Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, has sworn in the city’s inaugural cohort of international student ambassadors, who will welcome incoming overseas students to New Zealand and provide support as they begin their studies.
The Christchurch Educated International Student Ambassador (CEISA) programme is “designed to provide local students in Canterbury with an opportunity to extend their own international networks and experiences whilst supporting international students”, according to a job advertisement for the role.
“I remember when I first arrived. I had many difficulties and so many people helped me in many ways”
The 14 ambassadors will offer both practical and pastoral support to new students, which includes airport welcomes, attending special international education visits, running a stand at the city’s careers expo and answering email queries as well as taking on a mentorship role.
“I have always wanted to help students new to Christchurch,” Izzie Guo, Vice Chair of the Global Student Club and one of the new student ambassadors, commented.
“I remember when I first arrived. I had many difficulties and so many people helped me in many ways,” she continued. “I want to give a little help and hopefully that can make a difference.”
In the coming weeks the new ambassadors will receive specialised counsellor training to equip them to help new students arriving in Canterbury from January 2015.
“Globally minded” students from both New Zealand and abroad in year 13 or above were encouraged to apply, and shortlisted candidates were interviewed by the Christchurch Educated team before the final group was announced.
The finalised team is made up of students from the University of Canterbury, CPIT, the Southland Institute of Technology and Middleton Grange School, who represent nine different nationalities.
