The SAIL Programme: Student Ambassadors as Intercultural Leaders

The SAIL Programme (Student Ambassadors as Intercultural Leaders) was first piloted with the support of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao in 2020. It has since been delivered to school and tertiary education partners up and down the motu. 

SAIL provides leadership opportunities and intercultural learning for both international and domestic students. Through the co-planning and delivery of a social event, international students enjoy social connections with local students, who, in turn, benefit from a truly unique global citizenship experience. 

The SAIL Award is distinguished by its capacity to bring international and domestic students together for a shared purpose. The desire for International students to have more meaningful relationships with local students has been a longstanding issue.  

The training, which can be customised for individual providers, includes a workshop, booklet, and follow-up debrief with programme participants. It can be delivered as a stand-alone programme or as a specialised extension of a current student buddy/campus coach programme. To learn more about the ISANA NZ SAIL Programme, please email admin@isana.nz.

We’re delighted to share these heartwarming reports from recent SAIL Programmes taking place across the motu.

University of Canterbury (left): A group of 60+ people trekked out to Little River for a wonderful Ambassador-led stargazing experience. They were happy to report clear skies and perfect conditions.

Morrinsville College (middle): These Student Ambassadors excelled in baking for charity and headed out into the community selling their homemade, decorated cupcakes. All the money they made was donated to Cancer Society Daffodil Day.

Hamilton Girls’ High School (right): The Student Ambassadors organised a massive 400-strong cultural dance evening which featured a rich variety of cultural performances.

The 2021 Education Code of Practice requires tailored support for diverse learners, and it includes a formal requirement to provide training for staff. With the extensive loss of experienced practitioners following the Covid 19 pandemic, and the new Code emphasis on all learners, there is a capacity risk in terms of responding to the unique needs of cross-border learners. ISANA NZ, the only professional body that has been delivering Code-related training for the last twenty years, offers an independent gaps analysis of any aspect of your Code-responsive practice. The analysis draws on an intimate knowledge of the cross-border learner experience, relevant interdisciplinary research and close attention to core intercultural competencies. Recommendations that are offered are supportive, positive and pragmatic.

For more information, please contact chris.beard@isana.nz