Time to join the dialogue
Looking into the numerous challenges that International students face in the “God’s own Country”
While New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with student numbers steadily growing, there seems to have been little improvement in the support and services available to these students once they arrive here. Every now and again, serious issues being faced by them take the spotlight. Last year, Indian Weekender ran a series on some of the challenges that the international student community was facing, and engaged a large number of students to come out and share their stories. The response to this series was phenomenal with our videos going viral. This also inspired a large number of support bodies around the country to stop and take notice.
In recent times, once again this monster has raised its head and brought to fore a whole new set of issues that now faces these young ones striving to make a life for themselves. Once again we are committed to starting a dialogue and engage the entire community by participating in the many areas of concern that we will bring details of in our forthcoming issues. The encouraging part is that this time around, several government and non-government organisations and support groups are coming forward to address these.
One of the issues at hand is dealing with the problem where it all starts—the agents and representatives in India who are selling these institutions. Often what is a matter of a child’s future can only be a sales pitch for these commission making agents. Then there is the matter of what information and assistance is out there for students to learn about the reality. In a welcome move, to assist with this, the High Commission of India (rather the Ministry of External Affairs) has issued an advisory for students to be able to register with the diplomatic missions of the country they are in and are able to get help and assistance.
Once students arrive in the country, there is the issue of what supports and services are available and how do the students learn about these services. It seems like this could also be the right time that these areas need to be looked at and explored and strengthened. Although, it needs to be said that there are some very passionate people who devote a lot of their time and energy into looking after the welfare of students. The Uncle and Aunty’s Group is one such group, initiated by Jessica Phuang of NZ Police. There are other initiatives such as these and Indian Weekender will be talking to these groups in upcoming weeks.
The issue of worker exploitation of students still remains. Even though much has been said and some strict actions were taken, the issue still remains rampant. It is important to recognise that this may not be specific to the Indian community and exists in the wider community as well.
There are also changes to the NZQA Code and the IELTS assessments that are on the cards. This could trigger a significant impact on how student applications are assessed. On the matter of assessments, the issue of the “fraud” that has been going on and could potentially see students being deported is another example of how much this area needs attention.
The youth is precious. It is important that we as a community come together to make sure that they are looked after. It is a shame to see how many of these precious youth we lose to depression, suicide, hopelessness or other stress related issues such as alcohol and drugs, road accident fatalities, so on and so forth. We invite you to join the dialogue on the many challenges and issues that our international students face. Keep reading our forthcoming issues or log on to www.iwk.co.nz to connect with us on Facebook and participate in the discussion.
Looking into the numerous challenges that International students face in the “God’s own Country”
While New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with student numbers steadily growing, there seems to have been little improvement in the support and services...
Looking into the numerous challenges that International students face in the “God’s own Country”
While New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with student numbers steadily growing, there seems to have been little improvement in the support and services available to these students once they arrive here. Every now and again, serious issues being faced by them take the spotlight. Last year, Indian Weekender ran a series on some of the challenges that the international student community was facing, and engaged a large number of students to come out and share their stories. The response to this series was phenomenal with our videos going viral. This also inspired a large number of support bodies around the country to stop and take notice.
In recent times, once again this monster has raised its head and brought to fore a whole new set of issues that now faces these young ones striving to make a life for themselves. Once again we are committed to starting a dialogue and engage the entire community by participating in the many areas of concern that we will bring details of in our forthcoming issues. The encouraging part is that this time around, several government and non-government organisations and support groups are coming forward to address these.
One of the issues at hand is dealing with the problem where it all starts—the agents and representatives in India who are selling these institutions. Often what is a matter of a child’s future can only be a sales pitch for these commission making agents. Then there is the matter of what information and assistance is out there for students to learn about the reality. In a welcome move, to assist with this, the High Commission of India (rather the Ministry of External Affairs) has issued an advisory for students to be able to register with the diplomatic missions of the country they are in and are able to get help and assistance.
Once students arrive in the country, there is the issue of what supports and services are available and how do the students learn about these services. It seems like this could also be the right time that these areas need to be looked at and explored and strengthened. Although, it needs to be said that there are some very passionate people who devote a lot of their time and energy into looking after the welfare of students. The Uncle and Aunty’s Group is one such group, initiated by Jessica Phuang of NZ Police. There are other initiatives such as these and Indian Weekender will be talking to these groups in upcoming weeks.
The issue of worker exploitation of students still remains. Even though much has been said and some strict actions were taken, the issue still remains rampant. It is important to recognise that this may not be specific to the Indian community and exists in the wider community as well.
There are also changes to the NZQA Code and the IELTS assessments that are on the cards. This could trigger a significant impact on how student applications are assessed. On the matter of assessments, the issue of the “fraud” that has been going on and could potentially see students being deported is another example of how much this area needs attention.
The youth is precious. It is important that we as a community come together to make sure that they are looked after. It is a shame to see how many of these precious youth we lose to depression, suicide, hopelessness or other stress related issues such as alcohol and drugs, road accident fatalities, so on and so forth. We invite you to join the dialogue on the many challenges and issues that our international students face. Keep reading our forthcoming issues or log on to www.iwk.co.nz to connect with us on Facebook and participate in the discussion.
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