Chris' China Research Project for University

About Me:

Hi my name is Chris, and I'm a 32 year old student at the University of Waikato. I am in my last year of a Bachelor of Management Studies (with honours), majoring in Strategic Management and Supply Chain Management. I'm also studying a post-graduate certificate in Management Communications, and have studied Mandarin for two years.

About the Trip:

I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to travel to China this November the 11th for my studies. The main aim of this six week trip is to conduct research on China's sustainable business practices.

I will be studying at Zhejiang International Studies University and Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages in Hangzhou. I will also be visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing for part of this research exchange.

Why I Need Your Help:

I have been incredibly fortunate to receive the (New Zealand) Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia, as part of a group application some friends and I made for funding, earlier in 2014. It will cover our airfares, tutoring (in language and culture while we are there), and some of our accommodation costs, to the tune of approximately NZ$5,065.00. What it doesn't cover is:

• Transfers, transport and food within China. We are going to have to pay for train rides, shuttles, and most food during our six weeks there.

• The short-fall in funding my accommodation for the duration of the trip that the Scholarship does not cover.

• Travel visa's and insurance

Although I've been incredibly fortunate in some regards, I receive no student allowance or benefit, other than my student loan. I am a solo dad to two twin boys, and until recently worked part-time in Hamilton. Some serious health issues this year have prevented me from working more, although I have just received medical clearance to take this trip. Despite this I have managed to save some money towards this trip, but it will not be enough to cover the short-fall.

What This Means to Me?

I believe that business causes some of the biggest, most onerous ecological, social and environmental problems in the world today, but it also represents our best chance to solve our planet's sustainability problems.

What better way to research what is going on in the world of sustainable business than to travel to China, arguably the world's biggest polluter, but also the largest investor in Clean Tech, sustainable business and environmental programs.

My research will not only highlight what the Chinese are doing, but help pave the way for others to study what has worked in China, and what could work for New Zealand. I will be submitting my work (approximately 7,000 to 8,000 words) in a report upon my return, and giving presentations to which you are invited.

Other Ways You Can Help:

If you're not able to contribute to my cause financially, perhaps you could spread the word on your social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter (#Chris2China) and Facebook.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.