The long game that is international education

If we look at other parts of the world, it is clear what international education contributes – and has the potential to contribute.In 2014, the British Council found that 90 per cent of world leaders at the time had studied in the United Kingdom, showing how international students can become long-term ambassadors for international relations. In the United States, research has found that nearly a quarter of its billion-dollar startup companies had a founder who first came to America as an international student.We need to ensure that the full contribution of international education is recognised here too, and that the valuable role education plays in internationalisation and connecting New Zealand with the rest of the world is understood and embraced.New research into New Zealanders' perceptions has shown that an increasing number recognise the benefits that international education provides our country and communities. Some 73 per cent of people believe it benefits tourism, 63 per cent welcome how it fosters the exchange of different perspectives and experiences, and 62 per cent see the positive impact on our economy.