Ella studied Chinese from Year 9 to Year 13 at Wellington Girls' College and this year received the Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. This scholarship is to encourage international students to study Mandarin in Taiwan.

Next year, Ella plans to study Mandarin for two terms (from March until August) at the National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Centre, receiving NTD $25,000 (NZD $1,270) a month to cover her general living costs.  

This year Ella has enjoyed working at a small local cafe, saving as much as she can for Taiwan and meeting some fantastic people along the way.  She is excited to be starting a new adventure and doing something she loves in a new place.