The vocational way

Those interested in getting a job quickly could try pursuing a vocational course in New Zealand.Vimal Chander Joshi Reports

In New Zealand, government polytechnics are as popular (if not more) as the universities there. These institutes are known for their certificate/diploma programmes in hospitality/tourism/information technology/nursing, etc. The fee can also be termed reasonable if you are ready to cough up Rs 8 lakh-Rs 9 lakh for a one-year diploma there (you are studying abroad, aren’t you?).

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Another easy-on-the-wallet option could be studying in a government-funded polytechnic like Weltec (Wellington Institute of Technology) and CPIT (Christchurch Polytechnic of Information Technology). There are good private institutes also like Natcoll, which impart cutting-edge training in multimedia and animation. Ramesh Sharma, an education consultant in Delhi, believes that New Zealand has all that it takes to make an ideal education hub – safety, economical fees and a welcoming environment for prospective migrants. “Students aren’t much aware about the standards of Kiwi universities. But gradually things are changing and figures will definitely improve in the coming time. We send around 500 students to New Zealand from our consultancy every year and the number is expected to surge in the future,” he says.

CPIT, Christchurch: A good place for hospitality studies as the institute has a live restaurant where students are made to cook and serve – like professionals working in a restaurant. “There are restaurants nearby wherein one can do a part-time job and earn experience simultaneously. After the course finishes, the part-time job can become a full-time one in the same restaurant,” says Rohan Britto, a student from Mumbai who works in an Indian restaurant in Christchurch. For more details, visit www.dac.ac.nz.

Design and Arts College, Christchurch: Offers specialised programmes in fashion design, interior design, communication design and fine arts. It is a relatively smaller institute as compared to CPIT but offers promising avenues to its students. There is considerable industry exposure and experts visit the campus. These experts sometimes bring in projects for students. A few students also get to work on the government projects. For more details, visit www.dac.ac.nz/
Natcoll, Auckland: The institute is privately owned but offers good programmes in animation and draws students from Punjab and other places in India. Gurinder Singh, from Ludhiana, and a student of an advanced digital media course at Natcoll, says: “We are made to apply our brains and focus is on research and creativity rather than the process.” For more details, visit www.natcoll.ac.nz

Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology), Hamilton: It is located in Hamilton, which, unfortunately, offers fewer job options despite being a big city. However, it has a huge Indian population to add to your comfort levels. “There are fewer jobs around. I have to drive 100 kms from the campus to work in an agricultural farm where I do the job of picking fruits and vegetables. This is the kind of a job one could do,” says Harpreet Singh, a student from Punjab. For details, visit www.wintec.ac.nz.

Expectations fulfilled

New Zealand as we all know is a beautiful country with beautiful people... Their hearts are truly beautiful. They are generous, always ready to help. I am doing my diploma in IT in the Wellington Institute of Technology. The faculty over here is really nice… Always there for the students to clear their doubts, give them extra time and use interesting ways to teach. They don’t discriminate and our classmates are also nice. Life here is easy, and there is almost no crime. I like almost everything about New Zealand but the best thing is honesty... People here are too honest. What makes me uncomfortable are the Wellington winds. My most memorable moment as a student was when I got the highest marks in the first test of my semester.