ITC welcomes guest speaker from Migrant Workers Association
Anu Kaloti from the Migrant Workers Association of Aotearoa spoke with ITC’s international students last week.
Homesickness, minimum wage rules, employment contracts – these are all issues pertinent to New Zealand’s international student community.
That’s why the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) welcomed a guest speaker from the Migrant Workers Association of Aotearoa last week.
Association spokesperson Anu Kaloti attended an International Student Lunch at ITC’s City Campus on Wednesday 9 May, where she spoke in-depth about NZ employment rights, such as contracts and minimum wage.
“It was fantastic to have Ms Kaloti attend last week’s International Student Lunch,” says Lesley Brough, ITC International Marketing Manager.
“The purpose of these lunches is to allow students to get to know each other (as they’re often in different classes) and to connect over their shared experience of studying abroad in New Zealand.”
Ms Kaloti spoke to the students about how the Migrant Workers Association supports new workers in New Zealand, and told them what to look out for so they can avoid exploitation.”
ITC covers these important topics on a regular basis, but it was good for international students to hear the same messages from an independent, unaffiliated organisation.
“Ms Kaloti’s message enforced several of the values we have here at College; values like inclusivity, fairness, and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a strong support system in place for international students, including welfare staff they can contact at any time. Now our students know they can also reach out to the Migrant Workers Association if they would like further support or guidance,” says Lesley.
In particular, Ms Kaloti encouraged students to discuss these issues with their friends, as even though they might not be being exploited themselves, it could be happening to someone they know.
“It’s really important to us that our students feel empowered about their rights in New Zealand, and compelled to share this knowledge with their friends and family,” adds Lesley.
“The more we can raise awareness about these issues, the less likely it is that exploitation will occur.”
International students make up approximately 10 per cent of ITC’s student population and currently come from 17 different countries.
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