South Korean delegation eye up tertiary options

A thirteen member delegation representing the South Korean city of Ansan visited Bay of Plenty Polytechnic yesterday as they consider future tertiary study options for students living in their home city.

Ansan is a port city and the Mayor, Je Jong Geel, is a marine biologist, so he was particularly interested in the unique marine studies diploma and degree pathway offered at the Windermere campus.

Other areas showcased to the visiting party were those that are traditionally popular with South Korean students – business, engineering and professional cookery.

International Liaison staff member Brett Muir said all four areas of study offered international students the chance to earn respected diploma and degree qualifications, making them eligible for one-year working visas at the end of each course.

“The Polytechnic’s small class sizes are ideal for international students,” says Brett. “It’s much easier for students to develop a relationship with their tutors and peers in smaller classes.”

The campus tour was part of a four-day visit, hosted by Tauranga City Council, to establish a formal friendly city agreement with Ansan.

Education Tauranga Regional Manager and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic International Projects Manager Anne Young says it was a pleasure for Tauranga to host the visitors.

“Ansan City Council are keen to design a tertiary partnership which would see students from the city completing some or all of their studies here,” says Anne.

Ansan and Tauranga both share a sister city relationship with Chinese city Yantai and the Polytechnic has been working to organise a similar tertiary programme for Yantai students.