International Learner End of Semester Survey shows ‘positive feedback’

More than 280 international learners marked end of Semester with a celebration in Te Puna Events Kitchen on Thursday.

“We like to choose a different culture with every gathering so we celebrated Diwali at the end of the last break,” says International Coordinator, Melody Hao.

“This time, we embraced Sri Lankan culture, offering students a unique opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan sweets and a vibrant community atmosphere.”

Sri Lankan students at Unitec make up 18% of the total international student cohort and are the second largest group behind India (33%).

The end-of-semester gathering provided a great opportunity for international students to connect with each other and with the International Success team’s support staff before the study break next week.

“Our ākonga and kaimahi enjoyed the shared experience in a welcoming environment filled with food, music, and games,” Hao added.

“We also received some very positive feedback from our students, when we asked them how they were doing in Semester One and the support they received from our team.”

A survey was completed by 101 ākonga on the day and revealed that they were very satisfied with the level of support they received from the International Success Team. More than 90% of those polled rated their service as Excellent or Good.

When it came to rating the various support services, Attendance Reminders (64%) and Student Events and Workshops (57%) were overwhelmingly ranked the most helpful, followed by visa information and student drop-in services.

Student Central, Ask Me, and International Support Manager, Jeffrey Wu says the positive feedback reinforces Unitec’s commitment to manaakitanga, or showing respect, generosity and care for others, which is making a positive impact on our overseas learners.

More than 1,300 international students are currently enrolled at Unitec with a team of eleven in the International Success team supporting them.