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Global Engagement New Zealand study group tours

Institute of Global Engagement New Zealand

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Why choose Institute of Global Engagement New Zealand ?

We are a New Zealand educational study group tour institution delivering unforgettable short term study group tours and programs for university, college and high school students. These are throughout New Zealand. Faculty led and customised study group programs are our speciality from 1 - 4 weeks (can be longer). Our head office is in Christchurch, we are a registered private company with 15 years experience in the field and 30+ years in schools, colleges and university education.

We work with all New Zealand universities and colleges to support teaching and our programs have a strong cultural element to ensure students experience the real Aotearoa New Zealand. Our team are from the international education sector and we receive great feedback and repeat program requests.

Founded
2015

Frequently asked questions

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Reviews

Allie
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Faculty Led Study Abroad Tours, 2-4 weeks in Aotearoa New Zealand

2020

Jul 6, 2020

Amazing trip with amazing people! Wish we got to spend more time there! We got to experience so much of the culture in just Wellington. If I could do it again, I would want to see other parts of the north island or even travel to the sound island. But I enjoyed all the activities we were able to do! Susie and Jan were very well organized but UC I think struggled with informing us with all we needed to pay for once we got there. As someone with food allergies, I wasn’t over impressed with my options but I brought lots of protein bars which was just fine.

What would you improve about this program?
Consistency: I felt that we were given free time at random times and it wasn’t the most convenient time or place to go off and do something in between scheduled activities.
Gelato!
Hiking
Street Market
Irene
New Zealand
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Global Connections, High School Educational Tours to New Zealand

2019 China New Zealand Youth Leadership Summit

Jun 29, 2020

Attending the summit was one of the best experiences I've had, and it went by way too fast. The people I met, the skills I learnt, and all the fun memories will be kept with me for a long time to come. It wasn't uptight and overly formal, but actually really fun and enjoyable. The speakers were all very different but that provided a vast range of topics that they could speak on and that we could learn from. Overall, it was a really rewarding experience and I'd definitely go again if I had the chance :)

Andrea
New Zealand
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Global Connections, High School Educational Tours to New Zealand

An Amazing Experience!

Jun 29, 2020

I had such an incredible time at the summit last year, and I will never forget the amazing memories I made and the people I met. This summit has not only helped me realise the importance of the relationship with New Zealand and China is, but also my history here, as a Kiwi-born Chinese and about myself as a person. The guest speakers each had their own points in which I learned a lot from, and I will always cherish this unforgettable experience. I highly recommend the summit to anyone who is looking for opportunities to learn about other cultures and the rest of the world and to meet new people who will always be with you.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-wracking moment was meeting all the other delegates from New Zealand and China. However, they were all extremely nice and I'm so glad that I got to share this amazing experience with them all.
Hayley
New Zealand
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Global Connections, High School Educational Tours to New Zealand

Incredible experience!!

Jun 29, 2020

The Leadership Summit was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The overall growth I made as a person, the relationships I formed with people in New Zealand and in China and the lessons that I learnt will be with me forever. The knowledge being taught I believe is extremely important and the Summit definitely needs to continue to assist people with building their knowledge on the relationship between China and New Zealand. From this Summit, I am now much more aware on a personal, interpersonal and societal level about the impact of different cultures, religions, attitudes and industries on people around the globe, and the various differences between many cultures. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is wanting to learn more about the world, learn more about how they can help on a larger scale and who wants to make lifelong, incredible friendships.

Lukas
New Zealand
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Global Connections, High School Educational Tours to New Zealand

best experiences.

Jun 28, 2020

Attending the China 2018 summit and the New Zealand 2019 summit were two of the best things I have experienced. The relationship between China and New Zealand is extremely, extremely important that the Summit is one of the best places to learn that importance. New Zealand has so much to offer China, and China can offer so much more to New Zealand. Understanding the culture is important. The summits are planned so well with the most incredible guest speakers who know what they are talking about. And have a large passion for young people, and the relationships between the two countries.

The 2018 summit at the recently opened New Zealand embassy in Beijing
The 2018 summit group in Qingdao. May 4th temple
The 2019 summit group photo - held at St. Andrews college.
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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jan Fitz-Gerald

Program
Global Connections, High School Educational Tours to New Zealand
Job Title
Founder and Chief Executive
Jan Fitz-Gerald is the Founder and Chief Executive of the Institute. Jan started hosting study tours when at Queenstown Resort College and really enjoyed the experience – the first group was from Elon University, North Carolina. After a short break she has returned to the world of designing and hosting study groups from many countries including government officials, university professors and leaders.
Jan spent many years as a senior executive at AUT University including Director of the International Student Program and then went on to establish Queenstown Resort College, an exclusive tourism and hospitality management college – she then returned to Auckland and established the Institute to continue with her passion in working with international study groups.
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What is your favorite travel memory?

My most amazing traveling experience was when I Russia and particularly Siberia – just before winter set in. I loved the food and the people; it was such a culturally enriching experience, with a deep sense of history.

I have travelled to many places throughout the world but guess what ... the majestic mountains, lakes and scenery in the South Island of New Zealand still takes my breath away and it’s the place of my birth.

What position do you hold at Institute of Global Engagement? What has been your career path so far?

I am Chief Executive (President) but I am very hands on as I design most of the study tour programs – that’s what I love doing.

My career path is way too long to describe other than to say I am having the most fabulous and rewarding career and I now bring the wisdom and experience to the table as we mentor and encourage new young staff to make it happen.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Here are a couple from last year. They are all very special to us.

“You made me think about how I make a real difference in my own country, and how can I do things there with a global mind set. Thank you for making this one of the best times of my life. Thank you”

“Incredible experience. I do hope more Brazilians, especially from Brasilia can come and have all this extraordinary cultural experience.”

“Coming here was one of the best things that has happened to me. It is definitely a turning point in my life. I will go back to Brazil with an open heart full of Mana (Mana=respect)."

What does the future hold for Institute of Global Engagement - any exciting new programs to share?

Our 2016 of study tours has just been launched so we hope everyone likes them. We like all of them and think they are very exciting, challenging and transformational – imagine being on a study tour at the bottom of the world.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

We reflect the three key core values of being a New Zealander (Kiwi). These shape who we are as people and reflect the way we act. These are:

1. KAITIAKI: Care of people and place

The land and sea have shaped us. We're proud of our role as guardians of this place and its people - not just for now, but for future generations. We welcome everyone as friends.

2. INTEGRITY: Trust, honesty, humility and reciprocal respect

We pride ourselves on our integrity and for being safe, stable, open, and accessible. We have a reputation as 'down to earth' and 'good to work with'.

3. RESOURCEFULNESS: Our fresh, outward-looking way of thinking

Our determination and our independence of thought allows us to be creative, innovative and often ingenious.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Leadership and culture.

The culture of a company flows from the leadership and when those elements are in harmony and we have great inspirational leaders leading the team – the success just flows and is celebrated.

What changes would you make to the study abroad industry?

None, its fabulous particularly for those who want the short quality education and experiential program when they are unable to stay away for a semester.

I just wish I had the same opportunities when I was a student.

What does your home-country's culture​ value that is taught in your program?

This is about our commitment to our indigenous people – the Māori. All study tours reflect our commitment and respect of our first people and this experience has usually been the highlight of each tour.

The official welcome is the traditional Powhiri held at the AUT University Marae (Maori meeting house) and some programs include an immersion weekend of Maori custom and culture.

All programs commence with a presentation about New Zealand history, custom, people, and culture.