Past International Students

• Yi-Min Liu - Taiwan

  Hello everyone! I’m Yimin, an international student from Taiwan. I spent two years in HGHS, where I completed Year 12 and Year 13. 

  When I was 16 years old, I came to NZ alone to create a new chapter of my life. I was very shy at that time. The teachers and students in HGHS were super kind and supportive, especially those in the International Department Team. They encouraged me to speak English during the group discussion, which made my journey of picking up English so much easier and faster.

  Academically, HGHS had brought me a new version of the study, where I experienced the meaning of “Fun is just another word for learning” — Raph Koste. Teachers’ explanations of calculus, statistics, physics and chemistry were creative and passionate. This teaching style taught me how to learn things more efficiently. Ultimately, I have achieved a few awards at HGHS, including 1st in maths class, 2nd in physics, and excellence in chemistry. I have also received a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (International) from Otago University.

  In addition, HGHS is culturally diverse, which has enabled me to broaden my perspective, enrich my personal growth, and enhance my communication skills. I have gained cross-cultural experiences by trying different food cuisines, learning Maori songs, and dancing in Samoa. Now, I am comfortable with diverse cultures and aware of intercultural differences. I was also very honoured to be the international leader in 2021. HGHS also provides various extracurricular activities such as a badminton club, netball team break, breakfast club, etc. These activities supported me to maintain my physical and mental health apart from studying. 

  I have graduated from HGHS for almost four years. I am studying for a Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health and will be enrolling for a Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy at Ara in Christchurch. I have always had a ‘can do’ attitude and a hard-working attitude towards my study journey. This positive attitude motivates me through all the challenges and difficulties that I have encountered. Undoubtedly, HGHS has made me more active, mature and confident. I am very grateful for all the special bonds I have met and developed at HGHS.

  

• Kathleen Cristiane Silva Dos Santos – Brazil

  When I arrived here Jen and Spring received me and were so kind, explaining everything about the school, and how the school works. I had classes and all the teachers were kind. At first, I couldn’t understand so well what the teacher was saying, but it was okay because the teachers are always open to hear doubts and questions. I said that I couldn’t understand so well and they explained again to me slowly and carefully.

  Hastings Girls’ High School is a really good school because all the people here want their students to be healthy and happy. It's a good place to think about our future because we have a counsellor, and she really wants to help us find ourselves. Classes can be chosen according to what we want for the future like visual arts, performing arts, science and technology. All the teachers are ready to help us with everything, we just need to ask.

  

• Jan Weitzing – Germany

  Last year in term three I came to the Hastings Girls’ High School. I had never experienced being in a girls‘ school before. In Germany I attended a coeducational school. Also a completely new experience to me was wearing a school uniform. At first everything was very confusing and I got lost a few times, but very quickly I got used to the school, the people and the different language. I always enjoyed the outings that we had with all of the international students. We went to a chocolate factory, the Napier prison, we played bowling and visited the museum in Napier. I also really enjoyed the exit program in November. I felt sorry for all the Kiwi students that had to sit the exams, while we internationals did Greenstone carving, bushwalks, surfing and so many other fun activities. In the New Year I finally found friends. We had so much fun together just chatting in the breaks and sitting together at lunchtime.

  My host family is awesome. I have a Brazilian host sister and a wonderful host mom. Two cats are also part of my family. My host mom sometimes takes us out to see a bit more of New Zealand than just Hastings, and I also travelled around the South Island. I learned how to cook, and improved my baking skills with the help of my host mother. She always supported me in what I was planning for my weekends and my holidays. We even went through the lookdown of Covid 19 together.

  My Year in New Zealand is an experience that I will never forget. I will miss so many people when I go back to Germany and definitely want to come back one day. Until then I keep all these amazing memories in my head and in my heart.

  

• Aoi Tano – Japan

  When I was in Japan I really wanted to learn Māori culture. I saw pictures of Hastings Girls’ in Kapa Haka uniform and wanted to wear it too so I joined Kapa Haka. The first time I was really nervous, but one of the girls helped me understand the meaning, and went over things with me. She was really kind. We do games and activities together and it’s really fun. It’s hard work but I am really excited to be involved and I do my best. The sense of achievement is really good.

  We play softball every Saturday at the park. At first I didn’t know the rules and I couldn’t hit the ball but my teammates cheered me and it was really fun. Teamwork is really important and I made new friends.

  We went to Te Mata Peak and saw famous New Zealand birds that I had never seen before – it was amazing! I made a new friend who also likes music and dancing and we went to the Opera together and had such a good time. I’m really happy to make good friendships here at Hastings Girls’. I’m very glad to come here.

  My goal of this study abroad is ‘Don’t give up’. I have many people who support me. We can see the international teacher any time if we have a problem. I also have my Akina teacher, the ESOL teacher and my lunch group friends. They are all so kind.

  

• May Huong - Cambodia

  I think at Hastings Girls’ High School the teachers, the staff and the students are really friendly and helpful. Every day when I come to school they always say hello or hi to me. When I first came I didn’t really know about which way to go to my classes, and then when I met other students I asked them, and they were really happy to help me.

  In the class the teachers always make sure that I understand the lessons that we study, always asking me if I’m happy or not. And the classmates were really helpful to me as I’m an international student. When we have a group project they don’t make it too hard for me, and when I’m stuck and don’t understand the lessons they help me by explaining to me how to do it. I think every girls should come to Hastings Girls’ High school!