Editor's note: China is the single largest source of international students for New Zealand universities, according to the country's Ministry of Education. TRACIE BARRETT speaks to Chinese graduates about their experiences in New Zealand and beyond.

Huang Ning, 43, received his bachelor's degree in architecture from Zhengzhou University. He then earned a master's degree majoring in sustainability and a doctorate in architecture from the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland.

Huang, who is from Zhengzhou, Henan province, came to Beijing when he returned to China in December 2010. He co-founded the company, Green World Solutions, which offers services such as green architecture design and assessment and low-carbon urban planning.

Huang's PhD supervisor, Professor Robert Vale, is chief scientist for the company and senior lecturer Kai Gu, PhD, is an adviser. In addition, four other UoA alumni work for Green World Solutions.

"GWS is also the internship base in China for graduates from the School of Architecture and Planning," said Huang, who has big plans for the company.

"I plan to lead it to be in the top five list of such companies in Beijing in five years, then in China in 10 years."

Liu Siyuan, or Sean, 27, graduated from the University of Otago in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and pharmacology. He works as an analyst for a medical company in Beijing and said the English skills and professional knowledge he acquired at Otago were very helpful in his job.

Liu attended Sichuan University for a few months before going to New Zealand for six years and said there were major differences between Chinese and New Zealand teaching methods.

In China, he said, the system focuses on teaching students "the absolute right answer", while lecturers at Otago "like to inspire students' independent and critical thinking". He said one lecturer spent 40 minutes describing a theory in detail then, in the last 10 minutes of the class, attacked the theory and encouraged students to point out flaws.

"I never imagined that education could be delivered in such a challenging but interesting way," he said.

Li Shijun, or John, 36, studied at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Government from 2003. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in public policy, a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration in commercial law and public policy and a Master of Commerce and Administration in public policy.

He is currently the government relations and external affairs manager for Fonterra, a multinational dairy cooperative owned by New Zealand farmers.

The Shanghai native chose New Zealand primarily for its flexible visa policy for mature students and its competitive tuition fees compared with Australia, Europe and the United States.

He said Chinese-style education offers a solid foundation for primary to middle school students, "but for tertiary education, New Zealand's style will better develop students' potential".

"New Zealand's education promotes critical and creative thinking. It encourages more individual thinking and different perspectives on your subjects," he said.

Wang Liying, or Cathryn, 33, is also a graduate of the University of Otago and earned a Bachelor of Commerce in economics in 2008. She worked in international banking on her return to China and now helps her husband with his business in the cultural industry.

Wang went to New Zealand directly from high school in her home city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong province. She said that, judging from her friends' experiences, New Zealand universities focused more on teamwork and do not assess students solely on exam results.

She said New Zealanders were friendly and helpful and very accepting of other cultures. In addition to her academic achievements, she said her time studying there taught her the value of cooperation and to work well with others, while also becoming more self-sufficient. "Coming from a 'one child' family policy," she said, "I think most Chinese students are not good at these things."

Contact the writer at tracyliannebarrett@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/21/2014 page7)