Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the University of Macau: Collegiate Friendship Across the Hemispheres: Choi Kai Yau College Visits Arana College, University of Otago
慶祝澳門大學45周年校慶: 跨越南北半球的書院情誼: 蔡繼有書院師生訪奧塔哥大學阿拉納書院
2026年2月，在澳門大學發展基金會的資助下，蔡繼有書院師生一行11人，遠赴新西蘭但尼丁，前往奧塔哥大學阿拉納書院（Arana College），開展訪問交流及體驗學習活動。這是兩院自2025年底簽署合作備忘錄以來的首次互訪，正式開展了合作的新一章。
抵達之初，訪問團即受到阿拉納書院的熱情款待。歡迎儀式別開生面、獨具在地文化底蘊和活力，師生們有幸親身體驗傳統的毛利歡迎儀式，切身感受新西蘭原住民的誠摯與熱情。訪問期間，蔡繼有書院學生入住阿拉納書院，與當地的學生領袖及來自世界各地的宿生、訪客深度交流，沉浸式體驗了強調獨立、尊重與群體共融的住宿式書院文化。
阿拉納書院院長魯本‧卡蒂格巴克（Ruben Katigbak）表示，此次交流訪問並非一趟走馬看花的遊學觀光，而是一場能互相啟發學生思考、建立深厚聯繫以及拓展國際視野的成長學習之旅。他強調：「這標誌著兩院合作的正式開展，任重而道遠。在合作備忘錄的框架下，我們能夠落實更多學術交流、文化活動及協作項目，未來可期。」
行程中，師生獲得了難能可貴的學術體驗。在教授林爾‧漢頓（Lyall Hanton）的帶領下，學生們參觀了梅勒實驗室（Mellor Laboratory）。隨後也參訪了牙醫學院，了解其先進的教學設施與研究成果。校園導覽行程則涵蓋多個重要地標，包括極具特色的住宿書院、體育中心、中央圖書館及身心健康中心，全面展現奧塔哥大學對學生全人發展的重視。在學術交流之餘，同學們亦走出校園，飽覧奧塔哥半島的壯麗自然景觀，擁抱但尼丁這座城市的獨特魅力。
隨團學生們在此行中收穫豐碩，對住宿式書院體系有著難忘的感悟：
羅婉瑜同學：「阿拉納書院的環境非常溫暖，並對師生提供充分的支持，營造了強烈的社群歸屬感。我們一同在飯堂用餐，與當地學生自然交流，親身體會那種強調獨立、尊重與群體共融的住宿式書院文化。」
崔玄琪同學則表示：「通過沉浸式的校園參訪和日常互動，我們逐漸對奧塔哥大學有了全面的了解。這是一種截然不同的教學模式，以及一套非常成熟的住宿式書院教育與管理體系，確實拓寬了我們的視野。」
此次交流不僅加深了兩院師生的情誼，更為蔡繼有書院於未來的國際化發展道途上注入了新的動力。蔡繼有書院期待未來繼續與阿拉納書院攜手前進，在學術、文化及人才培育等領域展開更緊密的合作，共同培養學生多元文化的發展以及國際視野，提升學生的全球競爭力。
In February 2026, funded by the University of Macau Development Foundation, a delegation of 11 students and staff from Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) traveled to Dunedin, New Zealand, for exchange visit and experiential learning activities in Arana College at the University of Otago. This marked the first reciprocal visit since the two colleges signed a Memorandum of Understanding in late 2025, symbolizing a new chapter in their bilateral partnership.
Upon arrival, the delegation received a warm welcome from Arana College. The reception was deeply rooted in local culture, offering the group the unique opportunity to experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, which profoundly conveyed the sincerity and hospitality of New Zealand’s indigenous people. During their stay, CKYC students resided at Arana College, engaging closely with student leaders, residents, and visitors from around the world. This immersive experience brought them to witness firsthand residential college culture that emphasizes independence, mutual respect, and communal living.
Mr. Ruben Katigbak, Warden of Arana College, noted that the visit was far more than a sightseeing tour; it was a shared journey of learning, connection, and global understanding. “This marks the beginning of a meaningful and enduring partnership between our two colleges,” he emphasized. “We look forward to developing more exchanges, cultural events, and collaborative projects under the framework of our MOU.”
The itinerary included valuable academic experiences, as the group toured the Mellor Laboratory guided by Professor Lyall Hanton and visited the Dental school to gain insights into its advanced teaching facilities and research achievements. Campus tours covered several key landmarks, including distinctive residential colleges, the Unipol Recreation Centre, the Central Library, and the Wellbeing Hub, showcasing the University of Otago’s commitment to holistic student development. Beyond academic pursuits, the students explored the stunning landscapes of the Otago Peninsula, experiencing the unique charm of the city of Dunedin.
Participating students found the exchange highly rewarding, gaining deeper insights into the residential college system:
Luo Wanyu shared: “The atmosphere at Arana College was incredibly warm and supportive, fostering a strong sense of community. Having meals in the college dining hall and exchanging of ideas with local students helped us to understand its residential college culture that values independence, respect, and communal living.”
Cui Xuanqi reflected: “Through extensive campus visits and daily interactions, we have gradually developed a comprehensive understanding of the University of Otago. Experiencing a completely different teaching model and a mature residential college education and management system has truly broadened our horizons.”
This visit not only deepened the relationship bonds between the students and staff of the two colleges but also injected fresh momentum into the future internationalization efforts of Choi Kai Yau College. CKYC looks forward to many more fruitful collaborations with Arana College in cultivating talents in academic and cultural fields, enhancing students with global perspective and competitiveness.
