On December 4, 2023, UP Education and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) marked a significant milestone at the AUT Marae, commemorating their two-decade partnership. The Pōwhiri-formatted event brought together students, faculty, and representatives, serving as a poignant reflection on their collaborative journey and shared values.
A visionary partnership
The partnership between UP Education and AUT emerged from a mutual recognition of the imperative to better support the progression of international students into degree-level studies in New Zealand. The importance of this partnership is underscored by the challenges faced by many international students when contemplating a move to a country where English is a second language. Recognising the need for specialised support, UP Education became the ideal provider to deliver the Certificate in Foundation Studies programme at AUT.
Drawing on decades of experience across its educational providers, UP Education has instilled crucial skills in students, empowering them to excel not just in their academic endeavours but in all aspects of their lives. As international students have shared, the foundational skills they learned with UP Education, such as organisational proficiency, interpersonal communication and leadership, have been essential for their success in the classroom, transcending into their work and building their social networks.
Distinguished perspectives on a 20-year journey
Craig Jones, CEO of University Partnerships and Australia at UP Education, alongside Professor Mark Orams, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, shared reflections on the partnership’s significance. Craig highlighted the pivotal role UP Education foundation education has played in helping international students gain confidence in their ability to thrive in New Zealand tertiary education.
A student representative shared her inspiring learning journey with UP Education, which has led to her progressing to AUT next year. Her first-hand account illuminated the transformative impact of the collaboration on individual academic journeys.
As both AUT and UP Education look ahead, this milestone anniversary reinforces the positive impact collaborative efforts can achieve for continued success and excellence for learners.
