Overseas students a cash earner

HERE TO STUDY: Meri Gibson, Education Rotorua marketing director (left) with Waiariki international students Shilpa K. Sasikumar, Franzelyn Calvngsod, Jandell Geral and Ailex Dereka Vladez. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Rotorua is set to generate millions of dollars of extra revenue a year if it continues to grow as a destination for international students.

Education Rotorua, a collective of secondary schools and tertiary providers, was established in December to grow international student numbers in the city.

In six months the group has made "significant strides" and is now looking towards marketing primary and intermediate schools as options for younger international students.

Education Rotorua marketing director Meri Gibson said it was complex moving into primary and intermediate education, but the reward would be worthwhile.

"Agents from China and Taiwan are expressing interest in sending primary and intermediate students to Rotorua.

"And while there will be a number of hoops to jump through for these schools to sign up to the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care for International Students requirements, this is very exciting as these students will need to be accompanied by family members who will provide a further boost to the economy."

Otonga Primary School principal Linda Woon said her school had three international students and she was open to accepting more. "It is more complex marketing Rotorua as a destination for international primary school students as any child under 11 years old needs to be accompanied by a guardian.

Rotorua receives about $57 million a year from international students' expenditure, according to Education New Zealand figures.

Ms Gibson said that figure had the potential to grow exponentially as the collective worked to market Rotorua as a desired education hub for international students.

Waiariki Institute of Technology international education director Graeme Rennie said exporting education was a two way street.

"The mix of cultures this initiative brings to our campus allows domestic students and staff to learn about different ways of life, adding to their learning experience as well."