Lanzhou students gain confidence and friendships at Ara

_{Left to right: Ara Global Recruitment Manager Andy Ge, Fu Jia, Chen Jiahui, Zhu Xinchang and Ara Community Outreach Partner – Māori Hineamaru Paraone}

They arrived in Christchurch as classmates, but Zhu Xinchang, Fu Jia and Chen Jiahui will return to Lanzhou City University with new friendships, fresh perspectives and stories to share.

The students have spent four weeks studying in Ara's School of English, where they say classroom discussions, group projects and everyday conversations helped bring their English learning to life.

For Zhu Xinchang, a master's student from Lanzhou City University's School of Chemical Engineering, studying in a fully English-speaking environment required him to step outside his comfort zone.

"When I first arrived, I felt nervous about speaking English and worried about making mistakes. But, over time, I realised that language learning is not just about memorising vocabulary and grammar. It’s about having the confidence to communicate."

Translation major Fu Jia said one aspect of studying at Ara stood out more than she expected.

"One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is to ask not only whether something sounds correct, but also where the information comes from and why it can be trusted."

The experience also included opportunities to connect with people and places beyond the classroom.

A highlight was meeting Ara Māori Success Manager Hineamaru Paraone, who recently visited Gansu Province as part of a Christchurch sister-city delegation to China.

The students enjoyed sharing perspectives on their hometown and hearing about Hineamaru's experiences in Lanzhou and the wider region.

They also visited the Rewi Alley Museum in Christchurch, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique connection between Canterbury and Gansu Province.

Born in nearby Springfield, Rewi Alley spent more than 60 years living and working in China, where he became highly respected for his contributions to education, vocational training and community development.

He remains particularly revered in Gansu Province and is regarded as an enduring symbol of friendship between China and New Zealand.

The connection continues to underpin the relationship between Ara and Lanzhou City University, which has welcomed student groups to Christchurch for English language study over several years now.

Ara Dean of Faculty Culture and Services Peter Sawyer said the students' reflections captured the value of international education at its best.

"They arrived ready to learn English, but they've also built connections, experienced a different culture and shared their own perspectives with our community. Those exchanges strengthen understanding on both sides and are an important part of our relationship with Lanzhou City University," Sawyer said.

As they return home, all three students plan to share their experiences with fellow students and encourage others to explore study opportunities in New Zealand.

Chen Jiahui said her month in Christchurch had changed the way she viewed the world around her.

"I arrived expecting to improve my English; I will leave with something much more valuable: greater curiosity about other cultures, deeper respect for the natural environment, and a stronger appreciation for openness, understanding and human connection."