International students create global citizens, Rotorua teacher says

John Paul College international students Megumi Fukushima, left, Chan Mi Hyun, Gerardo Marin, Xue Gong, Mark Chiang and Elena Lahr. Photo / Stephen Parker

International students bring so much more value to the community than just financial benefits, John Paul College international director Mike Dwight says.

Dwight wasn't surprised to hear international students brought $71 million to the Rotorua economy.

"It's one of the biggest earners so the impact for Rotorua is good. The financial benefits and gain are obviously important but there are also many other benefits.

"The thing that excites me most is to do with the increasingly interconnected world. Students are becoming global citizens and students that have gained that perspective, they've got the edge."

Dwight said international students were a "fantastic resource" for developing skills, relationships, networks and friendships and said they helped create a "global village".

"This is what's equipping our kids for the future."

John Paul College student Chan Mi Hyun, 16, from Korea, has been an international student in New Zealand for almost two years.

"I really like it here. I like how people treat me and the education system."

She said international students brought cultures together.

John Paul College international director Mike Dwight. Photo / Stephen Parker

"We share our culture and they can learn. They can make friends from another country.

"I have made wonderful friends and met wonderful people here."

Japanese international student Megumi Fukushima, 17, has also been in New Zealand for two years.

"Every country has different opinions or ideas so we try showcase other cultures as international students."

She said she had experienced new things at John Paul College such as a school ball, and encouraged others to become international students.