We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience of our website. By accepting, you agree to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy.

We think you're in United States, so we've set your language to International English.
You can change this at any time.
My StudyNZ My StudyNZ

Waving to strangers

Being closer to hobbits is just one of the reasons Chinese student Meiqi Sun loves studying in New Zealand.

“Many people in many family chose to study abroad, in the US or England, so I wanted to study somewhere new,” she says.

I came to New Zealand after seeing some of my professor’s videos on YouTube - he is very good. I knew that New Zealanders are very friendly and that it is safer to stay here than in other countries. Also, I am a big fan of hobbits.

“I am in a homestay, so I Skyped my parents and showed them my host family’s house. My homestay family are very friendly and show me around Otago. We've been to lots of places together, such as St Clair, Doctor’s Point, Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru and Middlemarch.

“People are easy to get along with here. My homestay mum says hello to all her neighbours, and the people who are exercising or walk past me on my way home say hello to me too.

“It encouraged me a lot, so I started to wave back one day. In my country, I say hello to my neighbours but not to strangers because everyone is too busy and too shy to say hi.

"I also really appreciate my friends, who not only help me with my English but also encourage me to keep going all the time. I feel so lucky to meet all of them here."

Meiqi Sun, China, Bachelor of Psychology

Stay in touch

For personalised tips and tools for studying in New Zealand.

Please complete all of the fields below.

Please enter a valid email address.

Please enter a first name.

Please enter a last name.

Please select a country.

Please select a valid date (MM/YYYY).

I am happy for Immigration New Zealand to share my details with Education New Zealand See more

this includes the existence, status and outcome of any visa application I submit, for use in accordance with, and for the purposes set out in, Education New Zealand’s Privacy Policy which I have read and understood. The results Education New Zealand receives may also include visa decisions pre/post the student visa application (such as a work visa post study). This will enable us to provide a more personalised digital experience and undertake research and analytical studies associated with our functions.

You can unsubscribe at any time By submitting this form I agree to Education New Zealand Privacy Policy, and to receive updates and marketing communications about their services, promotions, special offers, new and events.

Thanks for subscribing