Conference/Symposiums

Conference 2025

How do we keep improving our tailored support for diverse cohorts and cross-border learners? How do we develop capacity and versatility? Where are we stretched and what new collaborations are needed?

Conference 2025 will showcase innovations and connections needed for inventive, tailored practice. Sessions will power new connections between sub-sectors and professions, e.g. working with school and tertiary teachers to enhance the cross-border learner experience. More details to come.

Indicator price for one day $375+GST (tbc).

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Inaugural Code symposiums

The 2021 Education Code of Practice is five years old, and we're excited to announce two Code symposiums, which are the first to focus on the unique needs of cross-border students (international students, new settlers and refugee-background learners). The symposiums will include breakout sessions for both school-based and tertiary practitioners and will highlight NZQA's 2025 Code Administrator priorities.    

Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, May 16th

We're excited to announce critical themes and streams that include: Intercultural dimensions of care (Psychiatrist Dr Jubilee Rajiah, University of Otago); An introduction to cross-border students' hidden needs (Chris Beard, ISANA NZ); Supporting the learning of cross-border students (panellists Lara Buchanan, James Hargest College; Vanessa Naidoo, Otago Polytechnic; Anna Burgin, University of Otago). 

Wintec, Hamilton, June 16th

We're excited to announce critical themes and streams that include: Communication in English with cross-border students: Do we need to lift our game? (Assoc Prof Jonathan Newton, Victoria University of Wellington); Working with education agents to manage learner expectations (Assoc Prof Pii-Tuulia, EIT); and School-based innovations in code-responsive practice (Craig Fuller, Cambridge High School; Lauree Fuller, Hamilton Girls High School).

Pencil these events into your diaries. Registration links and more announcements to come…

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The Transitions Forum

Massey University, Albany Campus, 15th November, 2024

The Transitions Forum was an excellent opportunity for schools, pathways programmes and tertiary providers to discuss the nuances of the international learner transition. We received very positive feedback on the workshops and cross-sector panel.

Supporting cross-border students symposium

University of Canterbury, 2nd September, 2024

We're thrilled to have hosted our second Supporting cross-border students symposium this year at the University of Canterbury. A huge thank you to Vivienne Anderson, Jonie Chang, Lisa Garrett, Greg Scott, Janelle Blythe, Aimee Salubre, and Andy Ge for your exceptional presentations that made the event such a success.

Thank you to the University of Canterbury for your partnership and support in bringing this event to life.

Cross-border students are a steadily growing cohort of students that include international learners, new settlers, and refugee-background learners. Developing tailored practice for these students is an Education Code of Practice obligation and essential for learner success.

This one day symposium offered practical strategies, tips and tools that are highly relevant to tertiary education providers and schools with diverse student bodies that include cross-border learners.

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Supporting cross-border students symposium

University of Auckland, 6th-7th June, 2024

We're delighted that the Supporting cross-border students symposium hosted by the University of Auckland in June was such a success. Heart-felt thanks in particular to Valentine Ibeka, Dr. Shireen Chua, Dr Christina Baird, Angela Liew and Colleen Ward for delivering high quality presentations that sparked stimulating conversations, connections and collaborative solutions.

Thank you to The University of Auckland and ANZSSA for partnering and making the event possible and allowing us to come together to enhance our support of cross-border students.

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ISANA NZ Conference 2023

ISANA NZ would like to sincerely thank our incredible presenters for taking the time to support the ISANA NZ Conference 2023. The line up of presentations were exceptional and made the event a real success. Thank you!

To ISANA NZ Conference 2023 attendees, we thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration. It was great to reconnect again in person, and we look forward to our next gathering together.

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Our exceptional keynote speakers included:

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Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley – Co-Director, He Whenua Taurikura. National Centre for Countering Violent Extremism

The Christchurch call and the challenges of an online world: International education’s role

Paul is a New Zealand sociologist and was formerly the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University. He specialises in understanding social change and demography as well as political extremism. He has written or edited 29 books on demographic change, ethnic identity and far right extremism. Paul will present on the role of international education in supporting Aotearoa’s social cohesion.

Prof. Colleen Ward – Founding Director of the Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research, Victoria University of Wellington

The critical importance of managing international learner expectations

Colleen’s major areas of research expertise are intercultural relations and factors that facilitate or impede adaptation to a new culture. A highly cited author, Colleen has published numerous ground-breaking studies investigating the international student experience. She will discuss key findings that are critical to sector sustainability.

Dr. Dougal Sutherland – Registered Clinical Psychologist and Umbrella CEO

Applying clinical insights to international learner welfare and protecting professional boundaries

Dougal has worked for many years in public mental health services providing psychological support to children, parents, and families. He is CEO of Umbrella and high-profile commentator on mental health issues. Dougal will share strategies and practices that he believes will support and enhance international learner wellbeing.

David Bycroft – Executive Director Bycroft Consulting

Sustainable enterprise in international education

David is a successful Australian education business consultant who has worked in the international education sector globally for over 20 years.  He founded the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) which offers the largest network of hosts in Australia and has a significant role promoting national homestay guidelines and standards. David will discuss strategies for building international education initiatives that are learner-centred, versatile and sustainable.

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Conference Sponsor

We would like to extend our thanks to our amazing ISANA NZ Conference 2023 sponsors, who supported the events success!