Yusu Wang, Ziqi Chai, and Jianyang Wang are among the first ākonga (students) from Xi’an Kedagaoxin University participating in the Joint Bachelor of Information Technology programme established between the two institutions. After three years of study in Xi’an, China, they came to New Zealand in 2025 to pursue the final stage of their degree. Based at the Whitireia and WelTec Petone Campus, the group began their journey with an intensive English language course to give them the confidence to excel in their degree-level studies.
One of the reasons each choose the Joint degree programme was to improve English skills in a supportive, academic environment.
Ziqi says, “The biggest challenge has been adjusting to studying fully in English, but I have overcome it by practicing daily, asking questions, and getting help from my tutors and classmates.
Studying at Whitireia and WelTec has helped me become more confident in using English and improved my problem-solving and teamwork skills.”
While academics are central, friendship, collaboration and experiencing a new culture are a big part of the experience.
For Yusu, travelling to New Zealand was the first time she had left China. She says, “it was scary, but I know I can learn a lot from studying in a foreign country. So far I have made a lot of friends from different countries. And through talking, I know more about different cultures across the world.”
With a busy year ahead focused on learning Interaction Design, Security, Data Science, Networking and Testing foundations, the group are excited to learn more about Information Technology. The tutors are very patient and encouraging, and class is an opportunity to understand new concepts and exchange ideas.
Jianyang shares that he’s keen to “enhance his professional abilities and enjoys the serious, structured teaching and the richness of the learning materials.”
Looking ahead, the group are all keen to pursue postgraduate studies after completing their degree. Ziqi notes that this pathway will equip him with valuable skills, global perspectives, and confidence to excel in both his career and personal life.
Their advice to anyone looking to following this path would be to be open-minded and not afraid to ask questions. It will be challenging at first, but very rewarding.
International Partnerships
Whitireia and WelTec partner with a wide range of tertiary institutions around the world to offer diverse study pathways. Through these collaborations, students who have already begun their studies in their home countries can complete them in Wellington and obtain a New Zealand–recognised qualification.
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