'Learning is not about repetition and rote memorization'

Tân Tổng lãnh sự New Zealand: 'Việc học không phải là lặp lại và thuộc lòng' - Ảnh 1. — Vietnamese students and parents learn about study opportunities in New Zealand on the morning of October 14th.

Vietnamese students are the most numerous in Southeast Asia studying abroad in New Zealand.

On October 14th, Education New Zealand (ENZ), in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, organized the New Zealand Education Fair 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting hundreds of Vietnamese parents and students. At the event, Mr. Scott James, the new Consul General of New Zealand in Ho Chi Minh City, shared information about the learner-centered educational philosophy of New Zealand.

Accordingly, New Zealand's education system not only equips students with knowledge but also cultivates skills and develops them into individuals. Lessons encourage students to develop critical thinking, independence, creativity, and to find answers for themselves. "Learning isn't about repetition and rote memorization. It's about building a spirit of collaboration, adaptability, and curiosity. It's also about being open to and learning from other cultures and becoming a better version of yourself," James emphasized.

According to New Zealand Consul General Scott James, attracting Vietnamese students to New Zealand not only provides them with access to future-oriented education but also plays a crucial role in the development of New Zealand youth, especially in helping local learners become global citizens. "We warmly welcome talented and hardworking students from Vietnam, a country rich in cultural identity," Mr. James stated.

Tân Tổng lãnh sự New Zealand: 'Việc học không phải là lặp lại và thuộc lòng' - Ảnh 2. — Mr. Scott James, the new Consul General of New Zealand in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered the opening remarks at the New Zealand Education Fair 2023.

Furthermore, education has always been central to the partnership between New Zealand and Vietnam, James observed. It not only promotes development cooperation and trade connections, but above all, it serves as an important bridge between the people of the two countries. "We are strongly committed to international education, especially the bilateral educational relationship and links between New Zealand and Vietnam," affirmed the New Zealand Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to New Zealand research, 86% of Vietnamese international students expressed great satisfaction with their time studying in the country. Data from the 2022 enrollment period shows that Vietnam is the Southeast Asian country with the largest number of international students studying in New Zealand, with two-thirds of them enrolling in programs at all New Zealand universities.

What's new in visa and scholarship policies?

Speaking to a reporter from Thanh Nien Newspaper, Ben Burrowes, Director of ENZ Asia, said that in 2019, New Zealand had approximately 150,000 international students. However, since the country closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, this number has decreased significantly. "Currently, we are bringing the number back to pre-pandemic levels, and the number of international students from Vietnam is growing considerably," Mr. Burrowes said.

Tân Tổng lãnh sự New Zealand: 'Việc học không phải là lặp lại và thuộc lòng' - Ảnh 3. — Mr. Ben Burrowes, ENZ Director for Asia, presents certificates to students participating in the New Zealand Future Skills Summer Camp 2023.

According to Mr. Burrowes, there are currently no changes to student visa policies and other visas for international students in 2024. However, the ENZ Asia Director also noted that New Zealand is holding a general election on October 14th, which could impact the international education sector in the country in the coming months.

Because the National Party, one of the parties participating in the race to form a new government in New Zealand, has pledged to increase the number of working hours to 24 hours per week, extend the post-graduation work period for some study programs, expedite the visa processing for international students, and even expedite it further if international students pay extra fees, according to The PIE News .

Mr. Burrowes also stated that New Zealand is offering many advantages to international doctoral students. Specifically, doctoral students are allowed to work during their research and after graduation. They also have the right to bring their families along, with spouses allowed to work full-time and children receiving free public schooling. "We also have various scholarship sources, from university-funded to government-funded, available for Vietnamese students," Mr. Burrowes added.

Tân Tổng lãnh sự New Zealand: 'Việc học không phải là lặp lại và thuộc lòng' - Ảnh 4. — On this occasion, ENZ also awarded the second round of New Zealand Government secondary school scholarships to Vietnamese applicants.

According to Ben Burrowes, ENZ's Asia Regional Director, some particularly attractive fields of study for Vietnamese students in New Zealand are business and economics . Many other emerging industries such as animation, game design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity have also seen a large number of Vietnamese students enrolling recently. "Notably, New Zealand was the first country to award a bachelor's degree in climate change. And we believe these are all essential fields of study for the future," Mr. Burrowes stated.

Source link