Chennai: Students migrate to several countries to pursue higher education and one among the popular destinations is New Zealand.
Experts from New Zealand are touring the country by conducting ‘India Academic Conclave’ to strengthen bilateral education relationships.
News Today interacted with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) senior lecturer and external relations and development head, Stephen Thorpe and department of built environment head, John E Tookey.
Q: The university has been visiting India for the past several years. What has been the impact?
Tookey: We have been continuing to engage with the local marketplace because we see this as one of our critical markets, so we try to support in every aspect we can. It includes doing interviews, organising education fairs and guest lecture series among many others. The number of Indian students choosing New Zealand has been increasing every year. We get a lot of referral students. The employment rate after graduation is good here, he said.
Q: Both the countries follow a similar teaching methodology – teaching theoretical and practical knowledge along with industrial experience. So, what does institutions in New Zealand has got to offer to Indians who wish to pursue a course?
Tookey: Such students are provided with international exposure and experience throughout their stay. The students take advantage of their time period of stay in the country and explore the options.
Thorpe: The Internet provides answers to questions, but does not necessarily provide opportunities to learn, engage and develop new knowledge. We have a strong relationship with the industry advisory committee that helps us design the curriculum.
Q: Tell us about your commitment.
Thorpe: It is about improving the partnership in education sector, build relationship and learn from each other. It may not necessarily be a destination, but a journey of discovery. The academic institutions may learn from each other through this initiative.
Q: Tell us about AI technology which is ruling the roost now.
Thorpe: The rapid adoption of AI in robotics raises fresh concerns about the harm that such machines can cause humans, or how to safeguard against the unexpected. A major problem is that, currently, it is not known how best to ensure that Intelligent Autonomous Machines (IAMs) make the right decisions. The dialogue about ethics is not happening in India and also in New Zealand.