Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) made a great first impression on Education Agent, Upul Chandima, who, in a recent visit, toured the campus facilities and met with the international team.
Originally from Sri Lanka, now based in Wellington, Mr Chandima has a background in construction as a Quantity Surveyor; he had a particular interest in looking at SIT trades sector programmes, such as the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying and Architectural Technology) and the Civil and Mechanical Engineering qualifications.
Mr Chandima took away many positives from his late June trip, including Invercargill’s suitability ”to study and live peacefully … it’s well organised, clean and safe with a strong sense of community,” he said.
He thought SIT’s campus was modern, well-equipped, and student focused. “The campus is professional yet friendly, and it clearly supports both academic success and personal growth…”
Mr Chandima’s tour highlights were the excellent facilities and the hospitality shown to him. He met with supportive staff and lecturers, who were “warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping students succeed.” He also spent time with fellow Sri Lankan and Master of Applied Management lecturer, Hemal Amarasekara, who has made Southland his home. Having a Sri Lankan lecturer on the master’s programme would make students feel well supported and feel comfortable, Mr Chandima added.
“The peaceful, distraction-free environment in Invercargill is ideal for focused study. And SIT’s strong support system for international students, including orientation, academic help, and career services, … helps students to feel at home and succeed.”
SIT would appeal to Sri Lankan students for their competitive, affordable tuition fees; high-quality, practical learning with industry experience; and other supports such as accommodation and transport services.
Mr Chandima departed SIT with a list of programmes he thought were well suited to attract Sri Lankan students. “Nursing is in high demand globally and SIT has excellent training facilities”; Information Technology has a strong practical focus and great post-study job opportunities; Business and Management – for students aiming for leadership or entrepreneurial roles, “and the cost is reasonable”. In Film, Animation and Music, he noted “SIT has unique facilities for creative arts, which are rare to find at this level in smaller cities.”
SIT International Partnerships Manager, Whitney Irwin, said she was looking forward to working with Mr Chandima to recruit Sri Lankan nationals located in Sri Lanka or working abroad in places such as the UAE region. For Sri Lankan citizens working in the construction and civil sector, given the global challenges at present, considering other options with SIT and Southland provided substantial opportunities for students and their families.
“They may be looking at the next chapter in their lives and wanting to undertake professional development; coming to New Zealand, and most importantly, Invercargill and our Southland community, provides a good quality educational experience and options after they graduate.”
Ms Irwin added there would be significant demand for the Master of Applied Management programme in Sri Lanka, along with SIT’s other master’s programmes.