Symposium: Sustainable Growth in International Education: Issues, Innovations and Future-proofing
Symposium Series:
ISANA NZ presents:
Symposium: Sustainable Growth in International Education: Issues, Innovations and Future-proofing
About this event
What does it actually look like to support international and cross-border learners well - not just adequately, but in a way that's informed, sustainable, and genuinely fit for purpose?
On Monday 29 June, this symposium brings together educators, researchers, health practitioners, and international education leaders to examine what has been acknowledged as an emerging challenge for the sector: the mental health and wellbeing of international students and cross-border learners. Across three focused sessions, we'll move from evidence to practice — exploring what the data tells us, what's already working, and where our systems need to go further.
What's on the programme
Session 1 — Introducing the IDIR framework: ISANA NZ CEO, Chris Beard opens with seven interdisciplinary insights that reframe how we think about support for cross-border learners. Drawing on international research and real-world application, Chris will show how a joined-up, wraparound approach can move the needle on social integration and student wellbeing — and why the New Zealand sector is uniquely positioned to lead on this.
Session 2 — Responding to cross-border students' unique learning needs (concurrent streams)
Choose the stream most relevant to your context:
Schools stream: Supporting cross-border learning: A kōrero between an education academic, teacher and international director: Louise Silvester, International Director at Avonside Girls' High School; Prof Lynne Parmenter, Professor/Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Education, UC; and Ellen Hampson, Teacher [Secondary Sector] at St. Andrew’s College, Christchurch, and Contractor for NZQA, on what tailored pedagogy actually looks like in the classroom.
Tertiary stream: Dr Jeremy Taylor draws on his doctorate research and years of lived experience in Chinese transnational education (TNE) to surface the challenges institutions are navigating right now. Expect candid insights on emerging risks, effective strategies, and what sustainability and Code compliance mean for learner wellbeing on the ground.
Session 3 — Supporting at-risk cross-border learners Panel led by Xin Ren PhD, Senior International Support Advisor from the University of Canterbury, this health practitioner panel takes a hard look at what coordinated mental health support actually requires. The conversation will cover current gaps in awareness of primary and secondary health services, referral pathways, and how schools and tertiary providers can strengthen their relationships with clinical services to deliver more tailored, timely support.
Panellists:
Dr Jason Chang, Private Practice Psychiatrist & Chairperson of Asian Community Transformation Trust (ACTT): Jason is a clinical psychiatrist with extensive experience working alongside diverse communities and in cross-cultural mental health. Dr Chang will bring a valuable clinical perspective to the conversation, exploring topics including anxiety, depression, and the importance of culturally responsive care in supporting diverse student communities.
Yvonne Cederman is a Registered Practice Nurse at the UC Health Centre, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience as a former international student. With more than 16 years of nursing experience in Aotearoa, she offers valuable insight into culturally responsive care, student wellbeing, and the impact of language and cultural barriers on access to support.
Who should attend
This event is designed for anyone working with or for international and cross-border learners in Aotearoa, including:
International student directors and coordinators
School and tertiary educators
Learning support and pastoral care staff
Health practitioners working in education settings
Policy advisors and sector leaders
Please note: Registrations close at midday, 24th June
Location:
University of Canterbury. Christchurch, New Zealand
Puaka James Hight. Main room Undercroft 101
20% off when you purchase three or more tickets.
Sessions
Introducing the IDIR framework: An evidence-based approach to supporting cross- border learner wellbeing
Chris Beard, ISANA NZ: Chris Beard introduces the IDIR framework, outlining seven interdisciplinary insights to support cross-border learner wellbeing. The session focuses on social integration, mental health, and how a joined-up, wraparound approach can strengthen support for international students and new settler learners in Aotearoa.
Tertiary Steam: Responding to Cross-Border Students’ Unique Learning Needs
Dr Jeremy Taylor, Otago Polytechnic: Jeremy shares insights from his doctoral research and experience in Chinese transnational education programmes. This session explores current challenges, emerging risks, and practical strategies to enhance learner experiences, including sustainability and Code implications.
Schools stream: Supporting cross-border learning: A kōrero between an education academic, teacher and international director.
Schools stream: Louise Silvester, International Director at Avonside Girls' High School; Prof Lynne Parmenter, Professor/Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Education, UC; and Ellen Hampson, Teacher [Secondary Sector] at St. Andrew’s College, Christchurch, and Contractor for NZQA, on what tailored pedagogy actually looks like in the classroom.
Supporting At-Risk Cross-Border Learners: Strengthening Health Partnerships
Health practitioner panel led by Xin Ren PhD (University of Canterbury): This panel explores how education providers can better respond to the mental health needs of international and new settler learners. Discussion will cover existing support systems, referral pathways to clinical services, and opportunities to strengthen coordination across health and education sectors.
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