ITC Excels with International Student Success

International students make up around 10 per cent of the International Travel College of New Zealand’s (ITC) student body. Recent education performance indicators reveal a strong 95 per cent course completion rate for these ITC students.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with that result,” says ITC’s Marketing Director, Claire Huxley. “We do a lot to support our international students, so it’s fantastic to know that it is working.”

ITC’s International Marketing Manager, Lesley Brough, says that she regularly gets positive feedback from the students and thank you letters from parents.

“It’s a big deal to send your son or daughter overseas to study, for any parent from any culture,” says Lesley. “They are genuinely pleased to have made the right choice for their child.”

Lesley credits the college’s small class sizes, the strong tutor support and the “personal touch” as contributing to the success of ITC’s international students. 

“Before they arrive we give them a lot of help and advice about what will happen when they get here, how to set up a bank account or get accommodation in Auckland, for example.”

“Once they are here we meet with them regularly to make sure we know how they are doing; and we hold international student lunches every three to four months to help them connect with and support each other. Our tutors make sure the students get extra personal or academic support if they need it.”

Lesley also keeps the overseas students in touch with what’s happening around Auckland, sending regular emails about events such as the recent free movie nights at the Wynyard Quarter’s Silo Park or ideas for what they can get out and do over a long weekend.

And, as with all ITC students, says Claire Huxley, the international students benefit from ITC tutors’ industry experience and the college’s commitment to providing work experience and employment opportunities through its industry contacts.

“We help our students prepare their CVs for the New Zealand market, hone their interview skills and guide them through the employment process, which is often different from what they are familiar with,” says Claire.

“It all goes a long way to providing a secure and supportive environment for our international students. And their strong completion rates are a fantastic indicator that we are providing what they need.”