New Zealand seems to be the flavour of the season when it comes to overseas education as uncertainties continue to surround the traditional choices for higher education abroad like the US and the UK. So it was perfect time for Education New Zealand to get on board Bollywood's current favourite Kriti Sanon from Bareilly ki Barfi, as their brand ambassador. On September 7, this announcement was officially made in Mumbai and we had the chance to catch up with the bubbly actress and the Regional Director of Education New Zealand, John Laxon.
Kiwi Sanon
Who would have imagined the leggy lass, Kriti Sanon was your quintessential nerd? Studious, front bencher, scoring 90% and always completing her homework — she had all the makings of a topper. "I wouldn't even sleep without studying for the exam syllabus," she says, adding that studies were a very important part of her life. This is true for every Indian student, more so for a student whose mother is a professor at Delhi University and whose father is a CA. After finishing her B Tech in Electronics and Engineering, she even planned on pursuing her post-graduation abroad and was considering universities from New Zealand. But alas, destiny had other plans in store for the 27-year-old. "But I do plan to go back to studying filmmaking in a few years, when I’m in the right frame of mind," says Sanon. I feel honoured to be a part of the New Zealand family in India.
It is a great opportunity and responsibility for me to play a cataylst role in supporting the educational and career prospects of students from my country
Kriti Sanon
Education, she says, is important in life no matter what as it helps groom your personality and form opinions. And in a world that is evolving so fast, it’s more important than ever. Laying ample emphasis on being global citizens and the importance of international exposure, she says, "We need future citizens who can collaborate and stand up to any challenge." And New Zealand seems to be ready to groom Indian students into global citizens.
.png?w=640&auto=format%2Ccompress)
At the very start of our conversation, Laxon established that he is very optimistic about the relationship between India and New Zealand, in terms of education. "Not only from India, we are seeing interest from a lot of other countries that would otherwise look at the US and the UK. Now, they are looking for new destinations and new opportunities," says Laxon. He gives credit to the quality of the education system which places universities in high ranks internationally and also the positive learning environment the country provides. Already, more than 1,30,000 students make their way to Kiwi Land every year.
John Laxon, Regional Director, Education New Zealand
We are reminded of what Stephen Fleming told Edex when he visited Chennai last year for Education New Zealand. He said there are three advantages of studying in New Zealand — safety, quality of education and education in life. We ask Laxon about education in life and he was in agreement with the cricketer. "Our education system is founded on the strong pillars of openness, collaboration and inquisitiveness," he says, adding that students are encouraged to engage in activities and with themselves. A holistic approach that they believe no one can match — a truly global experience with students from over 190 countries pouring in and an agenda to provide an experience of a lifetime. Laxon tells us that New Zealand is ready to be India's preferred destination for overseas education.
Reach Out: studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/
