Several positive factors could result in more academic educational links being developed between Otago Polytechnic and Japanese universities, an Otago Polytechnic executive says.
Japan international market manager Kerrie Hodgson was speaking after a visit earlier this week by representatives of 10 Japanese universities and other tertiary institutions.
The visitors, from several different parts of Japan, were "very aware'' of the need to develop more international educational ties, Mrs Hodgson said.
They also had an "astute'' sense of how the polytechnic could contribute to potential future academic links, and of Dunedin's standing as an educational centre, she said.
Acting chief executive Mike Collins said the visit offered exciting prospects of developing further academic links with Japanese universities.
Polytechnic officials said the visit was part of an overall national trip, organised by Education New Zealand and supported by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.
Mrs Hodgson said the Japanese Government had recently begun encouraging Japanese tertiary institutions to foster academic links with overseas educational bodies, and was providing funding support.
Otago Polytechnic could also benefit from New Zealand and Dunedin being perceived in Japan as safe places to study.
Such safety concerns were important for Japanese parents and tertiary institutions, and the situation was potentially "very positive for New Zealand from a safety point of view''.
Mrs Hodgson has visited Japan in her role for the past 14 years.
The representatives also visited the University of Otago.
