Arriving and Thriving: Supporting International Students to succeed - a 'Students First' Symposium summary

In September a panel of university leaders - and an international student - came together to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of the international sector in New Zealand. I hosted the discussion, which explored personal experiences as international students, university-led support initiatives, and the political and social landscape. Our esteemed panel consisted of:

• Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT
• Christopher Carey, Executive Director of Global Engagement at Massey University
• Professor Jennifer Milam, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at the University of Waikato
• Stephanie Milam, a Masters student from the University of Waikato

Watch the full recording here [subtitled video, 01:01:41]

More than just a degree: the international student experience

The panelists began by reflecting on their own journeys as international students, highlighting the transformational power of studying abroad. Stephanie, a student from the United States, shared her positive experience at the University of Waikato, describing a "seamless process" where she feels integrated into the general student population. She praised her university's efforts to foster a sense of belonging through cultural events and connections to community resources.

Chris Carey, who studied in Belgium, spoke about how his time as an international student benefitted him, emphasising that "those connections that you make as an international student are lifelong, and that network that you establish is vitally important to who you will be and where you will end up in the world".

Damon completed his PhD in the UK, and noted the different challenges of postgraduate study, acknowledging the risk of isolation but also calling the experience "transformational", and saying that he really encourages people to do it if they are able to. Jennifer shared her diverse experiences studying in Italy and France, most recently through executive education, highlighting how each journey contributed to her understanding of different cultures.

A culture of Manaaki (care and welcome)

A central theme of the discussion was the collective commitment of New Zealand universities to manaaki, the Māori concept of welcome and care. Jennifer explained that at the University of Waikato, this sense of belonging is a top priority for all students, especially since Māori, Pacific, and international students make up over 50% of the student population. She mentioned initiatives like the pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, and social events like the 'Great Race' that are designed to help students connect quickly.

Chris noted that Massey University's decentralised nature, with three dispersed campuses, requires a unique approach to student support. He spoke about the university's 200+ student clubs and recreational events as key to bringing students together. Damon described AUT as a "beautiful ferment of diversity" due to its urban location and student body, which is predominantly Asian, Pacific, and Māori even before you add international students to the mix. He stressed the importance of treating students with "a deep commonality" while also providing specific services to address their unique needs, particularly at key moments like arrival.

" ...you honour the differences that people bring into the university, but also build the kind of solidarity and belonging, that is essential to... To be well and to thrive as a student and to grow. And so that is a great challenge to have."

A sustainable and ethical approach to growth

The conversation also addressed the political dimensions of international education, including government 'capping' policies and the public perception of international students. Damon, who chairs the Universities New Zealand International Committee, talked about the critical importance of international education for attracting talented people to the country. He advocated for a bipartisan approach, focusing on the social, cultural, and economic value that international students bring, rather than just the financial aspect.

"We're in this for a really sustainable, ethical, and long-term benefit to everyone, not just the students or the universities, but the whole of New Zealand"
- Damon Salesa, Vice Chancellor, AUT

Then Chris linked international student recruitment to New Zealand's "Green List" of critical skill shortages, explaining that universities are creating programs to align with these needs. This provides a clear pipeline for international students to fill labor gaps after graduation. Jennifer noted that this alignment is particularly evident in the recent increase in, and shift towards, postgraduate enrolments.

The panelists all acknowledged the challenge of managing student numbers, especially when a particular industry, like construction, faces a tight job market. They agreed on the need for sustainable growth to ensure the social license to operate is not lost.

Beyond the classroom: supporting student success

Finally, the discussion delved into the support systems in place for international students, particularly those with language needs. While universities use tests like IELTS for entry, and New Zealand being a fortunate country that is desirable for people to study in due to its safety and quality of education, panelists acknowledged the need for ongoing support once students arrive. Jennifer explained that the University of Waikato is shifting away from formal, credit-bearing courses to a more proactive, workshop-based approach to providing academic English support.

Damon told us about how at AUT, they have implemented a course called "Uni 101" to teach essential skills for academic success, including time management, communication, and AI literacy. He pointed out that academic literacy is a challenge for many students, not just international ones, and that these skills must be explicitly taught.

Encouragingly, Stephanie spoke about the personalised support she and other students receive from professors, even in larger classes - a benefit that sets New Zealand universities apart in terms of global study options. 

I thoroughly enjoyed hosting this discussion. International students are crucial to New Zealand's economic and social wellbeing, providing a valuable pipeline to address skilled labor shortages. The universities prioritise a humanistic and holistic approach to education, focusing on personal experiences and a culture of manaaki  to ensure international students not only succeed academically but also feel a deep sense of belonging.

Watch the full recording here [subtitled video, 01:01:41]