Studying abroad is a big decision which comes with many benefits — an international qualification, new found independence and lifelong friendships. But it isn't always easy being in a new place. The worries about being in a safe and secure environment and get quality education is what always lingers in the mind of the child’s parents and family members.
Established in 1996, New Zealand’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students helps to address these worries. The document clearly outlined what services and support international students could expect and set out minimum standards which should be followed by the education providers who are enrolling international students.
If a student experiences something that is below the standards required by the code, they or their representatives can make a complaint to the independent International Education Appeal Authority. The authority will investigate and impose sanctions against providers found in breach of the code.
The code was also revised and included into New Zealand's Education Act in 2002. It remains comprehensive, canvassing a wide range of issues from making sure that the recruitment of international students happens in an ethical manner.
It also requires all providers to have fair and equitable internal procedures to resolve any problems. A fee protection policy was also put in place to ensure that students' fees are safe.
The latest evolution in the Education Amendment Bill currently before New Zealand Parliament focusses on improvements that have been proposed to give better protection and feel like home experience to the international students.
These include streamlining the sanction process for code breaches and establishing an independent disputes resolution scheme to resolve contractual disputes between international students and their education providers.
Responsibility for administering the code also now sits with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, New Zealand's education standard-setting and quality assurance Government department.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority maintains a register of all education providers that the code applies to and provides information on complaints processes.
The Code has remained true to these original standards since then, with a couple of minor revisions since to further strengthen the protections in place for international students. To find out more about studying in New Zealand, visit www.studyinnewzealand.com.