RIYADH, 26 April 2007 — Saudi Arabia will send 298 students, including 48 women, to study at eight premier universities in New Zealand in a month’s time. The Saudi women will be accompanied by either their brothers or husbands, who will also be undertaking courses.
Under the Kingdom’s law, it is mandatory for women to travel with legal guardians. “The New Zealand Embassy has hosted two open days this week for Saudi students who will travel to pursue studies under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program,” said Greg Lewis, a spokesman at the embassy. “The visas of 70 students including some women have been processed so far,” he said, adding that a substantial number of “Saudi girls will be joining our institutions for the first time.”
Referring to a New Zealand education delegation currently visiting the Kingdom, Lewis said that all of New Zealand’s eight universities have sent representatives to help counsel students on academic courses and advise on living conditions in the country.
“All universities have found the visit useful, besides being able to advise students on their courses, the universities have also been able to meet the students prior to leaving the Kingdom,” said the diplomat.
Aleks Jovanovic, a specialist on immigration to New Zealand who works at an immigration office in Bangkok, is currently touring the Kingdom with the delegation to advise students on visa procedures and New Zealand border control.
The Riyadh component of the trip has been completed and the delegation is now touring Jeddah and other cities in the Kingdom.
The delegation has also met officials at the Saudi Higher Education Ministry.
Asked about the potential problems faced by Saudi students in New Zealand, Lewis said that they would not face any problem. “In fact, the students will join more than 700 students from Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Oman, who are currently enrolled at educational institutions in the country,” said a senior education official.
He added that the universities in New Zealand are experienced in satisfying the overall requirements of international students including those from the Gulf. “Moreover, New Zealand places great value in our relationship with Saudi Arabia and education is one area where strong people to people links can be forged, helping to promoting understanding and friendship,” said Lewis.
“Education is an important factor for any country, and New Zealand is honored to have the opportunity to teach and train these Saudi students, who are the future of Saudi Arabia,” he added.
