The Quiet Crisis: International Students in New Zealand Secondary Schools

Abstract

Foreign fee-paying (international) students have been present in New Zealand secondary schools for over a decade. In recent years the number of such students has increased dramatically, and their distribution is not evenly spread across schools. The increase has led to a situation in which schools are relying on international student funding to meet budget requirements. This article presents the results of a small, sharply focused case-study, following a review of the policy issues and literature surrounding the international student presence in New Zealand. It concludes that increased monitoring and research is necessary to ensure that all students experience the maximum chance for success within the New Zealand system.