PMSA students flying the flag in Beijing

Students Jessica Clark and Samuel (Kiram) Choi are both currently on PMSA-funded exchanges to Renmin University in Beijing, China.

Recently, they organised a New Zealand stand at the university’s international cultural festival.

“It was such an incredible day – the weather was close to perfect with a slight breeze, beaming sun and minimal pollution,” says Jess.

“The day started at 7.00am when we set up the stall. Throughout the day there were many activities, food and photos. It was a great opportunity to hand out items from our New Zealand universities and teach people how to pass a rugby ball!”

Jess is completing a Bachelor of Management Studies at the University of Waikato and is currently studying at Renmin University’s world-renowned business school as well as undertaking an intensive Chinese language programme.

Samuel is at Renmin for 40 weeks studying Chinese law towards completing an LLB (hons) and Bachelor of Commerce conjoint at University of Auckland. He is the first student from the University of Auckland to be nominated to study at Renmin Law School as part of a newly developed exchange relationship between the two universities.

“Our scholarship students in Asia are ambassadors for New Zealand, helping raise the profile of our country and way of life in places where people may never have met another Kiwi,” says Peter Bull, Education New Zealand’s General Manager International.

“It’s great to see Jess and Samuel proudly representing New Zealand at Renmin University and perhaps planting a seed in the minds of a few Chinese students considering studying overseas.”

“Education relationships are two-way and having smart capable New Zealand students studying in China is very valuable in building capability for New Zealand's future.”

In true international student spirit, Jess and Samuel were joined on the stand by Hweiching Lim, a New Zealander studying towards a law degree at the University of Kent in England, who is also on exchange at Renmin University.

The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia cover overseas study, research, or internships ranging from six weeks to two years at some of the best Asian institutions.

In three rounds of funding, just over 350 New Zealand students have been given the opportunity to further their studies in a different country and culture while building all important people-to-people networks with our trading partners.

Applications are now open for the March and September 2015 rounds of the PMSA. Visit the PMSA pages for further information and to find out about this year’s winners.