Take command - pick the best school and the best course for you
I know it’s hard to choose from the 8 different universities and 18 polytechnics/institutes of technology around the country because they all deliver quality tertiary education - New Zealand is notoriously famous for that! Start thinking about your professional direction and let that guide you with what course you would like to take.
Make sure that the school you’re looking at has a wonderful pastoral care/support service which you can tap into when you need it the most. I really love how Toi Ohomai helped me cope up with all the stresses I felt during the first few weeks of my stay here in Rotorua. They were always there when I needed them.
Study well…work hard…and travel if you can
Studying again can be quite stressful especially when you last attended schooling 10 or 15 years ago. What adds to the stress is that New Zealand education may simply be different from what you were accustomed back at home.
Take it easy and ask help if you need it – the school’s learning advisors and tutors are very willing to help you for sure. Work may be quite different from what you expect. Be realistic and always remember that you are still earning your qualification and because of that you have to start from the bottom.
Always remind yourself that your task of being here is to study. Work just gives you extra bucks so you can enjoy the luxury of buying something for yourself, eat at the many Kiwi restos in town, and traveling of course! Travel if you can! I strongly recommend that! It eases away the longing for home. In addition to that, work provides you with a unique opportunity to practice your English, learn how to work with Kiwis, and expand your network of friends.
First thing’s first – Get the right advice
Expand your network – make lots of friends!
New Zealand is fast becoming a multicultural country and I’m sure you will meet a lot of people of different nationalities. Learn to make friends and learn from them. I am a shy person really, but during my stay here in New Zealand, I have made a lot of friends and they have been a valuable source of support when I needed it.
So these are the tips which I found very useful. I hope it will also work and do wonders for you.
Good luck and may the odds be forever in your favour.
Traveling around New Zealand is a must!
I started out with nobody… and look what I have gained!
