2024 Symposium

Supporting Cross-border Students, 6-7 June 2024. Identify strategies that assist University staff with responding effectively to the unique needs of cross-border learners.

Supporting Cross-border Students Symposium

We are excited to announce the Supporting Cross-border Students Symposium hosted by the University of Auckland, June 6-7 2024.  ISANA NZ is thrilled to be partnering with ANZSSA to investigate the unique needs of international students, new settlers and refugee-background learners and identify tailored strategies to address these needs. Get in early for this ground-breaking symposium! Register here.

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.

Our exceptional keynote speakers included:

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.

Conference Sponsor

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