An Interview with International Students

How long have you been at Õ t ū m o e t a i College?

Since January 2020

Why did you choose to study overseas?

I want to talk to a foreigner. I wanted to know something I didn’t know. I wanted to experience another culture.

What is the biggest difference between school in New Zealand and your school overseas?

School size – Otumoetai College is much bigger. Students have individuality. My school is more strict. You cannot wear jewellery.

What is it you love most about being at Ōtūmoetai College?

Everyone looks happy and is fun. It’s good that there are no weird rules like Japanese schools.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to someone considering studying overseas, what would that advice be?

You can have many different experiences. You can broaden your view.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt as an honorary Kiwi student?

Communication is fun. The students taught me when I didn’t know what to do next. I am glad the students helped me if I was in trouble. Yuma Okabe Japan

How long have you been at Õ t ū m o e t a i College?

One and a half years

Why did you choose to study overseas?

Because studying overseas can be seen as an important opportunity in your life, it can broaden your horizons and increase your knowledge. It is also good for self improvement.

What is the biggest difference between school in New Zealand and your school overseas?

In Chinese schools, students need to learn many subjects, such as Chinese, English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology. We need to make sure we pass every subject. Schools in NZ are more relaxed and we can choose the subject we like.

What is it you love most about being at Ōtūmoetai College?

We have more freedom here. After school, we have more time to do activities and sports. Teachers and students are friendly, helpful and thoughtful. You will make many friends from different countries.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to someone considering studying overseas, what would that advice be?

People who can speak different languages and understand different cultures are international talents. Before you decide to study here, you must lean the purpose of studying abroad. You should give full consideration to your learning goals and have confidence in yourselves. However, studying abroad is a special experience, it’s definitely worth a try.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt as an honorary Kiwi student?

Studying with Kiwi students in Kiwi classes let me learn that the importance of being kind to others and how to get on with people.

Junyi Shao China

How long have you been at Õ t ū m o e t a i College?

It’s been nearly 6 or 7 months

Why did you choose to study overseas?

My parents wanted me to get a better education system instead of just studying and do some sports.

What is the biggest difference between school in New Zealand and your school overseas?

Firstly, I could say there are lots of opportunities for students in NZ school like drama auditions, sports competitions, music, bands. In Korea, actually there were not much things to do at school. After school everyone just go to academy schools.

What is it you love most about being at Ōtūmoetai College?

I love my music lessons and symphonic band. I play the flute for school Symphonic band. We have our practice every Monday after school. I just love making an awesome sound with all my band people.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to someone considering studying overseas, what would that advice be?

I would say come to OTC and find things you are interested and having passion about. There are lots of opportunities here waiting for you.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt as an honorary Kiwi student?

The biggest thing I’ve learnt as an honorary Kiwi student was always think in good way like be positive and don’t be afraid of failing because no one is perfect.

Dana Kim South Korea

How long have you been at Õ t ū m o e t a i College?

I came to New Zealand in January and attend my third term now here at Otumoetai College.

Why did you choose to study overseas?

I chose to study overseas because I wanted to get to know a new / other school system. Furthermore, New Zealand is a beautiful country that I always wanted to go to.

What is the biggest difference between school in New Zealand and your school overseas?

The biggest difference between school in New Zealand and my school in Germany is that I can choose my subjects here. In Germany I have to take way ore subjects that are also very different, for example the subjects “Photography” and “Outdoor Education” don’t even exist in my German school. Moreover, we have no school uniforms in Germany.

What is it you love most about being at Ōtūmoetai College?

I love most about Otumoetai College that you do practical work in school. We are not only learning how to do something, but we are also actually applying the things we have learnt.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to someone considering studying overseas, what would that advice be?

My advice would be that you have to be prepared for something different. In the beginning it will be challenging and overwhelming that everything is new, but you will get used to it.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt as an honorary Kiwi student?

The biggest thing I have learnt as an honorary Kiwi student is that the most important thing is not to do things perfectly, but to give your best. It’s not always about being the best student of the class, but about being the best version of yourself.

Lisa Kupper Germany