8 minute read
International Students
This term we welcomed back 35 International students from around the world after Covid put a halt to any new international students coming to New Zealand.
David Choi 16 years old (Year 11) from South Korea
When did you arrive at Ōtūmoetai College?
July 2018
Why did you choose to study in NZ?
My parents asked me if I wanted to, and I didn’t know anything about NZ so I just thought it would be so special if I did.
What are some differences between being at school in NZ compared to your country?
NZ school is more chill and there are friendly teachers.
What activities are you involved in at school?
Robotics, CSnet, guitar group, badminton, band
What do you enjoy most about being in NZ and living in Tauranga?
The friendly people, my friends, and music.
What was your main goal when you came to NZ?
To learn english.
What do you plan to do after your New Zealand education is completed?
Go to university in NZ and study programming.
What is the best thing about studying at Ōtūmoetai College?
Music and programming.
Are there things you find difficult attending school in a different country?
In NZ, learning English is hard, also when I’m in the exam, even though I’m really confident with the subject, because the questions are all in English and there are some difficult words, it makes my exam more difficult.
Junyi Shao 17 years old (Year 13) from China
When did you arrive at Ōtūmoetai College?
February 2019
Why did you choose to study in NZ?
My parents asked me if I wanted to, and I didn’t know anything about NZ so I just thought it would be so special if I did.
Why did you choose to study in NZ?
I chose to study in New Zealand because it is very culturally diverse, this allows me to better understand different cultures and people. And New Zealand is such a friendly country, it is a nice environment to grow.
What are some differences between being at school in NZ compared to your country?
In China, you cannot choose subjects you like, and also plenty of homework. In New Zealand you have more freedom.
What is the best thing about studying at Ōtūmoetai College?
Most of the teachers and schoolmates are friendly and helpful.
Are there things you find difficult attending school in a different country?
Yes. At first, I did not know how to communicate with people, because of my English, and also I was too shy. But luckily I met helpful people in class, and they encouraged me to talk more.
What do you enjoy most about being in NZ and living in Tauranga?
I do not like busy cities. Tauranga is a quiet city, and has beautiful beaches.
What were your goals for studying in NZ?
When I first came here, my goals were improving my English, travelling, and making some friends. I think my English is much better than before, maybe not good at writing, but okay with chatting. I have been travelling to most places in New Zealand. Travelling is always my biggest hobby. And I met some amazing friends here. It is lucky to have kind people around.
Tell us about your homestay family in NZ?
My host parents always take good care of me. I have been living with them for almost three years now. They are great people, always taking me out during weekends and holidays. We have done so many funny activities such as fishing, traveling, sea biscuit and so on.
There is a dog and a cat in my host family. They always run to me when I come home everyday, and want me to pet them. One of the most relaxing things is walking the dog on the beach on a sunny day.
What do you plan to do after your New Zealand education is completed?
I plan to go to university in New Zealand next year.
International Students contined...
When did you arrive at Ōtūmoetai College?
July 2022 and go back to Germany in April next year.
Why did you choose to study in NZ?
I wanted to be independent and because it’s the most far away from Germany it felt special and unknown. I also love the nature.
What are some differences between being at school in NZ compared to your country?
Basically everything is different :) In Germany we don’t have a lot of subjects we can choose and we stay in one classroom with the same classmates for at least a year.
What is the best thing about studying at Ōtūmoetai College?
I love the subjects and the opportunities that I have at Ōtūmoetai College. The system gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of people and I just love it .
Are there things you find difficult attending school in a different country?
Not really, I feel very comfortable in NZ.
What activities have you got involved in here at the school or extra curricular?
I am starting with Volleyball.
What do you enjoy most about being in NZ and living in Tauranga?
I love everything about it. I love the nature, the people here and just the feeling of being independent and making memories on my own.
What were your goals for studying in NZ?
I of course want to get better in English but also a big goal for me was to find myself again and be happy with the natural me I guess.
Tell us about your homestay family in NZ?
I have the best family ever! I have a little brother, a little sister and a lovely mum and dad. We do a lot of fun activities together and it is so much fun because I am an only child back in Germany. I really love it.
What do you plan to do after your New Zealand education is completed?
I definitely want to keep my connections from New Zealand and change my lifestyle in Germany. I want to keep my happiness I am having in NZ and I want to travel a lot to make even more memories:) I want to be the best version of myself.
International Students and their buddies
The duty of the buddy is to help the international student to settle in i.e meet some of his/her friends, help them to become familiar with the layout of the school and guide them to the right person if they are feeling unwell, need a subject change, need someone to talk to about a problem or just don’t understand something. The kiwi buddy needs to be kind and helpful and often patient with the language barrier. We asked Emilie’s buddy, Hanya, a few questions below.
Hanya Hennessey
Why did you decide to volunteer as a buddy for an international student?
It is a great way to learn new things, meet new people and a way to express and experience both cultures.
Who is your buddy and where are they from?
My buddy is Emilie Gotterbarm, she is from Hamburg, Germany.
What is your role as a buddy?
I made sure she knew her way around the school and she could find her classes. I no longer have to help her find her class, but it is still nice to walk with her to either mine or her classes.
What sort of experiences have you had with your buddy so far?
Many, many laughs, a lot of happy times, a lot of happy tears learning about each other and our hobbies. I literally love my buddy.
Have you learned anything new from your buddy?
So many things, I can’t count. She always makes me laugh and we just bond so much. I learnt some German, I have learnt all about her whānau and her classmates and how different it is over here compared to her home. I found out she loves Christmas, and it will be her first Christmas here without snow.
Have you taught your buddy anything new?
Teaching her new things about the Māori language/culture and the difference between Pakeha and Māori here. She is learning so many different sports that she loves and she especially loves the beaches here as she thinks it is so nice and warm because in Germany it is freezing.
What sort of cultural differences have you noticed between you and your buddy?
Emilie is learning to respect the Māori culture more and more, as she wants to respect it. She has a lot of energy and since she is only here for a little bit, she wants to try anything and everything. This is helpful for me as I can adapt to these things and try new things myself. She constantly encourages me and always makes sure I am okay.
Would you want to visit your buddy’s country?
I would love to go to Germany, there is so much history there and I love history. I would love to learn how to speak it fluently just like how Emile is so fluent in English. I would love to meet her family and her friends, and look at the different landscapes in Germany.
What advice would you give to anyone considering becoming a buddy to an international student?
Definitely consider doing it, it is the best decision I have made while being at school. It opens up so many opportunities for travel and ideas for when you are older. You get to learn so much about your buddy’s culture and the way they act and the difference between yours and theirs. I think it is so beautiful that you can treasure it for a lifetime.
