Our international students have the time of their lives while studying here in New Zealand! With that in mind, some of our past international students share their tips, advice, and experiences below to help make your time in Auckland and at Pakuranga College more enjoyable.
Sabrina, China:
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 the teachers. The more you speak, the more practise 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.
Jonas, Germany:
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.
Stine, Germany:
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.
Carla, Italy:
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. If you aren’t sure, just ask them!Theo, Germany:
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.
Katherine, China:
Study is more relaxed in New Zealand than in China. It frees my time up, so I can participate in lots of co-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.
International Students also get plenty of opportunities outside of the classroom to explore what we have to offer here in Auckland and other regions of New Zealand. Our amazing staff in the International Department can even book you on some fantastic tours. But don’t take it from us, see what past students have to say below:
Kazuki, Japan:
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!Theo, Germany:
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.Jonas, Germany:
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!Sabrina, China:
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.
Thanks to our past international student for their helpful insights – remember the more you are open to new experiences, the more you’ll get out of your time here. We look forward to welcoming you to the college and helping you create your own memorable New Zealand experience!
