Student Stories

Be inspired by these success stories from current and past international students living and studying in the Wellington region

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Studying and building a career in New Zealand takes a lot of planning and personal investment.

These students chose to study in Wellington and they are keen to share their views and what they have learned from their experiences.

Nicolas Delwaides waffle shop front

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A taste of home

Belgian Nicolas Delwaide has completed his post graduate diploma in management here at WelTec and now he has set up his own waffle business

Students laughing in bush

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Networks help develop career path

International student Manidu Abeygunawardena (Dee) moved from Sri Lanka to study global business in Wellington

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Programmes open doors

A nervous Shamanthi Jayawardena came from Sri Lanka to do her Masters at Victoria University and quickly found her feet

S students sitting table talking

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Time to study and explore

Nele Hollopp hails from Germany and is enjoying her time as a year 13 student at Wellington High School

S students looking thrift shop

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Study experience “priceless”

Katie Ho loved studying tourism management in Wellington but also loves how Wellington is packed with diverse cultural experiences

My three years studying in Wellington has been priceless. I've made so many memories with my friends whom I met in my student hall, clubs, tutorial classes and around the city.

Katie Ho

Satish at the Basin Reserve

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"Quiet" capital impresses

In a city surrounded by nature Satish Sridharan feels like he’s on holiday even though he’s busy studying and working here

study students geo robrigado victoria university 1

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First migrant student president finds purpose

Geo Robrigado has overcome challenges and found his place in the community

Iffah Student Excellence Awards

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Kiwi hospitality exceeds expectations

Nurul Iffah Abdul Rahim (Iffah) came to Wellington on a scholarship and has been pleasantly surprised at just how hospitable Kiwis really are

S international students bush walk

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Connections make transition easy

Heng Ley moved from Cambodia to attend Wellington College and loves it so much he plans to study further when he leaves

Jalynne Lee at a park in Wellington

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Weather dicey but people nice

Secondary school student Jalynne Lee loves being at the beach when she’s not studying at Wellington Girls’ College

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Interactive classes hold interest in learning

The Kiwi style of learning suits Wellington Girls’ College year 12 student Jasmine Yip

Even though I came here to study and to work, it feels like I am on a holiday as I enjoy the walks and the hills. Everything seems to have a structure and the environment is people friendly.

Satish Sridharan