The world is their classroom

There are more than 70 different nationalities at the University of Waikato. More than 14 per cent of the 12,000 students come from other parts of the world – one of the highest proportions of any New Zealand university.

Sharon Calvert, Director International at the university finds those statistics dynamic and progressive. Students today, she says, are preparing to work in a world that engages across borders and draws on diverse skills from all parts of the globe. “We want to bring that diversity into the classroom, so when our students graduate they are already part of that global community.”

Sharon herself has crossed the world to take up her role. Two years ago, the Scottish-born mother of two, who has undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in marketing and public relations from the University of Stirling, was working in Sydney, when she was shoulder-tapped for the Waikato job.

She says New Zealanders already appealed to her – “friendlier, better connected, better sense of humour”. The first thing she appreciated in the move across the Tasman was the seamless integration of cultures on the campus. “The indigenous connection is woven through everything we do. From integration comes respect for different cultures, values and practices. The result is more harmonious, more accepting of difference.”

Her job involves supporting the development of internationalisation, recruitment of overseas students, partnerships and overseas exchanges for New Zealand students. She says students are first attracted to Waikato University because of its academic credentials and the quality of its research. The university’s Business School has a Triple Crown status, a prestigious honour in the global arena. The university also stands out in environmental studies, education, demography and cyber law and security.

But the university also appeals because it is young and innovative. “We are just over 50 years’ old and we’re at an exciting point in history. We are moving in a new direction – linking students with businesses who will benefit from their association.” She says they want to break down the silos and tackle ‘real life’ issues from a range of academic and pragmatic perspectives.

She believes the benefits for students are vast. “Students come here first because of the quality of our teaching and research, but also because of the connections that are forged on and off campus. Here they get a rounded experience. They can do everything they want with ease. Students find a supportive environment working alongside people who are operating at the cutting edge.”

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