In order to ensure that international students don’t miss out on quality education and yet be safe, New Zealand universities have come up with several measures
During these unprecedented times, New Zealand varsities have taken immediate and effective steps to ensure that students, both national as well as international, receive the best of education while also remaining safe. This is in accordance with International Student Wellbeing Strategy launched in 2017 by New Zealand that further elevates the standard of pastoral care for international students.
The universities have created multiple communication avenues for students to stay in touch. Active online platforms and 24X7 helpline numbers dedicated to students ensure that students can reach out to their respective place of study as required, warranting their safety and well-being.
In response to the Government’s guidance on COVID-19, the universities are working closely with their lecturers to reinforce their commitment to students.
The universities have started online lectures and guide students in their way through remote learning. For students’ ease and reference, all the online lectures are recorded. The students can coordinate with their course coordinator for feedback or any other query.
Online portals have been created like as AgentLab and NauMai NZ to provide all recent updates and deal with students’ queries directly. The University of Otago has a separate website for COVID-19 information providing all essential details on the change of course. Apart from the academic support, an International Café is available for a virtual conversation between students and the international support team.
The University of Waikato has a Student Services Team responsible for sharing news, tips and tricks to stay well and ways to remain socially connected.
The University of Auckland remains in touch with the students through emails and virtual chats to ensure that they are well and are coping up with the new learning environment. The university has a Student Disability Services team which works with course coordinates to find out alternative solutions for different but equivalent assessment options for students.