Zhejiang Sci-Tech University invited six students of the University of Mauritius to attend a short term study from 15 December 2017 to 20 January 2018 in Fashion Design at the School of International Education, ZSTU. The six students were from the Department of Applied Sustainability and Enterprise Development (DASED). Five first year students of the BSc(Hons) Fashion Technology (Minor Entrepreneurship) programme of study and one second year student of the BSc(Hons) Design and Colour Applications for Industry programme of study attended the short courses.
There were several short courses on offer based on the level of study of the students and their field of interest. Among the various short courses on offer were: Introduction to Fashion Industry; Fashion Consumer Behavior; Draping for Fashion Design; Flat Pattern Design; and Designer Flats and Technical Sketching. The courses were dispensed by staff of ZSTU and FIT, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York and were free of charge for all the six UoM students.
The students were warmly welcome by the staff of ZSTU and FIT. They stayed in dormitories at ZSTU and were offered food subsidies during their stay. It took them a few days to get accustomed to life on campus, a new culture and language. And the integration was made easy thanks to the friendly staff and students of ZSTU. The students very much enjoyed the experience of studying at a foreign university and performed well in all the tasks and assignments given out to them. At the end of the respective courses, they were awarded a certificate for their proud achievements.
Besides the study, UoM students interacted with students from ZSTU on several occasions and visited a number of places in and around Hangzhou and could experience the rich heritage of Chinese culture and tradition.
Below are feedbacks from the students of the University of Mauritius after their short term study at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, December 2017- January 2018.
Anshee Soobaroyen, First Year Student, BSc(Hons) Fashion Technology with Minor Entrepreneurship, University of Mauritius.
“My experience at ZSTU was an awesome one; we had a great moment together in Hangzhou not just in terms of academic knowledge acquired but also what we’ve been able to learn about Chinese culture and tradition. The Chinese food is delicious and with chop sticks, it becomes an even greater experience. We went on a cultural trip to 'Shanjing’ village where we learned how to make rice cakes; we stayed at the ‘Friendship’ building which is the dormitory of ZSTU and interacted with many international students with whom we were able to share our cultural experiences. This trip was a very useful one as I personally feel more confident and mature. I hope I get another chance to study at ZSTU and make happy memories of my stay there!”
Jahnavi Appadoo, First Year Student, BSc(Hons) Fashion Technology with Minor Entrepreneurship, University of Mauritius.
“This exchange program was a beautiful experience of a lifetime! It allowed me to discover, grow and finally be able to fly on my own and feel independent. At the beginning I was a little nervous but within a few days it felt like home. It was really easy to move around and it was not like how people would normally describe China. Everywhere was really neat and clean including the public transport. The people I met are generous and respectful. The land and cultures are rich and unique. This exchange program has allowed me to come back with an enlarged knowledge of both life and education. Despite the language barrier, I have a number of friends at ZSTU with whom I’m still in touch regularly. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who is interested to be part of this program. Go for it without any hesitation!”
Julia Sookram, Second Year Student of Design and Colour Applications for Industry, University of Mauritius.
"The trip to China was just amazing! It’s an experience that helped me grow both academically and as a person. Things weren’t easy for me in the beginning because of the language barrier, and the lifestyle which are different from what we normally experience in Mauritius. But within a week or so, everything was perfectly well. This crash course allowed me to discover my abilities. I made new friends; Chinese and other foreigners, with whom I spent a lot of time doing some crazy stuffs. Chinese people are shy but they are really nice people and I miss China. I would like to go back any time soon. Hopefully there would be more opportunities like that, for me, if not, for other students to experience this.”
Neermala Baboolall, First Year Student, BSc(Hons) Fashion Technology with Minor Entrepreneurship, University of Mauritius.
“It was a big opportunity for me to get the chance to study at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University. Totally a great experience; as studying at ZSTU during the short term has increased my knowledge of the fashion world. The Professors at ZSTU and from FIT were very helpful and supportive. And special thanks to Miss Jane and Miss Norma who have taken great care of us during our stay. It was a comfortable stay with all facilities and amenities. During the cultural trip, I had learnt a lot about Chinese culture. Chinese food is very tasty. The people are kind and always ready to help.”
Khushdeep Tenghur, First Year Student, BSc(Hons) Fashion Technology with Minor Entrepreneurship, University of Mauritius.
“It was a transformative experience for me. This exchange program has allowed me to get a sense of the crowd, culture, and cuisine of China and what makes it one of the most exciting countries of the world. I must say that this program is quite supportive and puts emphasis on safety and knowledge as well. I am thankful that I got to be part of this program.”