To understand our international students we need to take a look into who they are and where they come from and why they come.
Why do they leave their home and family and venture overseas to study?
Ultimately they are looking for better opportunities than what they can get in their own countries, in terms of:
- Education / study
- A career path/jobs
- A better quality of life
- The ability to migrate
While for many it is also about personal development – where they are looking to grow and develop as a person. This is about seeking different things from what they’ve known and grown up with – meeting people and experiencing new things, places and different cultures.
What motivates them to leave their home country and make the journey across the world to study in New Zealand.
When weighing up what countries to move to / study at, they are considering a range of English speaking countries – including New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Singapore.
And they are using a range of sources to help influence their decision – both in terms of where to live, as well as where to study:
- Most important is the advice of their family – while having family already in specific countries and cities is a huge drawcard
- Advice from friends and recommendations from agents also play a role for many
- And they are also doing their own research online to help inform their decisions
- Google searching around the countries, specific cities and the education providers
- Watching videos or doco’s to help to get a feel for the place
- Looking at most liveable places/cities lists (Forbes)
- Tertiary provider websites
Ultimately, they are looking for places that offer good opportunities and a place where they feel they can grow as a person.
It then comes down to where they get accepted, in terms of visas and acceptance into study.
So why choose New Zealand?
Ultimately it’s because New Zealand meets their needs in terms of the opportunities available for study, careers and potential to migrate as well as the quality of life that it offers.
While for some, having family already here meant they already knew a lot about New Zealand and what it would be like, and also provided a vital support system.