Conference of Int'l Education Professionals

Mon, 9 Aug 2004

Conference of International Education Professionals

"Nurturing our professionalism in international education" is the theme of ISANA NZ: International Education Association's third annual conference to be held In Auckland over 2 and 3 September. This is a unique gathering of international eduction professionals from across all sectors of Export Education. The quality of the experience of international students depends crucially on the quality of the services provided for them by the pastoral care staff, admissions and marketing officers, accommodation providers, teachers and others.

"The rapid growth in student numbers, masses of new regulation, and the negative publicity have all put a lot of stress and strain on the professionals trying to provide services for the international students. We need to focus on ourselves for a change to consider our needs as professionals - what kinds of support and professional development do we need, how can we continue to improve our services without burning ourselves out?" says, Dr John Pickering, president of ISANA NZ. Invited guests include Dr Shanton Chang from Melbourne University, and a former international student, Rob Stevens from Education New Zealand who will speak on the current levy funded professional development initiatives, Jim Sinclair, the Code Administrator, and NZIS.

ISANA, which has members in all the universities, most polytechnics, many schools and many private institutions, has played a significant role in advising the government on the Code of Practice, on Professional Development needs, and on what is really happening with the students. It is committed to supporting the industry through maintaining high professional standards, supporting professional development of its members, and advocating on behalf of students.

Prior to the conference, on 1 September, there will be a Professional Development day. Anyone interested in joining the conference should email: Lian Hong Lim, the Conference Convenor, at lianhong.lim@paradise.net.nz or phone her at 09-528 5792 or 021 189 3380.

ENDS

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