Teaching Exchange Strengthens International Partnership

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology and China’s Qingdao Technical College (QTC) are strengthening their long-standing partnership, with a teaching exchange.  

Toi Ohomai senior academic staff member Craig Searle recently returned from a three-week teaching exchange at QTC in Shandong Province, China, where he delivered tourism lessons to enthusiastic first and second year Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism students. The visit was part of an ongoing Joint Delivery agreement between the two institutions, aimed at fostering international collaboration and enriching educational experiences for both staff and students.

Craig says the experience was both eye-opening and deeply rewarding. He says the opportunity to engage with students in a different cultural and academic setting has broadened his perspective on teaching.

“Students were very similar to here, but with a different background of their past teaching it took a little while for the students to collaborate. There was a language barrier, but we found ways to navigate it.”  

He says it was fascinating to see how tourism is taught and understood in a different context.

“I’ve come away with new ideas and approaches that I’m excited to incorporate into my teaching back home.”

Qingdao has a population of 10.5 million, which Craig says was daunting, but the hospitality of the people there made him feel at home. With the large population, Craig was also blown away by the sheer size and sophistication of the Qingdao Technical College campus.

“The scale of the campus was incredible. It’s a purpose-built environment that supports student learning and development. Being there reminded me of the importance of investing in spaces that inspire and empower learners.”

One of Craig’s most memorable experiences during his time in Qingdao was exploring the city’s rich cultural and tourism landmarks.

“Two highlights that really stood out were visiting the Qingdao Brewery and walking through May Fourth Square,” Craig says.  

“The brewery was an impressive blend of history, hospitality, and innovation. It’s a great example of how tourism can celebrate local heritage while offering a world-class visitor experience. And May Fourth Square, with its bold architecture and significance to the protest movements, gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the cultural identity of the region.”

Toi Ohomai Head of International Peter Richardson says two teachers from Qingdao Technical College (QTC) will arrive in Rotorua this week and will have their four-week teacher training programme on campus until late August.  

“Other Toi Ohomai lecturers will be teaching in QTC from September onwards,” he says.  

“Toi Ohomai has developed this strategic partnership since 2008. It is a great transnational collaborative project between QTC and Toi Ohomai.”