Student Stories

Florence Nguyen 2018-2020

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed between your home country and Wellington/New Zealand?

In Vietnam, so many people still keep having strict behaviours that our ancestors have followed from the feudal period, whereas Kiwis people are very easy-going. For example, on our dinner table, we must wait for the oldest person to sit and eat the food first, then the rest of the people will follow sitting. In Vietnamese classes, we can not talk/discuss with classmates/teachers during the class period to show our respect to teachers. When I first arrived in New Zealand, I had the culture shock as Kiwi are just so different from Vietnamese people. Clearly that in Kiwi classes, students always feel free to discuss with friends or teachers when they feel they need to do it.

What were your first impressions of Wellington as a city/region?

Wellington is so hilly. On the way home when my host family picked me from the airport, I thought Wellington scenery is just like in a movie, so gorgeous and very impressive.

What are the differences between your classes/teacher here in Wellington compared to back home?

I really love my Kiwi teachers at Aotea College. They are so lovely. I can feel I am always welcome in class, and the ways teachers teach and communicate to students are professional and friendly at the same time. I can say I do not feel like there is a teacher-student barrier between my teachers and me at Aotea College, while in Vietnam, I usually felt I was under pressure when I looked at my teachers’ eyes or when I wanted to ask them something.

What do you plan to do next?

I already accepted the offer letter from the University of Sydney so that I do not think I will come back to Wellington to stay and work after graduating. For me, studying abroad is to gain experience and life skills. Studying high school in Wellington is an unforgettable experience for me, but I’m still young and I would like to spend time to explore the world by studying the university in Sydney and working in another country if I can.

Where is your favourite place to explore ?

Exploring local coffee stores. Wellington is famous for its coffee culture and I am a coffee lover. I love to try flat white from different store and I seek for a great flat white from the small coffee trucks, coffee shops in the small alleys to big coffee chains.

What is your favourite Wellington meal/place to eat?

The Capital Market food court and the Cuba Street’s night market that takes place every Friday and Saturday night. They have a variety of good foods from different countries at very reasonable prices.

Keisuke Mitsugi 2019-2021

Kawagoe City, Japan

What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed between your home country and Wellington/New Zealand?

Too many to even think about! It is very different. I think its important to not try to compare them. Living here in Porirua is easy, you learn to adapt and live your life.

What is your top tip for someone coming to study in the Wellington reion?

Bring a puffer jacket!

What were your first impressions of Wellington as a city/region?

That there was so much diversity, so many cultures in one city.

What are the differences between your classes/teacher here in Wellington compared to back home?

Teachers in New Zealand are relaxed and really connect with you. I never talked to my teachers in Japan, especially about anything but the subject, but here at Aotea College we always chat about our weekends.

What do you plan to do next?

I am going to Otago University to study a Bachelor of Sports Management.

Where is your favourite place to be outside in nature ?

Titahi Bay. I love going to the beach to surf or swim, or just hang out there.

Huy Tran 2018-2021

Ra Ch Gia, Vietnam

What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed between your home country and Wellington/New Zealand?

It is small, there is no busyness, but people here are more accepting, not the old ways of home, and way more friendly.

What were your first impressions of Wellington as a city/region?

It is beautiful and so dark at night.

What are the differences between your classes/teacher here in Wellington compared to back home?

There is much more interaction between teachers and students in New Zealand and it is so easy to get the support we need.

What do you plan to do next?

I am going to Victoria University in Wellington to study Architecture.

Where is your favourite place to be outside in nature ?

I love being at the Boat Sheds in Mana and going for fish n chips at Paraparaumu Beach, the sand there is so nice.

What is your favourite thing to do in Wellington ?

I like shopping on Cuba Street and going out for food with my friends. I like going to Olive on Cuba Street and getting their big breakfast, it has tastes amazing and is a massive portion

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