Mark Hu, Graduate Diploma in Resource Studies
Committed environmentalist Mark, from Taiwan, planned to work in New Zealand, and wanted academic training while getting involved in the national culture
“I started my online research and found Lincoln is a historical land-based institute which provides cutting-edge environmental programmes, such as sustainability, resilience, environmental policy and planning.
“Therefore, it soon became my go-to option.”
He chose to do a Graduate Diploma in Resource Studies.
“As a realistic environmentalist, I reckon if you want to make some changes, or at least get a job, it is better to absorb knowledge about both local issues and global trends. Thus, I picked some courses about Māori, including Treaty of Waitangi and Māori Environmental Management, some about NZ rules, such as Environmental Policy and Resource Management Act 1991, and some about trending topics, like Sustainable Future and Risk and Resilience.”
He especially liked the interaction between students and tutors at Lincoln.
“Lincoln is a relatively small university, but it has the unique atmosphere that bring people close to each other, no matter who you are. This promotes students to share their experience and knowledge in class, or even initiate student-based projects, such as the LU Climate Action Group, which was formed by a group of students who had similar compulsory courses, so they integrated their assignments into an inspirational team project to help set emission goals.”
He plans to work for local councils as an environmental consultant or a strategy planner or study for a master’s degree.
"For Taiwanese who are interested in studying in New Zealand, I would say if you’re planning for a land-based career, you’re on the right track. As an international student, it’s always beneficial to be open-minded and proactive. If you do so, you’ll find people around you are very welcoming and generous. Good luck, have fun.”