Edward Zhou

For Edward Zhou, his opportunity for a New Zealand education was alighted to a similar opportunity for other Chinese students. An academic interchange programme had been organised between Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics in China and the Northland Polytechnic in Whangarei, New Zealand. Edward a tutor was chosen to accompany the group of students chosen for the educational exchange and used his time here to complete a Professional Diploma in Business. Choosing a Business Management major, Edward also became the first international student to graduate from Northland Polytechnic with this endorsement.

Edward's New Zealand study programme included courses in Organisational Behaviour, Organisational Communication, Small Business Management, Strategic Management, Triple Bottom Line, Information System Strategic Planning and Project Management. The results have been immediate and gratifying. "The education I got from Northland Polytechnic has helped me to working towards teaching one of the courses in business management in our university. Simply, it laid the foundation for me in the field of business management.

I was most impressed how easy it was to get to know the tutors, with communication in and out of class this gives you confidence in your courses. New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to live and study because of its pure and natural environment, good quality of life and friendly people. One would have longer life there with more hours for reading and entertainment! as there is suitable weather all the year round."

Whilst enjoying his role as office and tutor for the Overseas Study Centre at Jiangxi University, Edward would like to return next year to New Zealand and pursue post-graduate studies. He advises international students to "make the best use of every minute, and learn and experience what is available while you are in New Zealand."