Student Ambassador Program Launched

In the latest video challenge, students were asked to record what they missed most about life before Covid-19 restrictions, and what they had most enjoyed about lockdown life.

“The video challenge was designed to provide the students with a creative outlet during lockdown,” said Jo Lees, Project Manager for Study Northland, the international education arm of Northland Inc, the regional economic development agency.

The Ambassadors have been selected from nine Northland learning institutions, including secondary schools and NorthTec. There are currently students from 10 different countries involved, including New Zealand.

Lees said that as well as engaging students in Northland’s culture and environment, it would also help to highlight the amazing experiences international students are exposed to in the region. “It will be relevant to both international student markets as well as people in other parts of New Zealand who might be considering a move to Northland.”

The Ambassador Programme would also involve the students co-designing future activities, including collaborations with local businesses and charities.

“These experiences are all aimed at empowering the students to think and act globally. Ambassadors will be sharing their experiences through Study Northland’s digital channels, so the video challenge is a perfect way of doing this,” added Lees.

“We will be introducing students to some unique Northland people, experiences and places, too. We hope that through our ambassadors sharing their experiences, they will inspire others to come to study in this wonderful region in the future.”

One of those ambassadors, Greta Frech, from Germany, is studying at Whangārei Girls’ High School. She said she chose to come to Northland because it is “one of the hottest places in New Zealand and I really like the nature here”. She added: “The school system in New Zealand is pretty different compared to the German one and it feels more like a family; you do practical things and not just the theory. Outdoor Education is a good example of that.”

She was loving life with her homestay family, too: “We eat, laugh and live together and we also have little discussions sometimes; you know, just like a real family. I really like and appreciate them.”

Ambassadors currently involved in the programme are studying at Whangārei Girls’ High School, Whangārei Boys’ High School, Kamo High School, NorthTec, Tauraroa Area School, Huanui College, Excellere College, Kerikeri High School, and Springbank School.

Study Northland was established in 2018 to strengthen and support international education throughout New Zealand.