Ask an experienced teacher what needs to change on the front line of international education and the response is blunt.
“We need to blow the whole thing apart and start being honest about what’s happening,” says the teacher, who the Herald has agreed not to name. “Because it’s not about education at all.”
“I’d like to see New Zealand recognise that it’s a scam, because that’s at the heart of this. What’s really behind it is they’re coming for visas, not quality education.”
The teacher, who has worked at several private training establishments (PTEs), says far too many institutions routinely accept students despite their hopelessly poor English and give them answers to ensure they pass.
Several other staff members who have spoken to the Herald say the same.
Critics point to results at the disgraced New Zealand International Academy, which shut down in August after two staff went public with claims they were told to prepare fake results for more than 250 English language tests. When the students were forced to sit independently monitored retests, only 14 per cent (46 out of 329) passed and 70 fell well short of the standard required to take their courses.
A former IANZ student approached the Herald to complain – not about the poor education but because he could no longer get a work visa. Asked if he knew about students being given answers, he replied; “The process is the same since they opened.
“You’re not a thief until you get caught. People who finished a month…