Dinh, from Viet Nam, is studying at high school in New Zealand. During lockdown, he faced challenges of loneliness, anxiety, sadness and study stress. Adapting to online learning was difficult, but he found that it did teach him to manage his time better. He also made sure to take time to do the things he loves like playing the guitar and practising basketball.
Cindy from China, had only been in the country a few months, starting her PhD, before the lockdown started. The hardest thing for her was dealing with stress about her financial situation. Unable to work because of the lockdown, Cindy kept a lookout online for jobs, but focused most of her attention on her PhD studies.
CVR, from India, had trouble adjusting to the lockdown at first. But with a positive attitude, he got into the rhythm of a new routine being proactive about staying in contact with his family and classmates. He also included exercise, sunshine and meditation in his daily schedule, because of their importance for his mental health.
Since 8 June, New Zealand has been at ‘Alert Level 1’ - a low-alert level. Life within New Zealand has few restrictions, although borders remain closed. Schools and tertiary education providers are open again, although students may still be attending classes online.
If you’re an international student in New Zealand, remember to prioritise your personal wellbeing! There are resources to help you do this. We encourage you to visit NauMai NZ, the official New Zealand government site for international students. Find information and advice to help you make the most of your time here. Get started.
