Kia Ora from Auckland, NZ

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SabrinaChina

“There are two pieces of advice I would share with future international students. The first is, don’t be shy about your English! Nobody will laugh at you, everyone is very nice and will help you to find the word you need, especially teachers. The more you speak, the more practice you get – my English has improved a lot since I’ve been in New Zealand.

The second is to join lots of clubs. There are so many you can join and they make the whole experience so much more fun, plus you’ll meet lots of new friends. I’ve been at Pakuranga College for five years and even though that’s a long time, it’s gone so fast thanks to all the groups I’ve joined and friends I’ve made.”

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JonasGermany

“My advice to other international students is to give things a go – join groups, meet people, and experience the fun of New Zealand! I joined up to two very Kiwi activities – rugby and kapa haka – and everyone was really welcoming. I think Kiwis are just waiting for a chance to show off their culture, so don’t be shy, join and learn some new things.”

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StineGermany

“One thing I’ve really noticed studying at Pakuranga College is that the school is massive! There a so many facilities – a pool, two gyms, buildings for all the different subject areas. At home, my school is in one big building, so finding my way around a large campus has been a bit different. But people are happy to answer your questions if you’re a bit lost.

I definitely recommend making an effort to talk to other students, I often get asked lots of questions about where I’m from and how long I’m staying. People are very friendly here.”

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KazukiJapan

“I visited many beautiful places during my time in New Zealand. With friends, I caught the ferry to Waiheke Island in Auckland, which was a great day. My homestay family took me on a trip to Taupō and Rotorua in the North Island. It was an awesome experience; my favourite was racing down the Luge in Rotorua – that was super fun!”

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LeoChina

“Studying at Pakuranga College is as joyful as it is exciting. I have been lucky enough to be a Peer Support Leader, Science Club Executive, as well as an International Head Student. Through each of these roles, my leadership skills have improved, and I’ve been able to enlarge my social circle. It is easy to gain confidence and make progress in English with the help of my classmates and teachers.

Here at Pakuranga College, I’m able to study courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. After leaving college I would like to study Dental Surgery or Dentistry as a major at university.”

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GabrielleFrance

“My homestay family has been so welcoming, I’ve absolutely felt at home and I know I’ll stay in touch when I return to France. The highlight of my time here was going to a Blues game at Eden Park with my host family, after they discovered that my family back home is rugby-mad. I’ve also had lots of fun supporting the Pakuranga College rugby teams every weekend.

I’ve really enjoyed my time here – I’ve met some great people, made wonderful memories, and my English has improved a lot.”

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TheoGermany

“In Auckland, I’ve loved visiting Waiheke Island and Rangitoto (a volcanic island) in the Hauraki Gulf. It’s very easy to catch the ferry to both, and you get great views from the water. I went with friends, and we had a great time exploring.

My highlight though, has been visiting the South Island. I went on a 10-day trip, booked by the college staff. There were lots of international students on the tour bus and I made so many new friends this way. Queenstown was the highlight, especially going jetboating on the Shotover River – that was thrilling! My parents are coming to New Zealand at the end of my stay, and I can’t wait to show them some of the things I’ve done and explore a bit more of New Zealand.”

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JonasGermany

“When I first arrived at Pakuranga College, all the international students were welcomed with a traditional Māori pōwhiri. It was amazing, but I never thought I’d perform one myself. Then one of the Kapa Haka leaders was really welcoming and invited me to give the group a go. I thought I’d try it because it’s a unique part of New Zealand culture and it’s turned out to be the thing I’ve enjoyed most in my time here.

It’s a big commitment, we’re rehearsing 16 hours a week at the moment for a big competition called Te Ahurea, but it’s been amazing to learn all the songs in te reo and the actions, which are very fierce. Wearing the traditional costume and having ta moko painted on my face is something I’ve never experienced before – it made me feel part of the group and the culture. My parents have been very supportive, they enjoy seeing photos from the performances.”

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EgleItaly

“I had an amazing time here in New Zealand, thanks to my new friends and my homestay family. My host parents have been very kind and relaxed, they have supported me throughout my experience. We started communicating even before my arrival and since the first hour here they have helped me and cared about me.

They have introduced me to different traditions and cooked me delicious meals. The best dish is my host mum’s Sunday roast dinner and one day every week I cook them Italian dishes.”

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SabrinaChina

“I think Pakuranga College is an amazing school. As a student I have felt much love from teachers and classmates - they have all been very nice to me. There are many activities in Pakuranga College such as Culture Night and the Fashion Show. These activities have made my life in New Zealand richer and happier.

I really enjoy my New Zealand life. I have met some lovely people and have made many friends. I usually hang out with my friends to take some beautiful New Zealand landscape photos, eat delicious food, and visit historic buildings.”

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TheoGermany

“The best class I’ve taken at Pakuranga College is Outdoor Education. I’ve done so many new things – rock climbing, camping, even scuba diving! If you don’t want to sit too long in a classroom, take this class! We spend time away from school learning in the actual outdoors, which is beautiful in New Zealand. It’s very different from PE at home, which is in a gym mostly – I absolutely recommend it.”

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OliviaGermany

“This is my first time living away from home and I’m really enjoying my homestay. I’m staying in a house with two other Pakuranga College international students – a girl from Italy and a girl from Brazil – and we hang out every day. It’s great, like having siblings! It keeps me busy and I don’t have time to miss home too much. We go to the shopping mall at Botany, or the gym, and watch movies together. It’s nice to have others in a similar situation to talk with.”

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KatherineChina

“Study is more relaxed in New Zealand than in China. It frees my time up, so I can participate in lots of extra-curricular activities like sport and music. My classes also go on lots of trips and we do activities outside the classroom, which support what we’re studying.

I think the pathway to university is a little easier too and there are more chances to be accepted, I’m planning to study at the University of Auckland after school. I want to do a Bachelor of Design.”

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JonasGermany

“I’ve done a little bit of travel during my time in New Zealand. I liked going up to the Bay of Islands and boarding down the massive sand dunes. But honestly, I’ve been so busy with all the extra activities I’ve done at school that I haven’t had much time, and Auckland is great. It’s got everything you want and need, there’s no need to go anywhere else!”

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GiovanniItaly

“The subjects I chose were all perfect, I would never change one of them. The teachers helped me when I had problems. I really enjoyed my host family, they were very open with me and satisfied all my needs. Having my birthday here was wonderful! It was a very good time.”

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CarlaItaly

“I felt really welcomed by all, particularly the staff, they helped me settle in and get used to my new life here. The International Department has been very caring, supporting me to do the best things.”

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JonasGermany

“I play a lot of sport at home in Germany, but I never had a chance to try rugby. When I came to New Zealand I wanted to keep my sport up, and it was a great opportunity to try a new sport, especially in New Zealand where everyone is rugby-mad. I trialled and was selected for the top team, which has been fun. I’ve learned lots of new skills and made friends.”

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KatherineChina

“I didn’t expect to connect with my Chinese culture while I was in New Zealand, but I have! Pakuranga College has a Chinese Dance Group and I love to dance, so I decided to join. It’s been a great way to feel connected to home and make friends with other students like me. I really like that the group does traditional dances, plus dances from the top Chinese artists right now. We even have a Chinese Rap Club!

We also celebrate Chinese Language Week and have a Chinese Showcase at school. These events are always popular and a great opportunity to share Chinese culture.”