Often regarded as 'Student City', Palmerston North, with around 40 percent of the population studying and 30 percent under or between the ages of 15-30 and housing 100 different cultures, is unequivocally emerging as one of the fastest growing vibrant multicultural and ethnically diverse cities in New Zealand. Surrounded by spectacular scenery and landscapes, the city has gained ample popularity among students because of the existence of world-class education providers such as IPU New Zealand Tertiary Institute. Boasting a student population of over 400 from more than 17 countries, IPU New Zealand is highly appreciated among the international student community for offering an excellent range of teaching and learning experience and personal support services.
The proficient team of faculty members at IPU New Zealand embraces interdisciplinary and student-centered pedagogies to teach and train students so that they can develop sound communication skills, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, information literacy, self-management, and civic-mindedness
"Our philosophy is to integrate concepts, methodologies, and insights of different disciplines, thus providing a truly unique interdisciplinary framework. We are responsible for developing future leaders of the world who are multi-lingual, able to communicate cross-culturally and embody a global mindset to challenge conventional practices," says Dr. Rashid Ameer, Assistant Dean and Postgraduate Programmes Coordinator, IPU New Zealand. Belonging to one of the largest education conglomerates in Japan and the Pacific Rim, SOSHI Educational Group (SEG), which has 120 educational premises in Japan and around the world with over 30,000 students, IPU New Zealand understands the financial barriers of international students and offers relevant scholarships. International students at IPU New Zealand are able to apply for 'Soshi Education Scholarship' of up to NZD$7,000 and 'The Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship (MGAS)' of up to NZD$6,000 sponsored by the Palmerston North City Council.
The institute prides itself in its robust student support team comprising of well-experienced and multilingual staff, including Indians, making sure that adequate and comprehensive support is provided for international students' educational and welfare needs. "Being a completely student-friendly institute, we take care of students' pre-arrival and arrival needs and render a free pick up service from the Palmerston North airport, bus stop or railway station upon their arrival," states Hannah White, Director of Services (Academic and Corporate), IPU New Zealand. Furthermore, apart from the 24/7 student support services provided to both on and off campus students, a detailed orientation is held at the institute to help each international student in getting information and advice on the academic and non-academic services, support, and facilities that the institute offers.
For a Smooth Transition
As one of New Zealand's first private tertiary education institutions conceptualized in 1987 with more than 20 years' experience in teaching foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, the institute covers an array of courses from which students can choose according to their interest. The courses conducted at IPU New Zealand includes the Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies, the flagship degree programme which allows students to select any one area of specialty within their International Business major, the Master of Contemporary International Studies which enables students to grow an appreciation of how businesses, government, and the global economy interact. "A unique feature of our Bachelor's degree programme is a final research project that provides students training in independent applied research under the supervision of native language experts, coupled with the ability to work on real-life business problems while pursuing non-paid internships locally as well as at foreign multinational companies," shares Dr. Ameer.
Taking a leap forward, the institute offers an academic pathway to the Accounting Technician qualification - an entry-level professional accounting qualification, on account of its accreditation by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). "Our affiliation with the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) has allowed our students to interact with foreign diplomats' informal seminars to enrich their understanding of the political landscape and how they could seek rewarding high-flying jobs," claims Dr. Ameer. Known for maintaining a decent rapport with industry and varied organizations, the institute also holds a good relation with the Indian High Commission based in Wellington, owing to which the Indian students of the institute have the opportunity to talk to the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand His Excellency Mr. Sanjeev Kohli at various events and participate in quizzes and competitions organized by them.
"The institute puts its utmost effort in easing the journey of Indian students by encouraging them to organize events such as Holi, Rangoli, and Deepawali with students of other nationalities," says Priyanka Sharma, Recruitment/Retention Officer, IPU New Zealand. Today owing to the welcoming and warm nature of the institute, graduates of Indian origin are placed in organizations of repute such as the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, the New Zealand Police, educational institutions of higher learning, and in the retail, hospitality and healthcare sectors. Dr. Ameer adds, "The most preferred courses by the Indian students at IPU New Zealand are International Human Resources Management; Leadership, Communication and Change Management; Business, the Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility".
The proficient team of faculty members at IPU New Zealand embraces interdisciplinary and student-centered pedagogies to teach and train students so that they can develop sound communication skills, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, information literacy, self-management, and civic-mindedness. The students also earn hands-on training through reciprocal study exchange programmes and internships. "These facilities are delivered to the students by the virtue of IPU New Zealand's global partnership with universities like International Pacific University in Japan" pinpoints Hannah White. With the motto of 'Education as a creative challenge', IPU New Zealand assists students in securing a job in their chosen field upon graduating and is strongly determined to ensure students are on the right track to developing their career pathway.
Priyanka Sharma, Student Support and Recruitment/Retention Officer
Completed her Masters degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Rajasthan and Postgraduate Diploma of International Studies from IPC Tertiary Institute (now IPU New Zealand). Priyanka Sharma also holds a CertTESOL from Trinity College, London. Currently, she is serving as the Student Support and Recruitment/Retention Officer (South Asia) at IPU New Zealand.
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