NMIT welcomes Chinese partner institutes to Nelson

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Visitors from Ningxia Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and Guangzhou City Construction College joined classes, met staff, and got a firsthand look at life at NMIT. 

Ningxia Institute of Science and Technology

NMIT signed an MOU with Ningxia Institute of Science and Technology last year, and the visit was an important step in developing the relationship. The two institutions are exploring opportunities to work together across a range of areas, including Information Technology and Accounting.

The 18 students and four staff took part in a full programme. After an introductory session on campus, they joined a Master of Applied Management class, then attended an English class focused on the language levels required to study in New Zealand. A highlight was an afternoon session with Bachelor of IT tutor Ali Kahwaji, where the NIST visitors joined Ali's own NMIT students for a shared class on IT soft skills and communication.

"It was a pleasure welcoming the visiting students and teaching staff from Ningxia Institute of Science and Technology into our classroom," Ali says. "The session focused on IT soft skills and communication, with an emphasis on effective collaboration, presenting ideas, and navigating professional team environments."

The joint class brought two groups together who had never met before. "This created a collaborative and inclusive environment where participants were able to connect, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another," Ali says. 

NMIT and Guangzhou City Construction College have been working together for over two years, with the Diploma in Web Design and Development at the centre of the partnership. 

During their visit, four teachers from the college spent time in classes, met with NMIT staff, and got hands-on experience with Moodle, NMIT's digital learning platform.

Why international partnerships matter

For Dean of International Partnerships John Inglis, visits like this reflect the value NMIT places on its relationships with Chinese institutions.

"As international education continues to grow again, our strong relationships with institutes in China are right at the heart of that," John says. "These are partnerships built on real trust and shared goals, and that makes all the difference." 

"Together, we're opening up life-changing opportunities for Chinese students and teachers, the chance to gain international qualifications and experience something completely new," he says. "And the benefits flow both ways."