The Hut benefits from student's research

Norwegian university student Linda Ekrem is in Cromwell working voluntarily at The Hut for the Cromwell Youth Worker Trust as part of her bachelor of export marketing degree. Photo by Rosie Manins.

Linda Ekrem (38) arrived in New Zealand last month from her home in northern Norway, and has been working voluntarily at The Hut in Cromwell since January 14.

She is developing a business plan for the youth centre, and will also complete a survey for the facility before leaving in May.

The work will count towards her three-year bachelor of export marketing degree, which she hopes to complete in June.

Miss Ekrem chose to study in Cromwell rather than at Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin in what is her first visit to New Zealand.

"It seemed more interesting than the other places available. I grew up in a small town like Cromwell but it is very different here," she said.

Miss Ekrem is one of 13 European university students who are in the country as part of a scheme co-ordinated in New Zealand by the International Business Academy.

Ten are based in Otago.

Cromwell youth worker Lyndamary Hamlin and a trustee of the Cromwell Youth Worker Trust, Sally Angus, became aware of the opportunity for a student to work in the area last year.

International Business Academy employee Clare Dorking, who is based in both Dunedin and Denmark, had talked about the scheme at a meeting of the Cromwell Rotary Club.

European university students are matched with businesses and organisations in New Zealand, where they work for free, gaining experience.

Ms Hamlin said the relationship benefited both parties, and Cromwell's youth centre was no exception.

"The business plan will help us apply for funding, and the survey will be focused on Cromwell youth."

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz