“I decided to set myself the goal of going back to New Zealand for university and then finding a job there. I feel like New Zealand is my home now.”
Lexie is now in the first year of a three-year Bachelor of Education at Victoria University of Wellington. She has a part-time job as a waitress, plays netball and enjoys going to cafes and the beach with friends.
“Coming to New Zealand has made me more open-minded and flexible,” she says.
“I can think for myself now.”
“My parents are very protective of me and would have worried about me if I hadn’t adjusted well, but when I told them how much I liked it here they were really happy. Now they’re looking forward to coming to New Zealand for my graduation.”
Lexie’s parents suggested she study in New Zealand because it was safe, beautiful and had a high-quality education system. She spent three years at Wellington East Girls’ College before returning home to Viet Nam to decide what to do next.
After high school, Lexie realised she had become independent enough to want to set her own goals for the future – including returning to New Zealand.
“I decided to set myself the goal of going back to New Zealand for university and then finding a job there. I feel like New Zealand is my home now,” she says.