Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
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Business student Jazz Singh was selected to spend six-months in Germany.
Over the last few months, Jazz Singh has turned into a globetrotter. The 20-year old EIT just returned from a six-week study trip to Vietnam and is soon off to Germany for an exchange semester.
To kick off the new year, Jazz, fellow business student Grace Rocard and tourism student Neelam Dadrah went on an adventure packed trip through Vietnam. The tourism and hospitality management study tour was hosted by the Dong A University in Da Nang and funded by the NZ Government.
“It was a fantastic experience,” Jazz says. “Da Nang is very touristy with a lot of big scale businesses and resorts, a place where various cultures cross paths. People were inviting and lovely, and I was impressed by the exceptional customer service, Vietnamese people just go the extra mile. That’s definitely something that we can learn from them.”
The third-year student barely got to unpack his suitcase before he had to start preparing for an even bigger adventure. He has been awarded a Faculty Dean’s Study Abroad Scholarship which will take him to the picturesque Bavarian city of Regensburg, Germany. Based at the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Jazz will study for half a year in Europe.
“I was assigned a study buddy whom I have contacted already. He will pick me up from the train station in Regensburg. I’ve learned some German and can’t wait to expand my marketing knowledge and be part of an international student group,” Jazz says.
Jazz was always very interested in new cultures and diverse thinking. Growing up in a Sikh family in Auckland, he was immersed in the culture, language and religion that his parents brought from Punjab to New Zealand while also embracing the Kiwi lifestyle. Ten years ago, the family moved to Hawke’s Bay and Jazz’ parents took over the dairy next to Napier Boys’ High School from where Jazz graduated.
“I represent the Sikh youth community of Hawke’s Bay and we just got consent to build a temple in Richmond Road in Hastings which we are really stoked about.”
Jazz learned that Regensburg also has a Sikh temple. “This was one of the reasons I decided to go there. It will be nice to meet people on the other side of the world who share the same culture and religion.”
Up until now, Jazz has undeniably made the most out of his studies at EIT, his Year 13 scholarship and a Government fees free year. “EIT provided us with plenty of opportunities to network and get in touch with local businesses and councils. Our lecturers really went out of their way, and all the practical and hands-on learning set us up for the future.”
