Visiting New Zealand was always a big dream for me. And I, Lorenz, 17, from Germany, decided to let that dream come true and connect it with studying at King’s High School in Dunedin. And now at the end of my time, I can probably say that that was one of the best decisions in my life.

 When I arrived in January, I was welcomed by a great “international team” from the school, who prepared us perfectly for the time in a different country and was always available and just a question away, ready to help. Alongside the “international team”, my host family awaited me at the airport and it became crystal-clear for me, that I had found a second home on the other side of the globe. I perfectly harmonized with my host brother, who was a bit older than me and my host parents, and we experienced heaps of joyful, funny and amusing moments together, which I treasure for lifetime. And my dreams of exploring the South Island were fulfilled to perfection, as we did lots of mountain biking, skiing and tramping together, not to mention the breathtaking road trips along the West Coast or to Milford Sound.

Furthermore, I also had the opportunity to develop new life skills, like water-skiing at my host family’s place in Cromwell or rock climbing, thanks to a friend, who introduced me into that thrilling sport. I certainly hope to embrace these sports also back in my “first-home” Germany. Alongside these life skills, I also created lifelong friendships with students, not only from New Zealand, but from all over the world, which are invaluable.

Though the time in Dunedin passed by way too quickly, I am extremely grateful that I took the opportunity to attend King’s High School and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

My time in Dunedin will always have a special place in my heart and I will hopefully be able to come back in the future.