- Shimane University nursing and medical students completed a two-week training programme at Wintec, New Zealand, marking the 15th exchange group in a 17-year collaboration.
- 16 students participated in the study tour, enhancing their understanding of New Zealand's healthcare system, cultural diversity, and language skills through homestays and hands-on learning.
- The tour concluded with a certificate ceremony at Wintec’s City Campus, celebrating cross-cultural exchange and long-standing educational ties between the two institutions.
Shimane University nursing and medical students in Japan finished a two-week, short-term training program with Wintec in New Zealand earlier this year. The foreign students are the 15th study group to visit Wintec from the Japanese university, a milestone that reflects on the 17-year collaboration between the two tertiary education institutions.
16 students joined the study tour, whereby they learned a lot about the New Zealand health industry, improved their language skills, and had direct exposure to New Zealand culture.
Jo Thomas, Wintec Group Director Health, Social Practice, Science and Languages, appreciates the close relationship between Wintec and Shimane University. "Our relationship has prospered through these 15 years of study tours that our institutions have shared together".
I think this demonstrates a strong appreciation for the worth this experience brings to students at Shimane University and also a wonderful dedication on the part of our university to deliver an exceptional and well-rounded educational experience".
“Wintec also shares key values and principles with Shimane. We’re both committed to high-quality tertiary education and share a belief in the value of internationalisation, not just to build skills and to provide interesting opportunities, but to make human connections across borders, to experience other cultures, and to gain insights into world views that differ from our own”, said Jo.
Professor Jun Iwata, Department of Medical, Social, and Cultural Science, Shimane University and Professor Masatoshi Kataoka, Doctor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine 2, Shimane University Hospital, also joined the study group.
Outside of the classroom, the students resided with homestay families in the area and were able to try and get involved in as much New Zealand culture and as much of the Waikato region as possible.
The study tour was ended by a low-key celebratory function held at Wintec's City Campus, where the students, dressed in their traditional Japanese attire, were awarded certificates by Wintec as a keepsake of their experience in New Zealand.
The students all discussed the highs of their experiences during the trip, ranging from meat pies, hokey pokey ice cream, and going to see the Glowworm Caves in Waitomo, to watching a Super Rugby match, meeting with other students on campus, and studying Māori culture.
Wintec and Shimane University's relationship initially started with a staff exchange programme in 2008, with short-term student study tours since 2010. Wintec and Shimane University are pleased to commemorate the success of yet another study tour and look forward to celebrating many more.
