Student Brought New Zealand Business to State College
A New Zealand exchange student at Penn State manages a matcha business while pursuing her academic goals in State College.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Language Learning
Jacqueline Jiang arrived at Penn State in August 2026 for a two-month exchange program that continues until December 20. She balances her studies in State College with managing her New Zealand-based matcha company, House of Berry.
Why it matters
Jiang launched House of Berry to introduce American matcha trends to her home country, bridging cultural consumer gaps through her international studies. Her journey highlights the intersection of global academic exchange and entrepreneurial growth.
Jiang traveled 7,800 miles from her home in Auckland to attend classes at Penn State. She previously completed a four-month contract with Samsung before beginning her current exchange program.
The players
Jacqueline Jiang
She is a fourth-year student from New Zealand who balances her university exchange with running a matcha business.
Penn State
It is a major public university in Pennsylvania that hosts international exchange students and is known for its football program.
Samsung
This is a global technology corporation where Jiang completed a four-month professional contract.
The details
Jiang secured her position at the university through a competitive nomination process from her home institution, receiving assistance with visas and paperwork. Her inspiration to study in Pennsylvania stemmed from researching the university's iconic White Out football game.
Timeline
Jiang visited a matcha company in New York City during 2025.
Her tenure at Penn State began in August 2026.
The exchange program concludes on December 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
The story follows a pattern set by the international student exchange mobility trend where students leverage cultural exposure to fuel entrepreneurial ventures. This reflects a broader shift toward experiential learning that blurs the lines between professional and academic development.
Students and entrepreneurs in the State College area may find inspiration in Jiang’s ability to maintain a remote business while navigating full-time university requirements. Her experience provides a practical example of how to utilize international exchange programs for professional networking.
The takeaway
Jiang demonstrates how to maintain entrepreneurial focus while participating in a temporary academic residency abroad. She plans to use her remaining time in the United States to explore the West Coast and experience local seasonal events like Halloween.
Further reading
Learn more about the local educational landscape at State College Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Onward State.
