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International Student Profiles

Alex Huber
International Student Alex Huber
Student: Diploma in Applied Computing (DipAppCompL5) Level 5

From Brugg, Switzerland

I’m just here for a year, with the whole family. As a family project we wanted to go abroad for a year to an English speaking country where we all learn English. I've been teaching for a while and I'd like to do something else, then get a new job when I get home, so I am studying computing and IT at BOPP.

My wife is studying as well. She's a chef in Switzerland.

When we chose to come to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic we looked for somewhere where our kids could go to school, where I could study computing and that had nice weather. We love outdoor activities, so Tauranga was where we ended up.

We love the location, the ocean and the beach. It’s great. The course at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is good. I like it.

I like the infrastructure and the reception by the locals was very nice.

Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011
Amit Ashok Kamble
International Student Amit Kamble
Student: Diploma in Applied Computing (DipAppCompL6) Level 6

From India

I’m from Maharashtra in India and chose to go to AUPP in Nagpur because they have very computer focused courses.

I would suggest to AUPP students to come here. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is really good and the pathway that I am doing is with the University of Waikato, which has really good world rankings in computer science.

Doing the diploma to degree pathway is a good opportunity, because in India we need to complete the degree, but the Level 6 diploma can also get you a good job here in New Zealand.

I study at the Bongard Campus. Being an international student has been an awesome experience. All my teachers are good, frank and friendly, ready to help every time. It has been a good opportunity for me. Apart from being a student, I’m also tutoring other students in web development and C programming; helping them and sharing my knowledge. I have also developed websites for a number of local companies.

I’m really enjoying living in Tauranga, it’s really beautiful. My home in Tauranga is really awesome. It’s me and other students, ten of us together. It’s like a big family. My most memorable experience has been the student ball last semester.

Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011
Kate Zhidkova
International Student Kate Zhidkova
Student: Diploma in Environmental Management Level 6

From Moscow, Russia

It was a long way to come here. I decided that New Zealand would give me the best combination of quality and cost.

I had an offer for a 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from a New Zealand university. I had no previous experience and needed to cover all the steps so decided the 2 year Diploma at BOPP was better for me. It was the right decision.

Tauranga is safe, clean, and convenient. It’s definitely not boring. I love the Pacific Ocean and the parks and nature. You have heaps of places to visit.

The 10 day class field trip to the Kaimanawa mountains was one of the most thrilling experiences in my life, showing you how you can apply your knowledge, learning and leadership and how to make decisions affecting people's safety. I will definitely go on the degree pathway and probably further.

Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011
Luca Nazari
International Student Luca Nazari
Student: Diploma in Marine Studies Level 6

From Iran

I am originally Iranian. I decided to scuba dive in 2008 and wanted to volunteer in marine conservation with World Wildlife Fund. I was living and diving on Tioman Island in Malaysia, where I met a diver working for the Kuala Lumpur Aquarium. He had done the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Marine Studies Diploma. It sounded perfect for me.

The Marine Studies staff at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic are all full of life. It’s not like a lecturer/student relationship; it’s more like friend to friend. It feels very close.

Living in Tauranga is one of the highlights in coming to New Zealand. Tauranga is one of those places I will never forget, it’s just absolutely relaxing.

I had to produce a presentation for the course and I chose to study Little Blue Penguins living on Mount Maunganui. I camped there three times, putting up my tent, using my torch to look for penguins – you can see their eyes shining at night. It was a full moon and full tide. It was my first time seeing penguins in the wild and when they came onto shore, I felt like my stomach melt. It was strange – everyone else was in town clubbing that night, and I was spending quality time with penguins! It was pretty exceptional.

Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011
Napinderjit Kaur
International Student Napinderjit Kaur
Student: Diploma in Applied Computing (DipAppCompL6) Level 6

From Jalandhar, Punjab, India

This is my second year at the Bay of Plenty Polytech. I don’t feel like an international student any more.

This year I complete my Level 6 Diploma of Applied Computing and next year go into the Level 7 Bachelor degree. I chose the pathway course because the degree has a benefit for me. I especially enjoy web designing. I remember one presentation I really enjoyed doing, about website design. Everyone in my group was a New Zealand student. They were really helpful to me. I was very nervous but got 94%!

I recommend Bay of Plenty Polytechnic for IT, as the programme is really good. I know the teachers in all my classes. They are really friendly and I like them.
Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011
Xu Huan (Happy)
International Student Xu Huan
Student: National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing Level 5

From China

New Zealand is the last pure land in the world. I want to be a vet nurse, working with animals. I got a working holiday visa and worked for nearly 10 months before my first semester.

One reason for choosing Tauranga is to improve my English. There are not lots of Chinese students here, so I have to speak more English.

I am enjoying the animal care programme. There are many different animals in our class. All my tutors are very nice, with many years experience working with animals.

Written On: Friday, 29 July 2011