Reflecting on 2019, a number of headlines stick out – from acquisition shakeups across the ESL industry to visa issues stretching over various destination countries. Here are some of the stories which have grabbed our attention, and yours, over the last 12 months.

New Zealand’s focus on quality has seen the number of international enrolments decline for the second consecutive year. A seperate report, however, has found the public’s positivity towards the industry continues to improve.

The Asia Pacific Association for International Education has made the “difficult decision” to relocate their 2021 conference to Bangkok, Thailand.

Prospective international students considering New Zealand are more likely to get their Information than online forums, Instagram or Twitter, according to QS research. Parents are also less likely to have a substantial influence on a student's decision-making.

ISANA NZ has used its annual conference to launch a new website and a refresh of its corporate colour to distinguish itself from the Australian branch.

A coalition of international educators seeking to raise awareness and reduce the industry's impact on climate change has formed.

Global international educators have congratulated the UK sector for helping reintroduce post-study work rights, but note the UK is now on a level playing field in terms of PSW settings; successful job outcomes are the ultimate influencer.

A year after the launch of New Zealand's new national strategy and post-study work rights, the 2019 NZIEC focused on future directives for the country. "Collaboration is an energising force," the country's education minister Chris Hipkins said.