Cody Blackburn at the top of Mt Fuji in Japan (left) and Jessica Guiney in Alberta, Canada.
Twenty-three students from the Otago Business School were given the enviable task of spending semester 2 on international exchange last year, with support from Westpac Travelling Scholarships.
Through the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme, this latest crop of intrepid Commerce students experienced other business schools and cultures in Italy, Japan, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Spain, the UK, Denmark, and the US.
Now that they’ve settled back into their New Zealand skin, we checked in with some of these audacious tauira to find out just how good their adventures were.
Juliana Rossi Macaes (BACom) returned thoroughly smitten with Spanish life after several months at Barcelona’s Esade Business School, Ramon Llull University.
“Barcelona is one of those cities that is truly addictive. My mother thinks its only flaw is that it has ruined other European cities for me – the endless sunny days and the relaxed but vibrant city life are incomparable.”
As wooed as she was by the city’s physical charms, it was the interpersonal rewards that made her Barcelonian adventure so rich.
“Student exchange is thrilling for many reasons, but the most memorable aspect for me was the friends and networks I built. I met people from all over the world and shared amazing adventures with them. I now have friends and connections in several countries with people I intend to keep in my life forever. This, beyond anything academic, is my greatest achievement.”
Japan got the nod from Cody Blackburn. He furthered his Master of Business Administration studies at the Otaru University of Commerce in Hokkaido. He says it was a transformative journey – both personally and professionally.
“I formed meaningful relationships, gained insights into Japanese culture, and developed an understanding of the country’s business environment. It was fascinating to observe the many parallels between New Zealand and Hokkaido, which one of my professors referred to as ‘the New Zealand of Japan’ due to similarities in population, industries, and landscape.”
Cody tackled the language too, determined to nudge himself past konnichiwa and sayonara.
“Studying Japanese alongside my business courses was both rewarding and challenging. While mastering the language remains a long-term goal, I’ve progressed from having no knowledge to being able to hold basic conversations. It’s inspired me to prioritise language learning throughout my life.”
He thinks his months in Japan will pay dividends down the track.
“Should I have the opportunity to help connect New Zealand and Japan through business in the future, I’m confident this experience will enable me to build informed and respectful relationships.”
Kate Harris (BCom) spent her semester sharpening her commerce lens at the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon, Portugal.
“The courses I took expanded my academic perspective and provided me with valuable insights into global business practices and emerging markets. I was able to elevate my commerce degree through an international perspective with other like-minded individuals.”
She elevated her aquatic skills too.
“I took full advantage of Portugal’s vibrant culture and scenic coastline by learning to surf after my classes. These experiences not only enhanced my personal growth but also enabled me to build lifelong friendships with an incredibly diverse group of individuals.”
Jessica Guiney (BCom) chose Canada for her exchange. As well as attending McGill University in Montreal, she improved her French skills, visited iconic spots and experienced the North American buzz around Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas-tree hunting. But it was the people she met along the way who will forever hog the top shelf of her Canadian memory bank.
“I formed lifelong friendships with people I cherish deeply and I’m already planning to reconnect with some of them in Europe. It’s an incredible experience to immerse yourself in a different culture. This experience also gave me a newfound self-confidence in travelling solo.”
Jessica’s unbridled enthusiasm would likely convince the most sofa-bound student to swap out their Ōtepoti life for a semester abroad.
“It was the best decision I made during my university degree. I’ll definitely be encouraging all my friends to go on exchange. It’s made me much more confident in meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Commerce students keen to expand their comfort zone can find compelling Westpac Travelling Scholarship details below.
– Kōrero by Claire Finlayson, Communications Adviser (Otago Business School)
Westpac Travelling Scholarships
The scholarships, of up to $3,000, are awarded to students studying within the Otago Business School. To be eligible students must be accepted into the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme; be applying for a school on the current approved exchange partner list; show a capacity for leadership and responsibility in business, community or educational affairs.
Find out more