In 1990, for the first time in New Zealand’s history, universities and polytechnics started charging students money to go to school. Prior to then, it had been free to go to university or to a polytechnic. Since 1990, students have had to pay thousands of dollars to attend post-secondary (after high school) education. The new Labour government have promised to give up to three years of free post-secondary education to all New Zealanders by 2020! Our bonus activity for today is to write down whether or not we think students would have to pay money to go to university.
Bonus Activity-
I think that students should have to pay, but not as much. Students wouldn't want to pay too much to go to university. They should only need to pay about $100-$500. Teachers would still need to earn money. if students didn't pay, where would the teacher get their pay from? Different courses cost different prices. They should all be the same. It wouldn't be fair if a person couldn't live their dream because of the cost. Everyone should be encouraged to follow their dreams. Another reason why students should pay if because they need to have a set budget. They need to learn to work towards one thing, not buying something that they see in the stores. In the future, they would be saving enough for bills, then they see something on the internet that they want to buy. They won't have enough money in the end to pay for the bill. Students need to learn to save money from a young age. I'm basically saying that they need to work to get enough money for college, not buying other unnecessary along the way.
Hi there Lauren,
ReplyDeleteJade F here from Summer Learning Journey. I thought your opinion in the bonus activity was very well said and thought out. You made some very valid points about making university tuition cheaper, I reckon more people would go to university if they had to pay less money! Also did you know that teachers actually get paid through the government? Just like nurses, policemen and firemen! Are you thinking of going to university one day? If so, what do you think you would like to study there? I just graduated from university last year and I was studying to be primary teacher.
I saw that you made a point about students needing to pay in order to learn about working towards paying off bills and fees; this is where part time/ full time jobs come in! It’s very common for students to have jobs while they’re studying. When I was at university I did a few part-time jobs over my degree; jobs like being waitress at a restaurant and a checkout operator at PaknSave. I saved up to help pay bills at home and for transport to get to university and some course resources like text books! Occasionally if I saw something that I wanted like new shoes, I would save up over time to get them (it’s always good to treat yourself once in a while!). I even saved up towards my trip to New York back in 2016!. It is very important to save when you’re younger but spending a budget on yourself is good as well. Do you know of any family members who’ve gone to university and had part time jobs? You should ask them about their experiences. Let me know about it in a comment!
Looking forward to hearing from you and keep up the blog posts!
Jade F :)