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05 September 2008
"Friends and Allies: The Impacts of Returning Asian Students on New Zealand-Asia Relationships" Special Seminar
By Emu Izaki and Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake
On 27 August 2008 3 professional guest speakers came to IPC and gave a seminar, entitled "Friends and Allies, the Impacts of Returning Asian Students on New Zealand-Asia Relationships".
This seminar was organised by the Palmerston North Branch of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA). NZIIA is an independent non-government organization that aims to promote understanding of international issues that affect New Zealand. Holding discussion seminars with guest speakers at IPC and Massey and publishing bulletins periodically are some of their activities.
The guest speakers for the "Friends and Allies" seminar were Dr Andrew Butcher, Director Research and Policy, Asia New Zealand Foundation, Mr Terry McGrath, National Director International Student Ministries of New Zealand / International Chaplain Massey University, and Mr Paul Stock, Senior Tutor Plant Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University / Associate Chaplain Massey University.
Dr Andrew Butcher has published many books and research reports about Asian students and immigrants in New Zealand while Mr Terry McGrath has had 20 years experience in conducting research into the care of International students. Mr Paul Stock is in charge of the International Student Internship program at Massey University.
Dr Andrew Butcher, Director Research and Policy, Asia New Zealand Foundation |
Mr Terry McGrath from Massey University |
Mr Paul Stock from Massey University |
Many students came from Massey University to join IPC students and staff at this seminar |
In this seminar, there was a wide range of topics being discussed such as the changes taking place in New Zealand in relation to accepting International students, the support of government, culture shock and reverse culture shock experiences the students have and how these will influence the relationship between their countries and New Zealand after the students return home.
As part of the Colombo Plan for International Aid, New Zealand had been receiving International students from each Asian country on a small scale until 1989. But after that, a change in policy, allowing self-financed students to come, caused a rapid increase in the number of students. This situation led to problems when the education system couldn't cope with the very large numbers accepted. To solve these problems, the government made various decisions regarding the education and care of International students.
Now the education of International students holds an important place in the New Zealand economy. Research shows that in the long term if International students are given a quality experience, it can be expected that once they return to their home countries, and start doing business, or working for their government, they will have a role in strengthening the bonds between New Zealand and their home countries.
Not only IPC students and staff attended this seminar. There were many students from Massey University. The seminar included the results of a lot of research and references to rich experiences and during question time at the end many wide-ranging and thought-provoking questions came from the audience. To wrap up the event, the speakers advised international students to be aware of reverse culture shock and prepare for it well before going home. Prospective graduates should look for advice on how to fit into the working environment in their home country by talking to student support staff, teachers, and members of alumni organizations or acquaintances who have gone through a similar process.
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