New partnership boosts overseas study opportunities

13.10.2015

New partnership boosts overseas study opportunities for students

The University of Auckland’s goal to see one in four students graduating with overseas experience by 2020 has been advanced through a new partnership to boost the number of students from the United States.

The University has this month signed on as an official Commitment Partner to the US Generation Study Abroad movement, an initiative started by the US Institute of International Education (IIE) to double the number of US students undertaking a studying abroad experience as they work toward their degree.

Director International Brett Berquist says the partnership offers 100 scholarships worth NZ $1275 each for students coming from the University’s partner institutions; travel discounts through US travel agency Student Universe and Air New Zealand; and more short-term opportunities for international students. These will include short courses run over the northern hemisphere summer break, research opportunities and internships.

The University of Auckland joins more than 630 institutions, organisations and governments across the United States and around the world that have signed on to the movement. Education New Zealand was the first organisation outside the US to join.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon says innovation and creativity are vital to New Zealand's future. “We encourage our students to learn from other cultures through the diversity of students on campus as well as by learning abroad during their degree,” he says.

“This helps to develop their ability to see issues from different angles and work collaboratively across cultures. International understanding is important to our students’ career development and will strengthen our country's ability to compete in the global marketplace of ideas.”

The University aims to increase the flow of students in both directions.
"The US is an important market for New Zealand, and its demands for shorter, highly experiential opportunities reflects what our own students are seeking,” says Brett. “In addition to top-rate teaching, today's students want hands-on, intensive experiences that make a difference outside the classroom.

“As we work toward our goal of 25percent participation in learning abroad for Auckland students, our focus on attracting more US students will leverage our efforts to support our own students' work to incorporate overseas learning into their career development plans."

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