KOCHI: The recession has not affected the number of students applying for courses in universities abroad, says Jenny Wilson, International Relations manager, Lincoln University, New Zealand.
“The recession can in fact prompt many to upgrade themselves; to get an additional degree for that edge over the others.” Jenny, who is in charge of promoting the university in the Asia Pacific region, was here at the Hope IELTS centre, Ayyappankavu to spread awareness about the Lincoln University.
Lincoln University is more than 120 years old and students have been going there from India for the past 50 years, she says. Every year, around 50 students from Kerala itself go to New Zealand for higher studies. But why New Zealand? “The visa processing for New Zealand is much easier than for other Australian countries. They get an open work permit for a year. Also, the New Zealand dollar is around 26 Indian rupees as against the Australian dollar which is 32 or more Indian rupees,” says Antonita of Hope Academy.
The major industries of New Zealand are eco-culture and tourism and thus there are jobs aplenty in farm-related fields. The one-year diploma courses for subjects like Viticulture (wine-making) and oenology are very popular. The wine exports of New Zealand are valued at NZ$ 611 and expected to increase in the coming years. There are a variety of jobs available like vineyard manager, winemaker, vineyard marketer and more. Other majors include agriculture, farm management, horticulture etc. Once the students finish their diploma, they can start working there and gradually settle down. “Most students who come there are happy with life there. It is a proper city but picturesque as well,” says Jenny. “The major point we stress for all students who go for Study Abroad programmes is not to have unrealistic expectations.” Education in New Zealand is mostly funded by the government; all eight of the universities there are public universities.
“New Zealand is somewhat isolated, and students there are rather complacent as jobs are not too hard to get.
But students from here are always driven and hardworking.
So I always tell them to learn from Indian students,” says Jenny. For more details on the University and its programmes, contact Antonita at – 9995906421.
ashaprakash@epmltd.com