Foundation Skills/Pastoral care at Otago Polytechnic for students from near and far/Code of Practice for the pastoral care of international students

When international students come to study in New Zealand, they deserve to be well informed, safe and nurtured while here, as well as well prepared to adapt to the change in culture, and life in New Zealand. They also need to understand not only the benefits of studying in New Zealand, but also "...the costs they will face, the reality of day-to-day life, and where relevant, what kind of employment opportunities they are likely to have during and after study" (NZQA, 2016, p. 5). Otherwise, they may experience a variety of issues including loneliness, isolation, homesickness, culture shock, language challenges and lack of confidence. The New Zealand government recognizes the importance of ensuring that these students are well supported.
 * Code of Practice for the pastoral care of international students :

To this end, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has developed a Code of Practice of Pastoral Care for International Students (updated in 2016) to which all education providers are expected to adhere. This revised Code of Practice replaced the 2010 version and took effect from 1 July 2016. Information about transition arrangements for students who entered New Zealand prior to the change can be accessed on the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) website.  Ten outcomes are outlined in the document.
 * Outcome 1: Marketing and promotion.
 * Outcome 2: Managing and monitoring agents.
 * Outcome 3: Offers, enrolment, and contracts.
 * Outcome 3: Offers, enrolment, and contracts – Insurance.
 * Outcome 4: Immigration matters.
 * Outcome 5: Orientation.
 * Outcome 6: Safety and well-being.
 * Outcome 6: Safety and well-being – Accommodation.
 * Outcome 7: Student advice, support, and services.
 * Outcome 8: Managing withdrawal and closure.
 * Outcome 9 and 10: Grievance procedures.

Reference
NZQA. (2016). Code of Practice of Pastoral Care for International Students. NZQA. Retrieved from http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice