Ara welcomes honoured university partners from Taiwan and Japan

Ara Institute of Canterbury today hosted a special welcome ceremony for visiting students from prestigious universities in Taiwan and Japan, reinforcing its commitment to global education and cross-cultural exchange.

The ceremony marked the arrival of 25 students from Nanhua University, Providence University and Asia University in Taiwan, together with 35 students from the University of Nagano in Japan. This visit represented a significant milestone in Ara’s international engagement, particularly with Taiwan, as it was only the second time Ara has hosted a group from these institutions.

“We are honoured to welcome our partners from Taiwan and Japan,” said Andy Ge, Ara’s International Market Manager for Taiwan. “This visit reflects the strength of our valued partnerships and our shared commitment to providing meaningful international learning experiences.”

“We are also deeply grateful to our trusted business partners, including Tony Oikawa from Kiwi-J-ana Ltd in Christchurch and Eric Chen, our Taiwan-based contact person,” said Ge. “Their commitment and professionalism ensure students are well-prepared to thrive here.”

The welcome ceremony featured a traditional Māori mihi (greeting) delivered by Ara Kaumātua Poutama (Māori elder) Harry Westrupp, followed by a waiata (song) and formal welcomes from Heather Knox, Manager of English Language at Ara and Dee Gath, International Market Manager for Japan. Mātua Harry highlighted the significance of the visit coinciding with Matariki, the Māori New Year, a time for reflection, celebration and future planning.

“My wish for you is for your visit with us to be welcoming and fruitful,” said Mātua Harry.

Dee Gath encouraged students to embrace the experience: “Be open – to difference, to new experiences and to opportunities.”

_{Left to right: Dee Gath, International Market Manager for Japan, Heather Knox, Manager of English Language and Harry Westrupp, Kaumātua Poutama, address students from Taiwan and Japan}

The Taiwanese students started their four-week programme with English language placement assessments and an orientation session, followed by a welcome lunch designed to foster connections. Their mornings will be filled with English language classes and afternoons will include cultural excursions such as canoeing, visiting Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and exploring Christchurch by tram.

The Japanese students from Nagano University, now in the University’s fourth year of visiting Ara, are participating in a two-week Global Management Programme. Their mornings will be dedicated to English language classes, while afternoons will involve visits to local businesses, offering practical insights into New Zealand’s commercial landscape. These visits allow students to compare international business practices and strengthen their cross-cultural communication skills, valuable preparation for global careers.

“This welcome ceremony represents more than just an orientation,” said Heather Knox. “It reflects Ara’s reputation as a trusted destination for international education and our commitment to creating enriching, culturally sensitive experiences.”

The visits are supported by Ara’s School of English, international and student support teams, ensuring a smooth and respectful start to each group’s New Zealand journey.

“These collaborative relationships enrich our entire learning community,” Knox added. “They bring new perspectives into our classrooms and help foster the global citizenship skills that today’s learners need.”

_{Taiwanese university students at the airport preparing to depart for New Zealand}

_{Nanhua University students with President Dr. Kao Chin-Hsung (standing in the middle)}