Reimagining India is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to engage with India. This programme introduces New Zealanders to India’s extraordinary diversity and showcases New Zealand culture and education to the people of India.
Following in the footsteps of previous PMSA cohorts, 24 students from across New Zealand (5 from Waikato) will make their way across the Indian subcontinent from Tamil Nadu to the Himalayas, visiting key cities along the way, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The 6-week programme includes visits to dozens of Indian institutions, companies, NGOs and government bodies.
Meet the 5 Waikato students taking part in this programme in 2024!
Emma Spence
Hello! My name is Emma Spence and I currently live and study in the beautiful Waikato however I am originally from Auckland. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance and Economics, and next year I plan to start a Masters degree in Economics.
I applied for the Reimagining India Study Tour because I have always been fascinated by Indian culture. Growing up my mother practiced Ayurveda, a system of medicine originating in India, and this opened my eyes to an aspect of the Indian culture but I’ve always wanted to everything else the country has to offer. Additionally, the influence of cultural values has always been of much interest to me. I tutor a paper called “Intercultural Perspectives on Organisations” and I’m super excited to observe some of these learnings in action including looking into the differences between the Indian and NZ cultural values, and how these differences make us who we are.
Even more, I want to broaden my worldview and forge new relationships. I believe we are a combination of the people we have met across our lifetimes. I have no doubt this experience will introduce me to a wide plethora of individuals whom I can be inspired by.
Georgia Owen
Kia ora!
My name is Georgia. I am a Psychology student at the University of Waikato passionate about child and adolescent development. I work with youth struggling with Mental Health and know this will be an amazing learning opportunity for my future working with Indian youth. I have always wanted to travel to India and am drawn in by the colour and vibrancy of the culture. In this programme, I hope to engage with locals to gain a deeper understanding of Indian worldviews, culture, religion and specifically caste systems, to understand what influences upbringing, attitudes and values. I am most excited to try the food, explore the country and meet new people.
Namaste
Jaeden Moore
Kia Ora! My name is Jaeden and I am entering my second year in Communications, majoring in Media Production, at The University of Waikato.
I am super excited to have the honour of being on the 2024 Reimagining India trip to India 🇮🇳 I am most looking forward to being immersed within a new cultural and societal environment so different to my everyday life. I can’t wait to learn more about the world, the people it holds, and how I can have an impact!
I love film & photography and one day I hope to be heavily involved in documentary filmmaking.
Saya Karauna
Kia ora, my name is Saya Karauna, I am a proud descendant of both Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu. I am a second-year Bachelor of Health student at the University of Waikato. As I am studying population health with the hopes of achieving better health outcomes for all backgrounds, the cultural exposure this programme will bring will greatly increase my understanding of other cultural values and practices. I think it is crucial to experience a wide range of cultures before going into a people-focused career, especially in something like health, where culture should be accounted for and respected in these spaces to achieve better health outcomes. I am so grateful for this opportunity and am most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with my peers and mentors in India who serve the community and share my passion for helping people.
Sheldon Rogers
Tena Tatou!
Ko Sheldon Kahui Rogers toku ingoa.
He uri tenei no Nga Puhi, Ngati Porou me Waikato Tainui.
I am based out of the University of Waikato studying Law with a double major in Psychology. I love being outdoors, being around friends and playing sports, especially Rugby League (Up the Wahs). I am very excited to connect with the people of India and exchange cultures with them. I am also very interested in learning more about their law system and how it relates to us here in New Zealand. I aspire to work in either a law firm or with the United Nations someday in some sort of capacity, I am hoping that this programme connects me with mentors, that I am able to work with, to gain as much knowledge as I can.
Waikato Global Experiences Blog 