA President Vikram Selvaraj, an international student studying for a bachelors degree in criminal justice at the University of Canterbury. A Singaporean Indian by birth, Selvaraj moved to Christchurch 5 years ago along with his dog. Needless to say, both of them find New Zealand's open spaces a welcome change, and call the city their home.
Selvaraj said: "I am an extrovert and love to interact with fellow international students. I enjoyed hearing their stories, including rants about the discrimination or lack of belonging [they] faced. And I could very much relate to their issues, concerns and delights."
Sevaraj’s efforts were recognised by the UCSA WHICH awarded him the UCSA Blues Awards 2021- Community Engagement, UCSA Blues Awards 2021- Outstanding Achievement in Community Engagement and UCSA Blues Awards 2022- Community Engagement.
In 2022, Selvaraj became the NZISA president .
"This gave me an opportunity to advocate for and support international students' well-being by working with different government bodies. When considering racism and the impact of discrimination on an individual's well-being, it became clear to me that there is a gap, which I am committed to filling in my new role as a trustee of Oli Trust NZ.”
A national umbrella body for international student leaders, NZISA brings together international student leaders from across the country. As a voice for international students studying in New Zealand, NZISA strives to address issues and concerns faced by international students in New Zealand and acts as the link between students, education providers, and policy makers.
NZISA works closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Auckland Agency Group (AAG), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the Human Rights Commission (HRC).
Each of the roadshows was structured into three parts- beginning with a formal session where guests discussed topics such as continued education, visas, immigration, well-being, mental health, New Zealand workspace, and career development.
Students then had the opportunity to approach the speakers and discuss personal issues during casual discussions and networking sessions. At the end of the event, prizes were given away during an interactive session.
The response from the international student community was overwhelmingly positive, according to Selvaraj.
"Many expressed their satisfaction with how the panel speakers addressed many of their concerns, including career opportunities in New Zealand. The experiences of alumni and graduates from various industries as they transitioned from international students to New Zealand employees were particularly interesting."
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