By Ainsley Harrison
Having been granted the opportunity to travel to China was an experience that gave me a much greater appreciation for the importance of international relationships and connections that bring people together. The 2026 Waikato Management School Student Exchange to Shanghai and Hangzhou was a unique introduction to China’s business environment, start-up culture and rapidly developing technology industry.
As a Bachelor of Business student with a Public Relations major, I have come to appreciate the importance of understanding different cultures and creating purposeful connections. This experience in particular reinforced how important it is in business to recognise different perspectives and build relationships that create shared value. It was incredibly special to visit the Waikato Joint Institute at Hangzhou City University and learn about the relationship between the two institutes.
Being part of the first Waikato University student cohort to experience this exchange programme made it all that more special. It was a real-time reminder of how education can create opportunities that extend beyond our own communities. Students from China also have opportunities to travel to New Zealand, and experience our university, immersing themselves in our rich culture and traditions. These exchanges create a valuable two-way connection, allowing students to learn from one another, gain meaningful exposure, and develop relationships that can last a lifetime.
Beyond the business side of the exchange, one of my favourite aspects of the experience was discovering close similarities between traditional Chinese culture and Māori culture while visiting the Shanghai Historical Museum. I was truly fascinated by the appreciation of jade stone, its beauty and significance. It translates to the significance of pounamu in Māori culture, where jade stone is deeply connected to identity, heritage and tradition. Although the cultural applications of the stone differ, it was special to recognise how two different cultures share an appreciation.
One challenge was adjusting to a new environment with unfamiliar customs. I responded by embracing the experience and being open to learn about this new way of life. My advice to future exchange students is to really immerse yourself in the experience and make the most of every opportunity. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and take in as much as possible. While the business knowledge is valuable, some of the greatest learnings come from the connections you make along the way.
I am incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity, and will cherish the knowledge, perspectives, and newly formed relationships from this experience for a lifetime.
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