Increasing Internationalisation of the Primary Sector: Funding the Coffers and Encouraging Cultural Diversity, or Disadvantaging

Abstract

This study reports the findings of an export education levy funded, small-scale collaborative research projected conducted with 10 primary and intermediate schools in the greater Auckland region about the impact of international students on the workload of teachers. Findings revealed that leaders considered the compliance issues associated with international students were very high, but the additional income generated by these students was useful. Responses from the teachers 131 teachers surveyed were mixed as to the impact on workload of hosting international students. The research team proposed two levels of recommended changes for practice. The first involved reflections of the changes that could be implemented in practice in the local context of these schools, and the second wider national policy implications directed towards the Ministry of Education and the export education industry.