HBPU University academics share their NMIT experience
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Fan Zhang and Jin Tao spent six months at NMIT as part of an academic exchange that supports research collaboration, knowledge sharing and stronger international partnerships between the two institutions. While they arrived with a clear focus on research and academic learning, both found that NMIT’s environment, and life beyond campus, shaped their experience in unexpected ways.
For Jin, access to NMIT’s learning spaces and resources played a key role in her six months at NMIT.
“To finish my design thesis and research projects, the abundant library resources at NMIT have helped me greatly improve my ability to conduct independent research,” she says.
Just as important was the balance she found between study and time outside of it.
“I can focus on research in the library during the day and immerse myself in the magnificent nature on the weekends right away,” Jin says.
For Fan, her time in New Zealand provided fresh inspiration for her work in cultural tourism service design.
“The protection and continuation of Māori culture in New Zealand have given me a great deal of inspiration, enabling me to better reflect on what I should focus on when designing with traditional culture from a completely new perspective,” she says.
“While enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, I was not only amazed by the beauty of nature, but also gained a clearer understanding of the possible future directions for cultural tourism service design.”
Outside of work and study, both Jin and Fan were struck by how welcome they felt.
“When I first arrived in New Zealand, I was amazed by people's friendliness. Walking down the street, strangers would nod and smile at me, and say ‘Good morning’.”
Those small, everyday interactions helped her feel at ease.
“This pervasive kindness allowed me, as a newcomer, to let my guard down quickly.”
Travel was another highlight of their time in Aotearoa. Together with friends, Fan and Jin explored both the North and South Islands, taking in the country’s extraordinary natural diversity.
“Beyond the differences in lifestyle, the diverse landscapes I saw on my travels left me deeply astounded,” Fan says. “In the South Island, whale watching, seal spotting, firefly gazing, aurora hunting and stargazing; in the North Island, hiking volcanoes, soaking in geothermal hot springs and visiting museums - all these experiences broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined.”
Fan also found that travelling in New Zealand gave her the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the experience more deeply.
“For our self-drive trip in New Zealand, I didn’t set myself so many goals,” she says. “I just strolled along the seaside, sat on the lawn and watched children play, savored the beautiful scenery, and let time pass slowly.”
Looking back, Fan says her time in New Zealand revealed new possibilities for both life and design.
“New Zealand has shown me another possibility for living, seeking inner peace and gathering experiences and memories,” she says.
Jin shares a similar reflection.
“My biggest takeaway is that the pace and atmosphere of New Zealand allow people to both calm their minds and broaden their horizons,” she says. “These six months have definitely been an incredibly special and growth-filled period for me.”
John Inglis, Dean of International Partnerships, says hosting visiting academics from HBPU University is an important part of NMIT’s international engagement.
“Welcoming visiting academics like Jin and Fan from HBPU University is an important part of how we build strong, meaningful partnerships,” he says. “Their time at NMIT supports valuable knowledge exchange and academic connections, while also giving them the opportunity to experience how we teach, work and live in Aotearoa.”
“They’ve engaged positively with our community, focused on their research, and made the most of their time here, which is exactly what these exchanges are designed to achieve.”
