International Student Experiences at Whangamata Area School
Aurora from Italy 2010
Hi! My name is Aurora, I am an exchange student from Italy. I have taken part in the school life of Whangamata Area School since the 19th July 2010. Now, after four and a half months I can explain how school time goes in New Zealand.
When I arrived here I was really surprised about the atmosphere, the teachers were so friendly and always ready to give a hand, and this was not only during school time. Their purpose was not only to get good marks and preparing students ready for exams but also to be a part of their lives, allowing them the space to mature prior to entering university.
I was in Year 13 and I couldn’t believe that if someone in this year or the year below was having difficulty deciding what direction they wanted to take in the future there was always someone willing to help them. Possible university programmes were presented by local and distant universities so all the options possible were made known to students.
I will always be grateful for the helpful and friendly ladies in the front office. I often spent time in the office area waiting to meet either staff or people from the community. The ladies were always ready to give a hand or just offer a hot drink while I waited.
The really big surprise was the principal; he provided an hour of his time every week to listen to how things were going for all the exchange students.
I had a great time at Whangamata Area School, so different from the stressful life at my school in Milano!!
Sara from Italy 2010
Before I came here I was so excited and at the same time very scared to leave my family and friends for such a long time. I didn’t actually know much about New Zealand, though I did know it would be different. In Italy I live in a pretty big city, so I found Whangamata very small and for this reason very different to what I was used to. I was worried about not having much fun in such a small town, but I was wrong! I am now glad that I came to Whangamata and attended Whangamata Area School. The group of students wasn’t a big one so it has been easy to fit in and become a part of their community.
I found the teachers at Whangamata Area School really friendly, caring for me and helping me become part of the school group. I was in the Year 12 part of the school but felt closer to the Year 13 students, I found these students amazing. My school in Italy has more “classical” subjects and is really focused on literature and writing, I do like this but am glad I have had the chance to experience other subjects. Being involved in subjects such as photography and art has made my stay more exciting. The teachers were great and made the subjects interesting and enjoyable.
I am now going to be leaving Whangamata very soon; I have just 2 days to go. Though I am really excited about seeing my family and friends back in Italy, I am also very sad to leave my family and friends here in Whangamata. My host family has been a real family for me; I call them mum, dad and brother. I now feel very close to them and have always felt at home with them, right from the first day I met them. It feels weird to be leaving because it seems like just yesterday when I came to Whangamata. I hope to come back one day and see you all again and you are all very very welcome at my home in Italy anytime.
Well its time to go now. I’d like to thank all of your for making me so happy and comfortable here.
I will miss you all
Sara
Patrick from Germany 2010
I’m very happy that I came to Whangamata. The people are really nice and Whangamata Area School is much more fun than my school in Germany. New Zealand is a very nice country and Whangamata has a great beach!
All in all I have had a great time here and have learnt a lot about New Zealand. I am sure I will be back in a few years.
Patrick
|
