PaCE Director Andrea Flavel and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly present Meisei's Vice Dean of International Studies Centre Professor Ai Fujiwara with a gift to celebrate the 20-year partnership.
Every year since 2003, a group of students from Japan’s Meisei University have participated in an annual international study tour to Aotearoa New Zealand run by the Professional and Continuing Education Centre (PaCE).
A commemoration event was recently held on Massey’s Ōtehā campus in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the partnership. The event was attended by representatives from both Massey and Meisei University.
PaCE Director Andrea Flavel say Meisei’s commitment to providing an international experience for students 20 years ago was ahead of its time.
“Meisei was one of the first universities to recognise the myriad of advantages for international study opportunities for students and the promotion of international understanding in general. Over two decades we have seen the students grow and develop a greater understanding of other cultures, language, the world around them and of themselves.”
Meisei University’s Professor Emeritus Paul Robertson brought the first group of students to Massey in 2003. Since that time, many Meisei students have participated in the English Communication and Cultural Understanding programme and Massey staff have also travelled to Japan to teach at Meisei.
Open to students from all faculties and departments of Meisei, the programme is designed to improve English language skills in a native speaking environment and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
The four-week programme has an emphasis on learning through participation and experience. It includes English classes and a programme of cultural activities, field trips and events such as a school visits and a potluck dinner with the host families they stay with in Auckland. The homestays are considered an integral part of the overall programme.
Representatives from Meisei University joined Massey staff in commemorating the partnership.
Related news
Indigenous business partnership created between Massey and global universities
Te Au Rangahau, Massey Business School's Māori business research centre, has recently signed a partnership with the University of Melbourne, Carleton University, and University of New Haven with the aim to collaborate around research and assist each other in future endeavors.
Edogawa University and Massey mark 30-year partnership
The president of Japan's Edogawa University, Professor Hikota Koguchi, visited Massey University's Auckland and Manwatū campuses this week to mark 30 years of the two universities working together.
