FOR FOCUS ISSUE, August 1, 2004
World-class education in New Zealand
Quality education and high standards of living are among the prime reasons why parents send their children to study abroad. But New Zealand has more!
Situated in the South Pacific, New Zealand offers world-class institutions that produce graduates who have a high level of practical as well as theoretical competence and a strong international focus.
New Zealand's educational institutions use the British education system, which enables students to earn a reputation as a new breed of innovative thinkers. Students are encouraged to think independently; to explore and research. A university degree from New Zealand is recognized and accepted internationally.
Thousands of young executives in respected companies and countries all over the world, including senior executives and administrators from Asian and the Pacific rim countries have been educated in New Zealand.
The quality of education in New Zealand is evidenced by the appointment of Dr. John Hood, a New Zealander who has been vice chancellor at the University of Auckland since July 1999, as the new vice chancellor of Oxford University in England. Hood is expected to take up the prestigious position in October 2004.
"He is the first person outside Oxford selected in the institution's 900-year history," said Djuned Harun, Acting Post Manager of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise at the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta. (Are you sure this is the New Zealand Embassy?)
With a secure and tranquil environment and a friendly people, New Zealand challenges overseas students to unleash their potential through academic, professional and vocational studies while at the same time learning the local culture and enjoying sports and outdoor activities in a pleasant climate.
No wonder, more and more international students, including Indonesians, are choosing New Zealand as a destination for secondary and tertiary education.
New Zealand's internationally acclaimed universities include the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and University of Otago.
Overseas students are offered a wide range of internationally recognized courses that are available at secondary schools or colleges, polytechnics and institutes of technology, universities, teachers' colleges, and private education providers.
Universities in New Zealand offers a broad range of subjects, including agriculture, horticulture, veterinary science, biology, zoology, architecture, building, the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, economics, marketing, commerce, computer science, information science, education, teaching, engineering, surveying, health, medicine, interdisciplinary and miscellaneous studies, law, sciences and mathematics and technology.
Several universities are also willing to provide a custom-made syllabus to meet students' needs.
"The fees and living costs in New Zealand are relatively low compared with other education providers in the developed world," said Djuned Harun.
New Zealand has become a preferred destination for secondary and tertiary studies among international students thanks also partly to the government's strict control of all educational institutions that enroll international students.
The New Zealand government has, for instance, established a Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students to ensure that education providers act fairly and reasonably when recruiting students. The international students can trust the institution they wish to enroll in because only signatories to the code are allowed to accept international students. The code is available online at www.minedu.govt/.nz/goto/international.
Indonesian students require a student visa for studying in New Zealand. The visa will be issued only for students who enroll at educational institutions accredited by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA).
"It is recommended that prospective students have comprehensive travel and health insurance during their stay in New Zealand," said New Zealand Embassy's Trade Development Executive for Education, Filia Simanjuntak.
Most universities have general medical services available on campus for emergency case at a moderate cost.
Obviously, with more than just quality education and quality living, New Zealand must be on the top of your list for overseas education.
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise will hold the New Zealand Education Fair 2004 at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8, 2004. The fair is open from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. As many as 11 institutions from New Zealand are expected to attend the fair.
For further information about studying in New Zealand and the fair, please contact:
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, New Zealand Embassy
BRI II Building, 23rd Floor Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 44-46 Jakarta 10210 Tel. +62 21 572 7676 Fax. +62 21 572 7878 Website: www.mynzed.com