The scholarships also include English language training. English language study will be completed by students for four weeks before their main programme. Both of these programmes will be offered from Whitirea’s main Porirua campus in Wellington.

“This is a very exciting venture for Whitireia,” said Helen Gardiner, Dean, Faculty of Service Industries. “We are looking forward to working with the Korean government and the scholarship students. Whitireia and the Wellington hospitality and tourism industry have a lot to offer and showcase to these students.”

The first 20 scholarship students are due to arrive in Porirua in June. It is expected that eventually up to 40 students a year will gain scholarships through the initiative. The students will have a Korean tertiary education qualification, and be 20 years or older.

Students will study for a minimum of 20 hours each week during their training.  Whitireia will organise appropriate work placements for the students, in hospitality and tourism related fields, within the Wellington region.

Successful students are required to gain overseas work experience as part of these scholarships, and on completion, return to Korea and work in the tourism and/or hospitality industry.