A new batch of international students is getting to know Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus this week.

Students made an early start on their learning with an Academic Success Workshop on Tuesday. Classes officially start next week.

In this week’s academic session, students got to know our Academic Learning Support Team and also learned about our experiential learning environment. The workshop also looked at the ethical and responsible use of AI.

Today our new students were back for Orientation, which began with a formal welcome from staff and mihi whakatau.

Students were introduced to the Māori concept of whakapono (which loosely translates to integrity).

Te Kaihapai Sean Bell spoke about the importance of honesty and academic integrity.

He said to be successful in their learning journeys, students should approach study with integrity and get involved with all of the opportunities on offer here. That includes employability events, our ambassador programme, engaging with industry, and presenting and publishing research.

Sean Bell introduced students to the Māori concept of ako, where everyone participates in the learning process. Learning is a collaborative process here at OPAIC where kaiako (teachers) and ākonga (students) are all involved in the learning process and ready to give and receive knowledge, he said.