SIEBA is now open for business

A new initiative called the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA) has been launched to further foster the ‘New Zealand schools brand’, and to promote the benefits of our schools to the global marketplace.

SIEBA has a vision: to be a partner for New Zealand schools in advancing their international education business.

Armed with a set of core values that also reflect those of our education system, SIEBA aims to grow all aspects of the international education sector: economic value, quality, professionalism, visibility, and collaborative practice.

The organisation will also celebrate and share leading practices in all aspects of schools’ international education.

Melissa Irving is deputy principal and director of international students at Macleans College in Auckland. She says SIEBA will help schools like Macleans to improve practice and target new business opportunities.

“I am looking forward to having a body that is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of our sector and to respond accordingly with that sole focus,” she says.

John van der Zwan

John van der Zwan has been appointed as interim executive director to guide SIEBA’s development through its first six months, and is excited by the road ahead.

“It’s about more than just recruiting more students,” he says. “It’s about trying to maximise the benefits of having international students at our schools. SIEBA’s mission is to lead, connect, and grow the international student business in the most efficient way possible.”

John says the New Zealand education system is highly regarded in the international sector.

“Our schools offer a quality education experience, one where thinking skills and analysis are high priorities in teaching and learning, and other countries respect that. And as well, New Zealand has a strong reputation as a clean, green and safe place with a good climate, which also makes us an attractive choice for families looking for schools abroad.

And similarly, international students make an important contribution to our schools and communities, both socially and culturally, he says.

With over 180 members already, John encourages schools to join SIEBA whether they have had a long involvement with international education or are just enrolling their first student from overseas.

“SIEBA will be the go-to resource for best practice, professional development and advice. The elected board members are all highly experienced international education practitioners who are dedicated to fostering strong growth in our sector,” he says.

A head start in global connectedness

Born out of a strategic roadmap for the international education sector, the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA) and Education New Zealand (ENZ) jointly announced the initiative in late June.

ENZ is the New Zealand government agency with the strategic lead for student recruitment and business development for international education. ENZ works to grow awareness of New Zealand as a study destination and to support New Zealand education providers and businesses in taking their services and products abroad.

ENZ’s acting chief executive John Goulter says, “Schools have a critical role in New Zealand’s $2.85 billion international education industry, providing international school students with a world-class education and a strong foundation from which they can go on to any number of tertiary courses and education programmes offered by institutions around the country and around the world.

“As well, New Zealand students who study alongside international classmates are being given an invaluable opportunity to interact with people from other cultures, thereby giving them a head start in the global connectedness that’s essential for success in today’s world.”

The Ministry of Education’s new Director for International Education, Emily Fabling, is also fully supportive of schools’ role in New Zealand’s international education industry, as well as growing the international capabilities of New Zealand learners. In collaboration with the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, the Ministry published a guide for schools in July 2014(external link) that reports on how international capabilities fit in the New Zealand Curriculum.

The International Education Snapshot: 2014 full year report(external link)(external link) shows that the number of international students studying in New Zealand schools grew by four per cent on 2013.

The sector has also seen a seven per cent ($8.8 million) increase in tuition fees in 2014.