Revista de la Mañana. Nueva Zelanda, destino académico para los estudiantes colombianos

Abstract

Original Title (Recommended): Nueva Zelanda: Un destino académico para estudiantes colombianos Translated Title (Recommended): New Zealand: An Academic Destination for Colombian Students

Translated Summary:

New Zealand has become an academic destination of increasing popularity for Colombians, experiencing an annual increase of 20% in students and 50% in university enrollments, especially in Master's and Doctoral programs.

A key factor for this increase is the recent migratory change implemented last August, which allows undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral students to apply for a three-year post-study work visa (previously one year). This greatly facilitates their entry into the labor market and the acquisition of professional experience in the country.

Furthermore, New Zealand is attracting many students to the creative industries, driven by the cinematic success of productions such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and the work in special effects and digital post-production.

The New Zealand education system, known for its practical and "hands-on" approach, offers technology programs such as digital animation and game development, with undergraduate degrees lasting a maximum of three years and technology diplomas in two years, enabling rapid entry into the labor market. Institutes of Technology and universities are seeing an increase in international students in these areas.

Colombians are well received, integrating easily into a society accustomed to foreigners (Auckland is home to 200 nationalities).

For those concerned about financing, options exist such as the calls for applications from ColFuturo and the ICETEX "Jóvenes Talentos" (Young Talents) scholarship, which support studies abroad. Students are permitted to work part-time while studying, and life in New Zealand is highlighted by its tranquility and high quality of life