Exchange students broaden their horizons in China

Tuesday, 17 July 2007

Exchange students broaden their horizons in China

Two Manukau Institute of Technology students didn’t turn a hair at the thought of returning to New Zealand from China one day and then heading into class the next. Bachelor of Applied Communication students, Ana Aguilar and Galumalemana Fiona Leaupepe, returned this week from a one semester exchange programme at Zheijiang Wanli University in Ningbo, China.

The women received the opportunity to study in China thanks to an ongoing collaborative relationship between the Chinese university and MIT. It is an experience both say they will never forget as it has shaped their lives so significantly.

“We’ve both had so many new experiences and I think a lot about me has changed – my habits, my lifestyle and my priorities,” says Ana.

“I know now that I really want to go on to further study and perhaps even go back to China to do it. I was hoping that the experience would give me an advantage when I graduate and seek employment, but it has been so much more than that.”

Galumalemana Fiona is proud to have been an ambassador representing her two cultures, having been born in Auckland to Samoan parents Leaupepetele Galumalemana Saua and Adele.

"It's natural and genuine to express and promote the friendly Kiwi ‘can do’ attitude as well as applying practical Samoan values, which are a little similar to those of Chinese culture.

"This experience certainly showed my MIT background by sharing information with Chinese students and teachers, by being practical, initiating good relationships, and putting energy into assimilating.”

Galumalemana Fiona, who holds a matai title from her father's village in Samoa, adds that the experience made her appreciate how lucky “we are to have a good multi-cultural society both at MIT and within Manukau City. ‘Living most harmoniously’ is an everyday expression and overall it is well practised in Ningbo, China. I believe Kiwis would do well to 'take a leap' to study in Ningbo, China.”

Ana says she hopes the relationship between the institutions continues to grow, as “it’s been like an exchange between two families rather than one between two institutions. My lecturers treasure the friendship with the staff at Wanli and it makes me feel part of something really unique.”

ENDS

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