Gabriel Weibl
PhD
PhD (European Studies) Thesis Student
Thesis Title
International student mobility - experiences of European and Asian students in New Zealand
Academic Background
BA (Hons) – European Union studies, NCRE – University of Canterbury
Qualifications
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Room
National Centre for Research on Europe
Room 449
Contact Details
gabriel.weibl@pg.canterbury.ac.nz
gabrielweibl@gmail.com
Postal address:
c/o National Centre for Research on Europe
Level 4 Commerce Building
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Background
A native of Slovakia, I grew up in a multicultural environment and initially worked in the banking sector. I first came to New Zealand as an English language student, later returned with the aim to find employment, which led to further study. I became interested and inspired in studying the EU after attending the NCRE’s seminars and meeting with staff and fellow students. The EU study proved to be an interdisciplinary subject, which satisfies my interests in history, cultures and politics.
Current Research
Universities in New Zealand place great emphasis on internationalisation but little is known about student motivations and experiences. This study will focus on the internationalisation efforts of New Zealand universities and the rationale of international students for choosing New Zealand as their study destination. It will also map the attitudes, experiences and perceptions of international students and their interactions with fellow students.
Student mobility is the core element of export education, and industry worth over 2 billion dollars to New Zealand annually. This research will try to identify and model the relationship between the internationalisation efforts of NZ universities and the motives of international students for studying in New Zealand. This research will also try to establish the necessity of intercultural understanding and competence for achieving the economic, political, academic, social and cultural objectives of internationalisation. Moreover, in this time of raising migration and increasing cultural diversity of societies, including New Zealand, intercultural competences will grow in value.
Recent Publications
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