Attracting new students

DECISIONS: The group of students from Johnson Grammar School in Hyderabad, India visit Holmwood Farms in Pohangina Valley. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Palmerston North's newest economic agency has welcomed an announcement that more Indian students are considering Manawatu as an option for their tertiary education.

A group of 14 students from a private high school in Hyderabad travelled to Palmerston North last week on the endorsed visitor experience, TakeMe2TheWorld. The tour is here for two weeks and visits will include the Massey School of Engineering, Awatapu College and Palmerston North Boys' High School where they will also be staying.

Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) international education development manager Judy Bennett-Smith said India was one of New Zealand's fastest growing international education markets.

"It's important that we have Indian students visit to consider Palmerston North's educational offering.

"We are aiming to grow the international student market and it is tours like those organised by quality organisations like Ourania Education Network and TakeMe2TheWorld that will enable this growth."

This is the third group TakeMe2TheWorld's chief tour leader Nats Subramanian has brought to the region since last year.

"We're planning on making it a regular occurrence and I want to ensure the lion's share of the tour is here in Manawatu.

"As well as education opportunities we've also arranged fun activities such as shopping at The Plaza, Daytona indoor racing, Laser tag, Flip City and a visit to the Manawatu Archery Club."

Ms Bennett-Smith said the international student market was the country's fifth largest export category.

"Our international student market contributes $62 million to the local economy and CEDA aims to grow the impact of international education by 28 per cent by 2020, adding a further $18 million to the local economy.

"Growing the Indian student market will help us achieve that."

Palmerston North Boys' High School director international Lance Retemeyer said India was an emerging market for their facility.

"This is the second group to visit in the past two months. It's an opportunity for students to consider what we offer before making a decision about their education destination."

Palmerston North currently hosts up to 3000 international students each year.