Peking University, Mar. 18, 2019: In January 2019, 10 Peking University students took part in a two-week practical research program, namely Re-Imagining the City: Christchurch, organized by the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand for developing ideas that will improve the visitor experience of Christchurch.
Ten PKU students participating in the research program
The learning objectives of the program include increasing confidence communicating ideas and contributing to local and global conversations in English, learning to work and develop ideas in diverse teams, and developing adaptive and creative processes that are important for fostering innovation.
Peking University students had a chance to transfer theoretical knowledge and analytical skills acquired in the classroom to solutions of real-world problems from the program.
Students discussing their coursework
In practice, the students identified challenges and opportunities relevant to improving visitor experience of Christchurch through a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Christchurch. Their ideas were then guided and supported by the UC Center for Entrepreneurship and other mentors before forwarding to a public forum and a VIP panel consisting of high profile organizations, including ChristchurchNZ which is responsible for promoting Christchurch to the world.
The students also developed their cross-cultural awareness and understanding of Christchurch and New Zealand by having a class on Māori history and culture, as well as field trips and visits in and around the city.
Students taking a field trip
Peking University students explored various aspects of Christchurch and thought about what would make it a more satisfying and visitor friendly city from their unique position as outsiders.
‘I have participated in several summer camps/programs organized by different universities from many countries. However, the 2018 Summer Program at University of Canterbury (UC) was the one that impressed me the most. The theme of this program was ‘Re-imagining the City’. This theme allowed us to put the theoretic knowledge into real practice. By participating this program, I have developed many different skills, including teamwork skills, business proposal writing skills, critical thinking ability, and public speaking skills. In the meantime, I also gained a deep understanding of the history and culture of Christchurch.’ Peking University student Lichen Chen says about the program.
Edited by: Zhang Jiang
Source: University of Canterbury
