The students, from Jiangsu Polytechnic College of Agriculture and Forestry, are visiting the region for three weeks to complete the short but intensive course.

South West TAFE horticulture, agriculture and conservation and land management senior educator Trevor Bullen said the students had visited various locations to look at the diverse plants across the region. 

They toured the William Guilfoyle designed Warrnambool Botanic Gardens on Thursday, led by curator John Sheely and visited a wholesale nursery on Monday.

“We looked at how we produce plants in a wholesale nursery environment and the elements needed to grow plants successfully,” Mr Bullen said. 

The students also toured the Great Ocean Road last week and looked at native grasses and plants and will visit Tower Hill to learn about our indigenous history and plants. “We’re trying to give them a good cultural experience and teach them what our horticulture industry is in Australia and about our environment.”

Mr Bullen said they were also building plants boxes and seats which the students would plant up to give them a taste of landscaping.

He said the planter boxes would be displayed at the Warrnambool and Sherwood Park campuses as a reminder of their time here. 

“They’re very interested and excellent students. They’re very polite and keen to learn.”

He said the international partnership was also beneficial for the tafe.

“It’s good for our teachers to experience different cultures. It’s a two way thing. We hope to develop it and do more of these programs in the future.”