A trip to remember for Wintec international ākonga

International students at Wintec took time out for a day trip to Waitomo Caves in what was one of their most memorable events in New Zealand so far.

Twenty-three students were on the trip, coming from all parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The group visited the Waitomo glow cave as the main highlight of the tour.

Accompanied by one of the international staff, the group hit the road on the early hours of Saturday 6 September for a two-hour bus ride, all part of experiencing and having their best time from their opportunity to live and study in New Zealand.

Reflecting on the trip, Tamaroa Bauro Teburea a Kiribati’s Manaaki scholar expressed his excitement of having the change to visit the sight.

“I’ve heard of the place and looked it up online but getting the chance to walk the path and visited the place is one of the most experience I will live to cherish.”

It’s so unreal

“It is really a unique place visit and a must visit if you have the chance to come over to New Zealand to do study or work purposes.”

Justin Joseph, International student from Vanuatu expressed that getting the opportunity to visit and experience the natural beauty of the Waikato was unique.

“The trip through the cave was phenomenal. Merging a bit of Māori history and the science behind glowworms blends perfectly”, he said.

“The boat ride in the dark was as if your soul parted from your body and left you wandering in another universe. Extraordinary,” he added.

International Student Support Advisor Susi Latham said the initiative was to get the ākonga the opportunity to connect and meet other students and enjoy the beauty of New Zealand.

“We have over 900 international students and the trip allow students to meet each other. They can connect with students from other countries, different programmes and different ages.

Latham said the time on the bus and doing activities gives the students chances to speak to others. This makes the student community feel more connected “and we hope that people go on to become friends! 91% of students said that they made a new connection on the trip”

“For some students, the trips are a good chance to practise their English language skills.”

The trips go to places such as Waitomo, that students may not be able to visit without a car. It is an easy and safe way for them to explore New Zealand.” she said.

Morris Nafu is a Manaaki scholar from the Solomon Islands, studying the NZ Diploma in Journalism