Top 3 reasons to study in New Zealand

MANILA, Philippines — Many people all over the world are vying for an opportunity to study in New Zealand.

At present, over 130,000 international students are in the country. Approximately 4,000 Filipino students have been attracted by New Zealand’s internationally recognized education and dynamic learning environment, and are now studying in the country.

But how does New Zealand make learning a worthwhile experience? Here are three important features of the education system that are uniquely Kiwi:

Everyone is encouraged to express his identity

New Zealand is known for its inclusivity and hospitality, and has an environment where different cultures are embraced and celebrated. In fact, New Zealand is a multi-cultural country where festivities such as Diwali, Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Day and Chinese New Year are widely celebrated.

Similarly, New Zealand’s education system is a reflection of its diverse culture. The country’s education system incorporates its rich history of culture and heritage within its schools.

For instance, Kura kaupapa M?ori or M?ori medium schools teach students in te reo M?ori or the M?ori language, producing students who are proficient in both Maori and English.

This welcoming culture trickles down to even the smallest detail, like allowing students to embrace their own identity through the way they dress for school. While some New Zealand schools and institutions already do away with school uniforms, those that still have them include cultural elements.

For instance, Wesley College in Auckland, one of the country’s oldest schools, still continues the practice of incorporating traditional cultural dress into its prescribed uniform.

Tertiary institutes also incorporate these cultural values by encouraging students to learn more about the M?ori culture, giving interested students the opportunity to explore basic course on the M?ori language or complete a program on M?ori studies or indigenous theories and development.

Additionally, universities also offer majors in foreign languages and cultures including Japanese, Latin, Sanskrit, Irish studies and Islamic studies, showing that diversity is not just respected, but also highly valued.

Innovation is an integral part of a student’s learning journey

New Zealand’s value for innovation is amplified through its education system. Creating a culture of ingenuity has made New Zealand home to the creators of the disposable syringe, child-proof lids, the bungee jump and the jet boat.

New Zealand institutions have established programs that send their students out in the country’s open spaces and breathtaking sights for experiential learning.

New Zealand, however, is also able to bring the world to its students. Today, students can go on a learning adventure through virtual field trips with programs such as Linking Education and Antarctic Research in New Zealand, a unique learning model which allows students to overcome barriers of distance and time and collaborate and communicate with people beyond their immediate environment.

Being an isolated country, New Zealanders are taught to be independent and creative thinkers – something that is embedded in the country’s education system. The nation’s small population and commitment to hands-on learning also means its education system has quickly evolved to meet the needs of the rapidly changing global economy.

A chance to make your mark in the world

New Zealand has produced noteworthy students and graduates that have shaped the world today.

In the realm of science, the first person to split the atom, father of Nuclear Physics Ernest Rutherford, was New Zealand-born and educated. Many are also familiar with multi-award winning filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson who achieved global acclaim through his adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, among many others.

Because the country’s culture fosters curiosity and invention among students, many New Zealand students are given the freedom to explore and pursue their passions.

For instance, Jake Evill, a student from the Victoria University in Wellington, created the Cortex Cast when he broke his wrist. Patterned after the look of the trabecula, nature’s way of building support inside the bones, the Cortex Cast is made out of waterproof and recyclable material, making it less likely to become a health and environment hazard.

Indeed, a New Zealand education takes learning further and allows international students, including Filipinos, to learn not just within the confines of the classroom but beyond its four walls and corners.