17 July 2000 New Expo pushes 'Canterbury option' for tertiary education

Keeping education Canterbury-based is the aim of the first ever Tertiary Expo for international students.

Hosted by Education Christchurch, an umbrella grouping of almost 50 education providers, student support and homestay organisations, the Expo is being held in Christchurch Town Hall (Limes Room) on Monday 24 July from 10.30am until 8.00pm and admission is free.

"The aim is to encourage international students who come to Canterbury for their secondary or intermediate schooling to stay on for their tertiary education," says Jennifer Wilson, Lincoln University's representative on the board of Education Christchurch.

"Through displays by Canterbury's universities, College of Education, Polytechnic and private tertiary providers, plus opportunities to discuss student issues with those who have stayed on and discovered the advantages for themselves, international students, their parents and host families will find much of value in the Expo.

"The cost of living in Christchurch and the cost of education here is considered by international students and their families to be moderate. This enables students to have a quality education experience and acquire formal qualifications in a way that may not be possible in other parts of the world.

"There are four state tertiary institutions in Christchurch offering degrees and diplomas at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. In addition there are several institutes of higher learning offering a range of internationally recognised courses and qualifications.

"We see advantages for both the students and the institutions in 'keeping it Canterbury '. For the students there is first and foremost the quality of the institutions, and the international recognition of the qualifications they offer.

"Secondly there are substantial cost savings to themselves and their parents, both in money terms and socially, in avoiding having to re-locate or shift to another centre.

"The close working relationship between tertiary providers in Christchurch not only gives students a range of study options but also allows them to transfer from one institution to another to continue their study."

Mrs Wilson says that Christchurch is proving to be a preferred destination for international students with the study options, lifestyle and comparative cultural safety of the region all contributing to very positive experiences for the students.

The Expo in the Town Hall is an opportunity for all international students in secondary schools and language colleges in Canterbury to consider their tertiary options, she says.

Toni Hervey, Canterbury Development Corporation, 193 Cashel Street, Christchurch, New Zealand