On July 25th, 2023, the Guangzhou Huali College played host to a significant academic event – the Huali-Otago International Undergraduate Admission Meeting. The event took place in the esteemed Academic Lecture Hall (4-205) and saw a distinguished gathering of key individuals including Mr. Garry Chronican, Director of the International Department at the University of Otago in New Zealand, Ms. Yue (Joyce) Zhang, Project Marketing Manager responsible for China and South Korea regions, Professor Shuze Tang, Dean of the International School at Guangzhou Huali College, along with Dr. Qingqing Zhou, Associate Dean, and Professor Xueyin Li, a notable member of the Distinguished Teaching Faculty.

The gathering was attended by a diverse audience, including dedicated instructors from the International School, prospective international undergraduate students, and their discerning parents. The event was adeptly chaired by Dr. Qingqing Zhou, adding a sense of expertise and gravitas to the proceedings.

Dr. Qingqing Zhou kicked off the event at the International Seminar Hall

Dean Shuze Tang commenced the event by extending sincere gratitude and a heartfelt welcome to the esteemed delegation headed by Mr. Chronican, hailing from New Zealand. Following this gracious welcome, he proceeded to offer a concise overview encompassing the institution's historical legacy, educational principles, pivotal academic disciplines, program attributes, exceptional traits, expansive teaching scope, accomplished faculty roster, and the enriching campus milieu of Guangzhou Huali College.

Of particular significance was Dean Tang's emphasis on the International School's distinctive all-English instructional framework. He spotlighted the collaborative initiative between Huali and Otago, focusing on the exceptional program tailored for the holistic development of international undergraduates – a narrative that surely resonated with the attending students and their parents.

Professor Shuze Tang, the Dean of International School was presenting to the guest and audience

Continuing the event, Mr. Chronican took the stage to share an enlightening visual presentation showcasing the captivating city of Dunedin, the esteemed locale housing the University of Otago. With its reputation as a distinguished university town, Dunedin stands renowned for its scenic vistas, state-of-the-art amenities, and a profound educational legacy that has attracted a considerable influx of both local and international scholars. Mr. Chronican accentuated the vibrant campus ambiance and the university's focal areas of excellence, particularly highlighting noteworthy disciplines such as dentistry, business, and literature. This insight into Dunedin's allure surely captivated the attending students and their parents, offering a glimpse into the enriching academic environment awaiting potential undergraduates.

Mr. Garry Chronican was introducing the University of Otago Campus and the city of Dunedin

In the interactive Q & A session that ensued, Mr. Chronican exhibited a commendable display of attentiveness and precision as he attentively navigated through the inquiries raised by the parents. With unwavering patience, he delved into topics ranging from the duration of studies, the intricacies of the credit transfer system, the comprehensive graduation prerequisites, to the stipulated IELTS score prerequisites – leaving no stone unturned in his comprehensive responses. His dedication to clarifying these vital aspects ensured that the attending parents departed with a clearer understanding, enriched by the insights provided.

Mr. Garry Chronican was answering questions.

Mr. Chronican underlined a pivotal development that transpired in May 2023 – a collaborative accord between the University of Otago and Guangzhou Huali College aimed at jointly nurturing international undergraduate scholars, with an anticipated commencement in the upcoming autumn semester of 2023. This pioneering initiative extends a unique pathway to students who have encountered challenges in the national college entrance examination (gaokao) or encountered obstacles in securing admission to their preferred institutions and disciplines.

This groundbreaking program offers a transformative opportunity for these students to embark on a journey toward a prestigious bachelor's degree from the esteemed University of Otago. In this progressive arrangement, students dedicate their initial year of study at Guangzhou Huali College, effectively mirroring the first-year curriculum of the University of Otago. Upon fulfilling requisite academic benchmarks, they seamlessly transition into the second year of their chosen field at the University of Otago, ultimately culminating in the attainment of a distinguished bachelor's degree from the university.

Moreover, Mr. Chronican unveiled an additional facet of this collaboration – an exclusive scholarship program introduced by the University of Otago. This scholarship initiative, which extends up to an impressive 2.5 million RMB, extends its benevolence to deserving candidates from Guangzhou Huali College. As a testament to their academic prowess and dedication, students who have achieved a gaokao score surpassing 400 points or an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher stand eligible to vie for this prestigious scholarship opportunity.

A gathering photo at the end of the event

Established in the picturesque city of Dunedin, the capital of Otago Province situated on the captivating South Island of New Zealand, the venerable University of Otago was founded in the illustrious year of 1869. A distinguished milestone in the nation's educational landscape, it proudly holds the mantle of being New Zealand's inaugural university, possessing a legacy that spans generations. Globally acknowledged for its academic eminence, the University of Otago has firmly secured its place within the upper echelons of comprehensive universities, achieving a remarkable ranking within the coveted top 200. This notable standing positions it in league with China's esteemed domestic 985 and 211 universities, attesting to its exceptional stature on the international stage.The University of Otago stands as a paragon of excellence, comprising four faculties that span the academic spectrum: Business, Health Sciences, Arts, and Sciences. This diverse array of disciplines collectively contributes to the university's holistic approach to education and research. Numbers bear testament to its far-reaching impact – with an enrolment exceeding 21,700 domestic scholars and a cosmopolitan campus that embraces the cultures and talents of over 2,800 international students hailing from an impressive array of more than 90 countries and regions. This diverse community encapsulates the university's commitment to fostering a globally informed and culturally enriching academic environment.

Written by Meng (Mel) Xu

Photos taken by Meng (Mel) Xu

Revised by Haojun (Edwin) Chen

Approved by Shuze Tang