Fostering Global Academic Ties: University of Otago Delegates Visit CHRIST University, Pune Lavasa

CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, had the privilege of hosting distinguished delegates from the University of Otago, New Zealand on the 30th and 31st of March, 2025. The visit, organized by the School of Business and Management (MBA), marked a significant step in the institution’s ongoing commitment to global academic collaboration and cross-border learning. The esteemed delegates included Ms. Victoria McEniery, Senior Regional Marketing Manager, and Mr. Ron Mitchell, Manager, International Programmes Development Team from the University of Otago.

The two-day event was designed to build strategic academic partnerships, deepen research engagement, and promote international student mobility. The primary focus was on introducing the I+1 Program, aimed at offering Christ University students an opportunity to pursue one year of study at Otago after completing their program at CHRIST, thereby enhancing global learning and academic exposure.

The visit began with a formal welcome ceremony, where faculty members and student representatives greeted the guests with enthusiasm and warmth. The delegates were then taken on a comprehensive campus tour, showcasing CHRIST’s state-of-the-art academic infrastructure, innovation spaces, and the vibrant student community. This tour provided a firsthand experience of the university’s academic culture and ongoing initiatives in research and industry engagement.

A series of interactive sessions were conducted over the two days, enabling students and faculty to directly engage with the delegates. These sessions covered a range of topics including international education trends, student immersion programs, cross-cultural learning experiences, and collaborative research. Students actively participated by asking questions about study opportunities in New Zealand, scholarship options, and the academic environment at Otago.

The networking sessions created an inclusive platform for faculty members to explore potential collaborative research projects, dual-degree programs, and academic exchange models. The discussions also touched upon the integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education, aligning with both universities’ vision for responsible and globally relevant education.

Outcome of the Event

The International Guest Visit yielded several impactful outcomes. A key highlight was the introduction and positive reception of the I+1 Program, which opens new avenues for students to experience international education and develop a global academic outlook. This program will enhance academic mobility and provide students with competitive advantages in the global job market.

Furthermore, the visit-initiated conversations around joint research opportunities, particularly in areas of business innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation—domains where both institutions have demonstrated strength and shared interests. Faculty members from both sides expressed strong intent to collaborate on research publications, conferences, and knowledge-sharing events.

The engagement also sparked discussions about faculty exchange programs, which would allow faculty members to share pedagogical practices, co-develop curriculum modules, and gain international teaching experience. These ideas align well with CHRIST’s long-term strategy to build a globally connected academic ecosystem.

Students benefited immensely from the one-on-one interactions with the delegates, gaining clarity on international study options and the skills required to thrive in a global learning environment. The visit served as an inspiration for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, especially in a culturally diverse and academically rich environment like Otago.

The two-day International Guest Visit by the University of Otago delegates was a resounding success, marked by meaningful dialogue, mutual learning, and the formation of promising academic ties. The event not only opened doors to future collaborations but also reinforced CHRIST University’s vision of nurturing globally competent graduates. With the foundation now laid for the I+1 Program and expanded research cooperation, both institutions are set to embark on a path of impactful and enduring partnership in global higher education.